The "No Makeup" Look: A Step by Step Guide
- Alia Elsayed
- Dec 28, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 24
Welcome to the Diary of a Beauty Icon.
Looking to master the effortless “no makeup” look? You’re in luck—this is the only guide you’ll need.
Think Sofia Richie, Bella Hadid, Alicia Keys… the list goes on. What do they all have in common? They always look fresh and natural—never like they’re wearing too much.
This "no makeup" look is everywhere right now, and for good reason! It enhances your natural beauty while giving just the right amount of coverage.
I've been loving this look for ages because it’s not only chic, but also timeless. Keep reading to discover both affordable and high-end options to achieve this effortlessly gorgeous vibe!
Step One: Define the Brows
Let’s kick things off strong—brows can truly make or break your look, so it’s important to find a shape that suits your face and stick with it! No need to overcomplicate it.
A little brow gel and a pencil to fill in where needed, and you’re good to go for step one. Personally, I can’t justify splurging on brows—am I the only one?
I know the 2016 “Instagram brow” was all the rage, and if that’s your thing, then rock it with confidence! But for those of us, myself included, who prefer a more natural look, my advice is simple: keep your brows in place all day and make sure they’re trimmed or tweezed to your liking.
Here are a few of my holy grails that I reach for every single day:
Step Two: Skin Tint
Who doesn’t love a little coverage, especially when our skin conspires against us? (I’m joking… but not really!).
Skin tints are a great way to even out your complexion, correct redness, and give you that glow-from-within look.
Of course, if you’re happy going without, feel free to skip this step! But for those of you who like a little extra help, here are my favourite skin tints—once again, all super affordable.
Because honestly, you don’t need to splurge unless it’s really worth it (and trust me, I wouldn’t lead you astray)!
Step Three: Concealer
I’ve got to be honest—I'm absolutely obsessed with this step.
Why, you ask?
Because it’s a total confidence booster for me, and I’m sure it is the same for some of you! Using the right products can work wonders in brightening up your under-eye area, covering those dark circles and veins (something I personally struggle with a lot).
Anyone who knows me knows that I’ll even put a little corrector on days when I’m just at home doing chores or running errands.
Don’t underestimate the power of a bright under-eye—it’s the key to achieving that flawless, effortless look that every feminine, chic woman has mastered.
Here are a few of my holy grails that I swear by:
Step Four: Bronzer
There’s just no way I can skip this step—honestly, I never do, and let me tell you why.
It gives you that beautiful, sun-kissed glow that’s essential for the perfect "no makeup" look. I’ve tried going out with and without it, and the confidence boost I get when I’ve got bronzer on is unmatched.
But I’ll be real with you—bronzer can be tricky. Some have warm undertones, some lean cool, and it can sometimes feel like you’ll never find the perfect shade for your skin.
Here’s a simple rule: choose a bronzer that’s about 1-2 shades darker than your natural skin tone. This helps avoid that ashy or orangey look and gives you that perfect sun-kissed vibe.
Here are my top bronzer picks:
Step Five: Blush
Blush, blush, blush—we all love it, but too much can take your look from fresh to overdone in a flash. That’s when "blush blindness" kicks in.
To avoid that, keep it subtle and apply just enough to give you that healthy, natural flush on your cheeks.
The key is to match your blush to your skin tone. My advice? Find beauty creators with a similar shade to yours and see what blush they’re rocking—trust me, it’s that easy!
Here are some of my favourite blushes, available in a variety of shades to suit every skin tone:
Step Six: Lip Liner
Personally, I never leave the house without lip liner. It’s the finishing touch that perfects the "no makeup" look and ties the whole face together.
Trust me on this—if you’re not using lip liner now, you need to start! It gives your lips that defined, pouty look that’s both flirty and feminine.
In fact, on those days when you’re feeling a bit tired and want to shift the focus, a little lip liner and lip balm can do wonders. It draws attention to your lips—what better (and easier) way to add a bit of seductive charm, right?
Here are my top-rated lip liners that stay put all day:
Final Thoughts
By following these simple steps, you’ll be ready to rock an effortlessly chic look in no time.
Remember, taking a few moments for yourself each day is a key part of living that effortlessly chic lifestyle.
When you look and feel your best, the possibilities are endless. So, no matter what’s ahead, always take a moment to nurture your femininity—you never know what beautiful surprises the day might bring.
Be sure to subscribe to The Beauty Diaries for more effortless style tips and inspiration, and feel free to explore my other posts for more beauty and and lifestyle ideas!
Until next time, stay chic & unbothered.
