Images: Imaxtree
Natural makeup look, no-makeup makeup, barely-there finish, daytime makeup… No matter what you call it, they all basically mean the same thing. A makeup look that makes it seem like you’re not wearing anything at all. Searches for all things natural beauty are on the rise according to Pinterest. But there isn’t just one way to achieve that coveted natural makeup look.
While no-makeup makeup may seem like one kind of look, there are as many variations as there are smoky eyes or eyeliner shapes. You can play with skin care products that double as makeup or you can try the reverse and look for makeup that offers skin care benefits. You can add (a little!) more emphasis to your eyes, your cheeks or lips or you can go for a harmonious look.
To get started, click through to see easy ways you can tweak your natural makeup look and let your beauty shine through.
19 Ideas to Switch up Your "No Makeup" Makeup Look
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Break Out the Blush
The secret to summer blush? Find the perfect balance between sun-kissed and sunburnt.
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Perfectly Plum
Basically bare skin teamed with somewhat subtle plum lipstick makes for one striking yet minimal look.
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Touch of Sparkle
You don’t need to be heavy-handed when it comes to sparkling eyeshadow. Just a touch of your shadow of choice on your lids and you’re good to go.
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The Wet Effect
Keep the wet look going with dewy skin and barely glossed lips.
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No Mascara Needed
Use your eyelash curler to magnify your lashes sans mascara. Swipe a sheer shadow on your eyelids and you’re good to go.
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Just Bitten
Heavily lined lips are still going strong, but a just-bitten ombre lip feels fresh. Apply a soft pink lip color in the center of your mouth and gently blend it toward your lip line. It's OK if it's not perfect. This is one time when you don't want harsh lines. If you're craving the plumped up effect you get from your lip liner, finish with highlighter on your Cupid's bow and on the edge of your bottom lip.
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Up Your Brow Game
Don't have arches that rival Cara Delevingne's? You can make it look like you do thanks to a good brow pencil. Choose a pencil a few shades darker than your natural brow color and draw soft strokes on your brows. Gently brush your eyebrows to soften the finish. And voilà, bold brows minus any growth serum.
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Peach Perfect
All you really need is a soft hint of peach shadow on your lids.
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Shades of Gray
Gray isn't your typical shadow for a natural makeup look, but it actually works here because it’s a gray-brown blend and isn’t applied with a heavy hand. Enhance your eyes with glowy skin and some strategic contouring.
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Get Glossy
It's time to bring out your favorite clear lip gloss from the 90s and swipe a few coats on your lips. Enhance your eyes with a shadow a few shades darker than your skin tone and a hint of highlighter on the inner corners.
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Like Nude
No makeup bag is complete without a my-lips-but-better shade. Find a dewy lipstick or balm a few shades darker than your lip color and apply it to your pout. Follow with a few coats of black mascara on your top lashes.
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Almost Naked
Forget the eyes and lips, it's all about the flawless base with this look. Prep your skin with a primer, then apply a lightweight foundation and concealer. Blend everything together, then blend some more. You truly want a seamless finish here.
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Rosy Cheeked
Make your cheeks the focal point by layering pink blush on them. To avoid looking like you're attending an 80s costume party, make sure that you thoroughly blend the lines of blush into your skin.
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Barely There
Stick to natural tones for your shadow and use a lipstick shade similar to your own lip color to slightly up the ante on what your mama gave you. And steer clear of any blush, mascara or eyeliner.
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Dewy Day
Put down that matte powder. Dewy skin can totally reinvent your go-to natural makeup look. Use an illuminating cream or primer on your cheekbones, eyelids and Cupid's bow to really get glowing.
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Eye for an Eye
Here's your proof that you don't need eight eyeshadows and a major set of false lashes to enhance your eyes. A wash of peach eyeshadow and naturally glossy brows will do the job just as well.
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Naked Ambition
There are a surprising number of ways you can change your lips with a no-makeup makeup look. You can opt for pink, brown, peach or a neutral shade. When it comes to the last option, try a lippie a few shades lighter than your lips. Just remember to keep the formula sheer to get that coveted natural finish.
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Softly Strobed
A heavily highlighted glow may reign supreme on Instagram, but soft looks are just as pretty. Dial down the intensity by keeping the highlighter to the center of your nose and your Cupid's bow. A hint of shimmering pearl eyeshadow will stop you from feeling completely underdone.
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Shine On
Glossy lips are great, but why stop there? Add some shine to your eyes for a fresh-faced look. If you want to highlight your cheekbones as well, we're not going to stop you.
