As ‘going out-out’ continues to remain a distant speck on the horizon, most of us are letting the red lippy and sparkly eyeshadow slide to the back of the cupboard. But that doesn’t mean we’re comfortable with giving up on makeup altogether. In fact, there are few people who can achieve the dewy skin, bright eyes and flushed cheeks of the ‘au naturel’ look without a little helping hand - so here’s our tips for nailing the no makeup look.

Use a good primer

The first step to achieving a natural-looking finish is to start off with a good primer. No matter what your skin type, this is essential to creating a seamless effect - as if you’re not wearing any make-up at all. To ensure it goes on smoothly, try warming the product on the back of your hand before applying it to your face.

Apply blush under your foundation

Blush can be one of the trickiest elements of the no makeup look to get right - you want to look like you’ve just got in from a bracing winter walk, not like a painted doll. To achieve a more subtle finish, apply a liberal layer of your favourite blush before your foundation.

Highlight with powder not cream

Contouring can be another thing that’s difficult to get right when you’re aiming for a natural look. So if you want to avoid looking like a walking Instagram filter, stick to lighter powders rather than heavier, cream-based products. 

Set with a hydrating spray

For a dewy, fresh-faced finish, choose a hydrating mist to set your make-up. This will remove any powder residue and ensure a soft, natural finish. You’ll look healthy and glowing without it being obvious that you’re wearing make-up at all.

Line your eyes 

Eyeliner might seem counterproductive to the ‘no makeup’ look, but used correctly it can be an essential tool. Apply flesh-coloured liner to your waterline and use a dark-coloured pencil on the tightline to create a bright-eyed look with defined lashes - a subtle yet effective way to look great without being over-groomed.

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