Full disclosure: The only times I don't wear makeup are when I am sleeping or going to the gym. But, having said that I do have a makeup routine for days when I want to have that "no makeup" look. (Why don't I just avoid wearing makeup when I want to look like I'm not wearing any? What fun would that be?) Here are the steps and products I use to get the super natural look:
Step 1: Start with skin
I exfoliate my skin so any dead cells are gone and I have a nice smooth canvas to work with. Then I load on some day lotion with SPF (try Olay Professional Pro-X Age Repair Lotion with SPF 30 $47.99). This really hydrates my skin, plumps it up, and helps create that natural dewy look. Then I use a primer to help even out my skin even more. I like Makeup Forever HD Microperfecting Primer, $32. (Hint: Look for one that helps to minimize whatever your skin issues are from rosacea to sallow skin.)
Next up, I camouflage any remaining imperfections. I use Lanc�me Maquicomplet Complete Coverage Concealer, $29.50. This is a full coverage concealer so it really works to cover all of my skin imperfections. I also like it because the wand applicator helps you get into all the little areas on your face without leaving behind a "masked" look. After concealer, I top areas that still need perfecting with an illuminating foundation like Stila Illuminating Liquid Foundation, $38. Why illuminating? To help create a natural looking glow which, for me, this look is all about.
Step 2: Add some color
Even when I'm going for a no makeup look I need a little color to help me look, well, alive. I use an all-over face color for this -- it works wonders. Try Benefit Bella Bamba, $28. But, and this is a BIG but, don't go crazy with it. And don't use the brush it comes with either -- it piles on too much product. Instead use a soft, fluffy blush brush, which creates a softer effect, and lightly dust the color on your cheeks, bridge of your nose, forehead and chin. To finish, I give myself even more of a natural glow by topping my cheekbones with a luminizer (I like Lancome Eclat Miracle, $37). I dab it on with my fingertips to create a really natural finish.
Step 3: Subtly play up your eyes
Amping up your eyes is a definite no-no if you're going for a no-makeup makeup look. But that doesn't mean you have to totally ignore them. I use a soft gray or brown liner just on my top lids. And, although this look requires lots of (natural-looking) lashes, falsies and loads of mascara won't work. Instead, I curl my lashes to open up my eyes, and use one (and only one) light coat of mascara to lock in the curl and add definition. (Try CoverGirl LashExact Mascara, $6.)
Step 4: Tint your lips
I finish off the look by using a tinted lip balm or gloss that's a little darker than my natural lip color. (Try CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm, $6.) And there you have it -- my no-makeup, makeup look.
Like looking like you're not trying too hard when it comes to hair, too? Why not give this messy undone bun a try.