Mastering No-Makeup Makeup

Photo: Henry Leutwyler

We’ve seen it everywhere from runways to magazine covers—the no-makeup makeup look. The concept is simple: makeup that complements your features, without it looking like you are actually wearing any at all.

Related: Get Perfectly Flushed Winter Cheeks

The focus is on perfecting the skin, so start with concealing any blemishes. Use a yellow-based concealer to cover any red or purple color around the eyes. Next, find a foundation that matches your skin tone. You don’t want to guess when it comes to finding the right color, so test shades on your skin before making a purchase. When it comes to the foundation texture, keep in mind the needs of your skin. If your skin is dry, look for a hydrating foundation like Chantecaille Future Skin. If you are more on the oily side, look for a matte foundation (we like Revlon Colorstay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin).

Related: Nude Eyeshadow for Darker Skintones

For your cheeks, aim for a shade that matches the natural flush you get when you pinch your cheeks. You’ll want to gently fill in your brows and skip the liner. Choose a taupe eye shadow and dust lightly on your lid—try one of the neutral options in Urban Decay’s Naked 2 Palette. Top off the look with a lip color that is half a shade darker than your natural lip. If you go lighter, you’ll end up looking washed out.

It’s the kind of makeup that is really simple and makes you feel really good.