I never really realized how nice it was to keep my makeup light and natural until my first year of college. Because that's when I quickly learned that it was pretty much impossible to spend an hour doing my makeup before a 9am lecture. As a result, I had no other choice but to create a quick makeup method, which would later become my go-to routine in my now adulthood.
Nowadays, I turn to this simple beauty look for when I want to go out and look like I'm bare-faced, yet still flawless. So, glowy and natural, but in the most effortless way possible, you know? I know you know, because I know I'm not alone in my desire for it. For all my ladies out there who struggle with achieving that "no makeup" makeup look, struggle be gone. Here are six easy ways to walk out the door with minimal makeup and feel as confident as ever.
1. Wash Your Face and Moisturize
Just like with any other makeup look, make sure you wash and moisturize your face before starting. This is supposed to be an "all-natural look" so let's keep it that way. It's super important to make sure your skin is looking fresher than ever.
2. Skip the Foundation and Stick to a Concealer and Highlighter
I know many of my friends love, love, love their foundation and will spend hours looking for the right one. But in this case, I think it's important to skip the foundation and let your face breathe a little. Instead of piling on the foundation, use a concealer under your eyes, dark circles, and all the other blemishes you want to hide. The key here is to not apply too much. I usually apply small dots and dab, using my fingers to even it out.
e.l.f. Studio Under Eye Concealer & Highlighter, $3, e.l.f.
3. Blush and Bronzers Are Your Best Friends
These are probably the most important two essentials for a dewy, sun-kissed, "I just walked out of the shower" look. Still, it's also very important to keep it minimal. Start with your cheek bones and use a small stipple brush to lightly glide over them. Next, take your bronzer and apply a little underneath your cheek bones and under your jaw line. Keeping your face lightly contoured will help your natural features stand out even more.
e.l.f. Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder, 4, e.l.f.e.l.f. Studio Small Stipple Brush, $4, e.l.f.
4. Eyeshadow For Eyebrows
Here's one of my secrets: I use eyeshadow to fill in my eyebrows for every look I'm going for. And here's how to do it: apply a little eyeshadow on your angled brush and gently glide it over the natural arch of your brow. Make sure to comb your eyebrows before applying the eyeshadow for a more fuller effect.
Up & Up Lash Brow Groomer, $5, TargetCovergirl Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadows, $2, Target
5. Highlight Your Eyes Without Heavy Eyeliner
I love my winged eyeliner. Actually, let me rephrase that — I'm obsessed with my winged eyeliner. But sometimes, it's nice to switch it up a little and keep my eyelids looking bright and wide-eyed, rather than dark and intense. For this all-natural look, I'll curl my eyelashes three times and then let it sit for a while. After curling them one more time, I'll apply two strokes of clear mascara. And then I'll repeat the process until I'm satisfied. .
e.l.f. Studio Eyelash Curler, $1, e.l.f.Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Clear, $7, Maybelline
6. Apply Rosebud Salve
This product is a game changer. If you don't have this in your makeup bag already, you need to get one immediately. It'll help make your lips look glossy while creating a rosy, natural pink tone. Plus, it won't smear or smudge while you eat your lunch or steal some kisses.
Rosebud Salve, $6, Sephora
And there you have it. The routine that practically changed my makeup habits forever. Turns out you can have it all, and by have it all, I mean hide every dark circle while still making it to your 9am lecture/work meeting/coffee date.
Images: Joanna David
