beauty

Gorgeous, simple ways to pull off the “no makeup” makeup look.

Carla GS and her “no makeup” look. Source: Supplied.

The “no makeup” beauty look has dominated catwalks and our Instagram feeds recently, and for good reason, too. It’s all about showcasing the real you, and not hiding behind a wall of foundation and contouring.

I love pared back makeup. It’s my secret weapon. Yes, it’s simple to achieve, but the real reason I adore it? Well, it’s all about taking care of your skin. And as a beauty editor, I can’t argue with healthy, nourished skin.

Exquisite skincare is the key to achieving a fresh, glowing complexion, which is the focus of a bare-faced approach to beauty. Here’s my step-by-step guide on how to wear the “no makeup” look…while still looking good.

Step 1: Cleanse.

Clean, refined skin is the perfect canvas for this minimal makeup style.

Bathe your face using lukewarm water and a gentle, creamy cleanser like Jurlique Nutri-Define Refining Foaming Cleanser ($60 for 100ml). What I love about this cleanser is that it magically changes from a liquid to a luxurious foam when you glide your fingers over it.

Related: WATCH: How to style your bob in under five minutes.

While splashing your face, you may find it useful to think to yourself, “I am a beautiful and powerful woman, and everyone else can shut up.” At least, that’s what I do, anyway. It’s a great way to start the day.

"Bathe your face using lukewarm water and a gentle, creamy cleanser such as Jurlique Nutri-Define Refining Foaming Cleanser ($60 for 100ml)." Source: Supplied.
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Step 2: Nourish.

I always apply a serum or conditioning lotion under my moisturiser, for a deep, nourishing treatment as I go about my day. It's like a day-long hug for your skin.

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Use one or two pumps of Jurlique Nutri-Define Essential Conditioning Lotion Biosome5 ($70 for 100ml) and press it gently over your face, neck and upper chest. If your skin could, it would give you a box of fancy chocolates for all of this lovin’, seriously.

"Use 1 or 2 pumps of Jurlique Nutri-Define Essential Conditioning Lotion Biosome5 ($70 for 100ml) and press it gently over your face, neck and upper chest." Source: Supplied.
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Step 3: Moisturise.

Applying moisturiser to your face is good for your skin, and also creates a dewy, youthful appearance. Seeing as I’m neither dewy nor youthful (thanks, motherhood and being over 30), every morning my face is doused with a hydrating, lightweight moisturiser.

For plump, hydrated skin, use Jurlique Nutri-Define Multi-Correcting Day Cream ($120 for 100ml) and apply it over the top of the Conditioning Lotion. Seriously – your skin will drink this baby up.

Here's a quick how-to so you can get the most out of your moisturising routine (post continues after video):

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Step 4: Eye cream.

Eye cream helps me to look bright-eyed and non-crusty. It plumps out the fine lines around my eyes, it moisturises, it lifts - it’s basically Superman in a teeny, cute container.

It also gives my eyelids and the inner eye corners a bit of a gleam, which is key for the “no makeup” look.

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Gently swipe a small amount of Jurlique Nutri-Define Eye Contour Balm with Biosome5 ($95 for 15ml) onto your eyelid, under your eye (covering those bags – well, my bags, anyway), and the corners of your eyes.

"Gently swipe a small amount of Jurlique Nutri-Define Eye Contour Balm with Biosome5 ($95 for 15ml) onto your eyelid." Source: Supplied.
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Step 5. Makeup.

Okay, you’ve taken care of the most important part of the “no makeup” look – your skin – so now it’s time for a little bit of makeup.

Related: The 4 biggest mistakes women make when washing their hair.

First things first: grab a BB cream with SPF, and smooth a thin layer all over your face.

Then follow these steps to achieve the perfect "no makeup" makeup.

Concealer.

Source: Supplied.
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With a light hand, use concealer under the eyes and on blemishes. I use concealer under my eyes (duh), and on these veins I have on my jawline.

Brows.

Source: Supplied.
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If your brows are full and luscious, use a clear brow gel to groom everything into place. However, should you have patchy brows like mine, consider also using a tinted wax to fill in those cute lil’ bald patches.

Mascara.

Source: Supplied.
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Brush on just one or two layers of mascara, so that your lashes look healthy and thick, but not exaggerated. My latest mascara obsession is a waterproof formula.

Highlighter.

Source: Supplied.

 

Use a highlighting stick to draw a line down the tops of your cheekbones, and blend it in. I like to use a highlighter instead of blush for a “no makeup” look, because it’s almost colourless, yet still provides a subtle definition.

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Lipstick.

Source: Supplied.

 

Finally, swipe on a nude lipstick, or a tinted balm, and voila - you’re done. Head on out that door.

You look gorgeous, your skin is singing, and most importantly, you look just like yourself.

What is your 'no makeup' makeup routine?