Sure, a full face of makeup is beautiful, but there are times when light makeup better fits the situation. Maybe you’re off running errands, having a seriously good skin day or don’t want to risk a heavy makeup look melting away in the heat. Or maybe you’re just embracing the skinimalism trend after years spent opting for full glam. Whatever the case, we’re here to let you know that doing soft makeup is easy—you just need the right products and techniques to let your natural beauty shine. If you’re wondering how to do a natural makeup look that you can whip up in no time, keep reading—we’re sharing our go-to light makeup tutorial below.
1. Moisturize
CHANEL Moisturisers Le Lift Creme Riche, 1.7 Oz
As we mentioned, the best light makeup looks start with hydrated, healthy-looking skin. Wash your face, then apply a moisturizer with SPF to hydrate your skin and protect it from harmful UV rays.
2. Apply primer
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
Primer is just as important for soft makeup as it is for heavier makeup looks. While some formulas help prolong the wear of your makeup, others can help replenish moisture. We suggest opting for a primer that aligns with your specific news.
3. Use a lightweight foundation
Mirabella Invincible For All HD Liquid Foundation – Anti-Aging Full Coverage Liquid Face Makeup – Moisturizing, Hydrating & Lightweight Foundation for All Skin Types
Light makeup looks are all about keeping your base weightless, fresh, and not overdone. With this in mind, you’ll want a foundation with a lightweight formula.
4. Conceal
Fièra Luxury Concealer with Anti-Aging – All Day Coverage for Dark Circles, Fine Lines, Wrinkles & Spots – Neutral Beige, 0.5 Ounce
For areas that may require a bit more coverage—such as the under eyes or any dark spots—go in with a light layer of concealer. Using (clean) fingers to blend will help melt the product into the skin versus sitting on top, further adding to that diffused, soft makeup look.
5. Add blush
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Baked Blush-n-Brighten Marbleized Blush for Cheeks – Pink Buttercream – Natural Finish – Buildable Color
To prevent your face from looking one-dimensional, add a bit of color to your cheeks by applying a liquid blush to your cheekbones. Remember that less is more here—start with one dot on each cheek then blend. From there, if you want to add more pigment, you can build up the color to your liking. Consider adding just the smallest amount to the bridge of your nose for a natural-looking sun-kissed effect.
6. Highlight the high points of your face
ICONIC LONDON Illuminator | Liquid Highlighting Drops for a Radiant Glow, Cruelty-Free, Vegan Makeup
After securing your flush, give your skin an added boost of luminosity. The multi-purpose formula hydrates and illuminates the skin for a lit-from-within glow. For a natural-looking finish, you’ll want to (lightly) dab it onto areas the light would hit.
7. Keep eyeshadow simple
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK The Best of the Best Baked Palette – Full Size – Includes Bronzer, Blush, 2 Highlighters and 3 Eyeshadows – Travel-Friendly
While you don’t have to wear eyeshadow when rocking light makeup, a little bit of color on your lids can go a long way. Simply dust a thin layer, making sure to blend into your crease with an eyeshadow brush for a diffused effect. If you’d prefer something that requires even less effort and use the rounded tip to color your lids, using your fingers to blend out the pigment if needed.
8. Use pencil eyeliner
Julep When Pencil Met Gel Sharpenable Multi-Use Longwear Eyeliner Pencil – Soft Black – Transfer-Proof – High Performance Liner.
Just as with eyeshadow, eyeliner isn’t a must. That said, if you can’t part ways with a bit of liner, opt for a pencil formula—the softer finish looks more natural than ultra-pigmented liquid eyeliner.
9. Apply mascara
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Always There Waterproof Lengthening Mascara in Black | Long-Lasting Mascara for Volume and Length
A coat of mascara can instantly wake up your eyes. Apply a washable formula that won’t feel heavy on your lashes. This deep chocolatey shade is better suited to a natural daytime makeup look than your typical black. And, as the name suggests, it’s washable—which means removing it at the end of the day requires little more than a bit of warm water.
10. Color your lips
Rodial Lip Oil Edit – Trio of High-Shine Lip Oils (0.13fl oz) with Nourishing Botanical Extracts for Hydration, Plumping, and a Glazed Finish
When it comes to the lip portion of your light makeup routine, remember that less is more. You can skip the lip liners and ultra-pigmented lipsticks here—instead, opt for lightweight tinted formulas with a satiny or glossy finish.
