Curious about trying out a no foundation makeup look, but wondering where to start? Read on for reasons why you should get in on this trend and how, exactly, to pull it off.

Do You Really Need To Wear Foundation?

First and foremost: you don’t have to wear any makeup at all. But if you’re wondering if you can still look polished with a no foundation makeup look, the answer is a resounding “yes.” 

Sure, foundation can give you an extra layer of coverage and make you look put together in photos. But there is also something beautiful about a more natural look that lets your true essence shine through. 

You Can Still Blend Other Makeup Products If You Don’t Wear Foundation

Without a base of foundation, you may worry about how you’ll blend in your other favorite beauty products. For a perfect no-makeup makeup look, you may want to reach for cream cosmetics rather than powders. On a bare face, creams may blend in better and look more natural than powder products. They’ll also give you a clean, dewy look.¹

Embrace Skin “Imperfections”

There’s a reason why seemingly every celebrity makeup artist, YouTube star, Facebook celebrity, and Instagram model is ditching foundation. The natural look is in. With that comes an embrace of freckles, blemishes, pigments, and all types of so-called “imperfections.” Refreshing, isn’t it?^2,3

Getting this look doesn’t mean that you have to give up makeup altogether. You can still follow a simple makeup routine that gives you a natural look with the level of polish you are comfortable with. Keep reading for an everyday makeup routine you can make your own.

Skipping Foundation May Support The Health Of Your Skin

Once you start forgoing foundation, you may find that your skin starts to look more radiant than ever. Skipping foundation can give blemishes time to heal, dry patches a chance to absorb moisture, and your skin a break from product.⁴

What Is Best About Tinted Moisturizer?

If you’re not quite ready to go cold turkey and quit foundation, tinted moisturizer may be a good choice for you. Tinted moisturizer can give your skin a bit of pigment along with skin moisturizing ingredients or even SPF. Here’s why you might want to try tinted moisturizer:

• • Easier to apply than foundation
  • May help even out skin tone
  • May contain healthy ingredients like antioxidants⁵

Simple And Easy Makeup Routine – No Foundation Needed

Ready to try a no foundation look? Follow this simple routine for makeup success.

1. Skin Prep

The no-makeup makeup look is all about flaunting your naturally glowing skin. The best way to achieve this look is to use high-quality skincare products to have hydrated and radiant skin from the start. Think of your skin prep as part of your everyday makeup routine. A typical skincare routine might look like this:

• Cleanse
• Tone
• Exfoliate
• Apply serum with hyaluronic acid or other moisturizing ingredients
• Moisturize
• Dab on eye cream⁶

Note: Everyone – even oily skin beauties – can benefit from a quality moisturizer and adequate hydration. So, don’t be tempted to skip this step. 

2. Use A Lightweight Concealer For Blemishes

Even if you skip foundation, you can still cover blemishes or dark circles with a concealer. Dab or brush on a cream concealer as needed, and be sure to blend well.⁷ 

3. Apply Cream Eyeshadow

To maintain a natural look while still letting your eyes pop, apply a swipe of neutral cream eyeshadow. Go for a color that is a shade or two darker than your natural eyelid color. Simply swipe it on with a finger.⁸

4. Bronze, Highlight, And Blush

• Use a bronzer to warm up your complexion. Choose a shade that is no more than two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Apply it wherever the sun would naturally hit: the sides of your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Be sure to blend well.
• Swipe on highlighter for a lifting effect. Swipe it on the highest part of your cheekbones and the top of your nose bridge.
• Apply cream blush to create a natural flush. Start at the apples of your cheeks and blend upward toward your temples.^9,10,11

5. Add Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Apply a translucent powder to lock in your look for the day. Because translucent powders have no pigment, you can touch up throughout the day without worrying that your powder will look caked on.¹² 

6. Groom Your Eyebrows

Brush your brows up and then out toward your temples to get all of the hairs in line. You can stop there or fill in the gaps with a brow pencil or gel.¹³ 

7. Curl Your Eyelashes

Curling your eyelashes takes a matter of seconds and can give you a fresh, wide-awake look. This simple makeup trick goes hand-in-hand with a no foundation look. It gives a big boost without adding any product to your face.¹⁴ 

8. Apply A Swipe Of Mascara

After you’ve curled your lashes, swipe on a finish of mascara. For a natural look, be sure you don’t overdo it here. Lift the wand as close to the eyelid as possible and brush it through a couple of times.¹⁵

9. Finish It Off With A Subtle Lip Tint

You’re almost done. Now, apply the lip balm or tint of your choice to finish off your look. Sticking with a neutral color can help keep your look feeling natural.¹⁶

Is It Time To Lose Your Foundation?

One of the greatest things about makeup is that it’s temporary. You play around with what works best for you, take what you like, and leave the rest. If you feel comfortable without foundation, you may have just discovered a new signature look. If you don’t like the look, you can always go back to your established routine. 

One lesson from the no-makeup makeup trend that seems to have staying power is this: start with great skin, and you may not even want to wear makeup at all.

Learn More:

Sources
1. https://theeverygirl.com/10-hacks-to-achieving-the-no-makeup-makeup-look/
2. https://www.wellandgood.com/why-you-shouldnt-wear-foundation/
3. https://www.womansday.com/style/beauty/advice/a56174/no-makeup-trend/
4. https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2017/05/158209/how-to-stop-wearing-foundation
5. https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/what-is-a-tinted-moisturizer-and-what-are-its-benefits/
6. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/makeup/a28773976/no-makeup-makeup-look/
7. https://www.byrdie.com/no-makeup-makeup-look
8. https://stylecaster.com/feature/natural-looking-makeup-427321/#slide-9
9. https://www.allure.com/story/the-trick-to-no-makeup-makeup
10. https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-apply-bronzer-p2-346848
11. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/makeup/a28773976/no-makeup-makeup-look/
12. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/translucent-powder-white_n_57b720e1e4b0b51733a2f519
13. https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-fill-eyebrows-so-they-look-natural-1716803
14. https://www.oprahmag.com/beauty/skin-makeup/a32951122/how-to-curl-eyelashes/
15. https://www.vogue.fr/beauty-tips/article/how-to-achieve-the-no-makeup-makeup-look
16. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/g27155487/how-to-do-no-makeup-makeup-look/