Since last March, or since Covid really, makeup sales around the world have taken a nose dive. Skin care, body care, hair care, nail care…even fragrance have all enjoyed growth during these uncertain times. It really makes sense because makeup makes a mess of the mask and the mask makes a mess of the makeup. So we as a whole have stopped wearing makeup as we had in the past.
However, the world is starting to open up more and more every day and I am going back to wearing makeup….but tip-toeing back into the process. I have gotten used to my natural skin, which looks better because of the extra care I have been giving it, so I want it to shine through and just add not pops of color, but rather defined accents, to look more polished. This is what the experts call the no-makeup-makeup look. Here are a few tips for mastering this technique.
Start with Hydration
You need to start with adding moisture to the skin to give it bounce and glow. I love the Tata Harper Water Lock Moisturizer, which is a silicone-free, lightweight gel moisturizer that is loaded with hyaluronic acid. I follow this with the Farsali Liquid Glass to add extra radiance to the top of my cheekbones and brow bones. And for the love of God, do not forget your SPF!
Adding Coverage
Now repeat after me, it is OK to skip foundation. There is no need to use foundation in the areas where your mask covers, meaning your cheeks, chin and nose. This is the time to let your Concealer pick up the heavy lifting to add coverage around the eye area. The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is a great one to use under and around the eyes plus any other spot where you need a little coverage.
Mesmer-eyes
The eyes are the key component to the no-makeup-makeup look. They need to stay simple yet polished. For your eye shadow, pick a shade that is similar to your skin tone. It can be as simple as applying an eye primer, like my staple Eye Basics from Laura Mercier. If you want a little more punch, apply a single shimmer shade that compliments your skin tone. I lack melanin (aka, I’m pale!) so I use Urban Decay’s Virgin all over my lid. The next step is the crucial one – liner. There is one from MOB Beauty, a new brand that launched this month that offers clean and sustainable makeup. Their Cake Liner should be applied with a flat liner brush right along the lash line. It defines the eye without a heavy, noticeable liner look. Finish with a coat of mascara.
Pucker Up
Now lips are still hidden but in the situation where you do get to take it off and be seen, you can pop on a light coat of tinted lip balm to finish off the look. I keep the rms Tinted Daily Lip Balm in my handbag for when I need a little tint and nourishment with a hint of color. If you are a red lipstick lover like Roz and I and love the complexion glow that it gives to your skin, carry with you a non-smudge lip color, (they’re becoming all the rage and high demand) like Stila’s Stay all day liquid lipstick in the color, beso, that easily does the trick!
As we slowly get back into the world, we should take the same approach with our makeup. Our skin has enjoyed its freedom for the past year (almost!), so let it continue to breathe and ease back into makeup. You may find yourself never going to back to a “full face” again! Maybe.
by Chelsi Oestreich
