We all want to look as if we slept a healthy eight hours, even if we were up doom-scrolling until 2am. By mastering the art of “no-makeup” makeup, all it takes is five extra minutes in the morning to get skin that looks good and feels good.
From late brunch dates to early morning meetings, or when you just can’t be bothered to do a full face of makeup, these tips and techniques will have you looking well-rested and wide awake.
Keep reading to learn our secrets, how to achieve the look with no effort, and the exact products to use.
Step 1: Hydrating, Lightweight Base
The goal is to look natural and polished. Start with a lightweight, hydrating skincare routine; the glowier, the better! For a natural-looking base, skip the full-coverage foundation and opt for a BB cream or skin tint.
- Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint Foundation (S$55): A lightweight, tinted moisturiser that evens out complexion with a pore-blurring effect.
- Glow Breathable Blemish Balm (S$40): A breathable complexion cream that’s easy to apply and moisturising. Contains brightening ingredients for skincare benefits.
- Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 (S$52): Applies like a moisturiser for an even, glowy complexion. It contains Vitamin E and SPF 20 for extra care and protection.
Step 2: Creamy Concealer Touch-ups
If you have blemishes that need extra cover-up (such as dark circles, redness, and acne scars), mix one part creamy concealer with three parts foundation. This thins the texture while adding coverage where you need it.
Dot the mixture on areas like under your eyes, chin, and sides of your nose. Wait a few seconds for it to set, then gently tap it in with a puff or your fingers. Avoid dragging for a seamless application.
- The Saem Cover Perfection Triple Pot Concealer (S$13.42): Korea’s number one concealer. Each pot offers three creamy shades for all your colour-correcting needs.
- NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer (S$49): Quickly conceals imperfections with a soft matte finish.
- tarte Shape Tape™ Creamy Concealer (S$47): Ultra-nourishing and creamy formula for up to 24 hours of full coverage.
Step 3: Strategic Brightening
After your base is complete, grab a concealer one or two shades lighter. Apply small amounts to the inner corners of the eyes, the sides of your nose, smile lines and just under the cheekbone. Blend with your fingers or a puff for a natural highlighting effect that’ll instantly brighten and lift your features.
Step 4: Blush and Flush All Over
A soft blush effect instantly gives you a healthy and lively look.
The key is to be generous with your application and placement: tap a bit on the apples of your cheeks, the tip of the nose, and a tiny bit on the chin. Use a cushion puff or your fingers to dab it in; the added warmth from your fingers melts the blush into your base for a super natural look.
- CLIO Essential Lip Cheek Tap (S$17.40): Soft and transparent colours for a dew-drop, glowy flush. Add it onto your lips for an extra touch of togetherness.
- Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Color Fuse Glassy Blush Balm Stick (S$55): A serum-based, high-pigmentation formula that delivers glassy colour with every swipe. A little goes a long way!
- Huda Beauty Blush Filter (S$39): High-shine formula melts onto skin with micro-pearl pigments for a luminous, airbrushed flush.
Step 5: Strategic Setting With Powder
Here’s where we all go wrong by applying too much or too little.
Use two tools for setting powder: a puff and a brush. Use a puff to press powder into oil-prone areas such as the under eyes, around the mouth, and T-zone. Then, take a fluffy brush to lightly dust the cheeks, jawline and sides of the nose. You’ll get a natural finish that holds without caking or dulling your glow.
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Refillable (S$82): Smooths skin and fine lines over with an ultra soft-focus look. Illuminates the skin using light-reflecting pigments for a subtle glow without the shine.
- Kosas Cloud Set Loose Powder (S$58): A baking powder that blurs and brightens without taking away your glow. Formulated with Bamboo Stem extract for extra oil-control.
- CANMAKE Marshmallow Finish Powder (S$22.30): Produces a blurry matte finish that’s as soft and light as a marshmallow. Absorbs sebum to keep your skin fresh all day.
