Makeup

Mastering the Art of No-Makeup Makeup

Courtesy of YouTube beauty guru Lisa Eldridge.

June 24, 2014

No-makeup makeup is a mysterious thing. For one, it's an oxymoron. But beyond that, it seems impossible to achieve! How on Earth do all those models at Fashion Week spend 50 minutes in a chair getting cosmetics layered on their faces only to step out of it looking like they've just woken up from some celestial nap?

In order to learn all the best secrets, we consulted world-famous makeup artist Lisa Eldridge about her top tricks and products for scoring the look at home. Because what better time is there than now, in the middle of summer, to go way lighter with your beauty routine?

Click through the slides to learn a thing or two, and let us know if you need product suggestions or have any questions below. (And, of course, if you take Lisa's advice, upload a selfie in your comment! We'd love to see those gorgeous faces!)

Photos: courtesy of Net-a-Porter, Sephora, Neal's Yard

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The Skin

"Creating the perfect canvas is dependent on a solid skin care routine," says Eldridge. "You should start with a good makeup remover and a cleanser. I love using cleansing balms with a hot cloth, especially if you wear a lot of makeup. They really give you a deep clean." Try Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm. "Give yourself time to really work it into the skin and massage."

As for after, mask it up to really bring out a red carpet glow! "I’ve been known to wear up to three facial masks in a single day," she says. "Use them whenever you have 10 spare minutes, like brushing your teeth, applying body lotion, or doing your hair." Lisa trusts Murad’s Clarifying Mask for blemish-prone skin. Since it’s a sulfur treatment, it’s wise to follow up with a moisturizing agent for a radiant complexion. Chantecaiile’s Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask utilizes powerful white flowers to brighten dark spots and promote healing.

After that, you’ll want a gentle mist of Beautycounter Rosewater Uplifting Spray to prepare your skin for moisturizer. Facial oils may seem scary, but they’re ideal for an even, smooth base. Sunday Riley Artemis is a Teen Vogue favorite because it contains lemon myrtle oil, which has medicinal, antibacterial properties. Put two drops in the palm of your hands, rub together, and then pat into your skin, starting with the neck, then the cheeks, then the forehead.
Photo: Jason Lloyd-Evans

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Courtesy of YouTube beauty guru Lisa Eldridge.

Photos: courtesy of Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, Barneys, Sephora

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The Foundation

"Getting the right foundation is key, but I know it’s not easy," Lisa admits. "I created an entire series on my YouTube channel with tips on how to find the right one. Overall, one of my absolute favorites for the no-makeup makeup look is Chanel Vitalumiére Aqua. It’s a very light formula that creates a semi-matte finish, which is perfect for oily skin. I use it a lot on actresses when they’re being interviewed close-up because it’s truly undetectable. You can use it every day!" If you prefer a BB or a CC, try YSL Top Secrets or NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer.

To supercharge your foundation, you can always add one drop of luminizer. We love Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow Instant Soft Focus Beauty Flash because it adds a subtle, lustrous tint that boosts any complexion product. "As for application, I personally like to use brushes and fingers, but it all depends on your preference," Lisa says. Put a bit of foundation on the back of your hand, spread it around so it gets thinner, then dip Shiseido’s Perfect Foundation Brush in the formula and pat it into the center of your face, moving towards the hairline. "After, use a clean kabuki brush to blend and buff everything out," she says. We love Kevyn Aucoin Super Soft Buff Powder Brush, but beginners should stick to a damp BeautyBlender sponge.

Because this is a no-makeup look, resist the urge to go overboard on foundation. If it doesn’t cover freckles or blemishes, don’t worry! Go in with a fluffy eyeshadow brush and your favorite concealer on any dark spots or pimples and lightly diffuse the product into the skin. Let the rest of your complexion breathe!

If you have more in-depth questions about what to buy and how to apply it, look no further than our Ultimate Foundations Guide.
Photos: courtesy of Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, Jason Lloyd-Evans, Revlon, Rimmel

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The Cheeks

It seems odd, but blush and bronzer can be used in a very minimal way to mimic a truly radiant complexion. "I love Rimmel Natural Bronzer," Lisa explains. "It’s not sparkly, which is important for this look." Grab a kabuki brush and dust a light veil on the temples and on top of the cheekbones. Then, grab a fluffy eye brush and diffuse it down the bridge of your nose. Make sure you check in the mirror after each sweep to see how heavy the product is—you should look slightly warm, not orange.

"With blush, my motto is always ’less is more,’" Lisa says. "You just want a tiny amount after you’ve applied foundation. A cream is best for creating a natural effect—my favorite is Revlon Photo Ready Cream Blush." Dip your ring finger in the pot, then do a closed-mouth smile. Look in the mirror and find the area of your cheek just under the center of the eye. Tap once there, then begin a circular motion, widening the circle up the cheek as the color payoff starts to fade. Fairer skin tones would do well with RMS Lip2Cheek in Demure, while olive or darker tones could use a golden bronze like RMS Buriti Bronzer.

After, you’ll want to enhance (or cheat!) a dewy glow with a great luminizer. For daytime, you can easily achieve subtle radiance using M.A.C. Cream Color Base—it has a wide enough range to brighten any skin tone. (Plus, it’s easy to apply with your fingers!) For evening, Lisa loves The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighting Powder. Using a tapered, fluffy brush, sweep it onto "the high points of the cheekbones and the inner corners of the eyes."

Photos: courtesy of Sephora, Net-a-Porter, Jason Lloyd-Evans, Estée Lauder

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The Lips

"Before you apply lipstick, use a balm to moisturize! I love Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream. I work it into the skin with a cotton bud, and then once it’s sunk in, I apply a light ’stain’ using a sheer lipstick. For the no-makeup makeup look, opt for a shade that mimics your natural color—not too light or bright," Lisa says. Try Tarte Power Pigment for a sheer, glossy finish or use your finger to dab Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick into your pout for longer wear.
Photos: courtesy of Barneys, Sephora, Nordstrom, Eyeko

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The Eyes

"I’ve done the no-makeup look countless times on celebrities, but the trick is that the eyes are still key. I always curl lashes first and then apply a mascara with a thin, small brush to get every lash and give a separated, defined look without clumps." For the former, try Kevyn Aucoin. For the latter, we love Surratt Relevée Mascara in Noir.

"You also want to do a sneaky bit of contouring in the socket to create depth. But getting the shade right is key! It has to be a natural-looking color that mimics what your skin looks like when it’s actually in shadow." Eyeko Me & My Shadow comes in taupe, charcoal, and chocolate. Pick the one that’s best for you, lightly fill in your crease and trace your bottom lash line, then use a stiff, thin brush (we love NARS #43) to smudge and diffuse the color.

"You’ll want a similar shade to ’tight line’ the upper lashes and dot in between your lower. This ’micro liner’ will give the appearance of a fuller lash line," Lisa says. Try Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner for the tightlining, and L’Oréal Colour Riche Kohl for filling in.