No-Makeup Makeup Look in 5 Simple Steps, According to Pros

We've been seeing the no-makeup makeup look everywhere lately, especially on the red carpet. Celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Zendaya, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Halle Bailey have all been putting their natural features on display with a more subtle approach to their glam, and the Met Gala followed suit: At the typically over-the-top affair, this year's looks were noticeably more pared back than usual.

Now, we'd be lying if we said no-makeup makeup was just throwing on some tinted moisturizer and calling it a day. There is a method behind this look that calls for strategic product usage and placement. The result: an “I woke up like this” glow that actually took a little bit of effort, but it just doesn't look that way.

What is the no makeup makeup look?

Jillian Dempsey, celebrity makeup artist and founder of her namesake brand, describes the vibe of no-makeup makeup as “you on a very good day with a lot of rest.” So basically, it's the cheat code to looking well-rested when really you're just running on a double espresso and a prayer. Tayaba Jafri, Laura Mercier global beauty director, adds that it's all about the look of not wearing makeup, even though you totally are. Her take? ”Makeup shouldn’t walk into the room before you.” And with this look, it's all eyes on you, not your makeup.

“The no makeup makeup look is also known as the, ‘Oh gee, I just woke up like this,’ fake out," adds celebrity makeup artist and esthetician Amanda Gabbard, who says that the makeup trend isn't going anywhere. “The trend is here to stay since it can be achieved by people of all ages, skin types, those with little to no makeup skills, and affordable products, all while still feeling like yourself: not too made up and not completely bare faced," she adds.

How to get the no makeup makeup look

In order to be able to go a little lighter on the makeup, your skin care needs to be on point. Jafri says that exfoliation is key to rid the skin of any dryness or dullness; that way your complexion can really shine. Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore-Minimizing & Polishing Powder Cleanser offers just enough grit to slough off dead skin.

If you have a little time to kill, it's also nice to pamper your skin and face a bit before you get into makeup. Dempsey recommends applying eye masks under both eyes for 15 minutes while vibrating and sculpting with her Gold Bar, which will help “to de-puff and look more refreshed and awake.”

The next step is essential. “Before we use any makeup products, we must hydrate the skin properly! The no makeup look needs the base to be dewy and delicious," Gabbard says. So be sure to hydrating moisturizer that will leave the skin aglow, such as Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Moisturizer.

2. Apply a light base.

Now for the makeup that makes you look like you're not wearing any. The irony is not lost on us, but trust the process. “Apply a light foundation so skin appears dewy and flawless; you can use a BB Cream, lightweight foundation, or tinted moisturizer,” says Gabbard. “The trick? Mix a drop of dewy product into the foundation; I love Iconic London Illuminator Liquid Highlight. Mix together and apply all over the face, neck and chest…boom, you are a fresh glowing goddess."

Alternatively, you can use a serum foundation hybrid, like Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint, ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, or Rituel de Fille 3 Drop Serum Foundation.

Or you can skip an all-over formula and follow Dempsey's concealer trick instead. Dempsey swears by “spot basing,” which she describes as only covering up any blemishes or other minor areas that need it, like redness around the nose and chin and under eyes for dark circles. “Concealer is used sparingly to cover imperfections while still letting natural skin texture show; no baking and setting needed,” says Gabbard, who suggests using Kosas Revealer Concealer.

For minimal coverage, Dempsey says to “tap to warm it up and blend until it is almost buffed down to the base.” Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer is great for this because it offers two shades that you can mix together or use on their own depending on the area you're target treating, explains Jafri.

3. Add blush and highlighter.

For a healthy glow, go for a cream or liquid blush. Unlike powders, a creamy formula will melt in seamlessly so it appears natural and has a skin-like finish. “Use a hint of blush and bronzer (blonzer if you will) for a warm healthy flushed sun-kissed look, even in the winter,” says Gabbard, who recommends something like Dibs Desert Island Duo or Milk Makeup's blush and bronzer sticks.

Next, higher is applied delicately on the upper cheekbone for a radiant glow without looking glittery. “I repeat: no glitter!” says Gabbard. For a subtle shimmer, try Milk Makeup's Dewy Cream Highlighter Stick or the aforementioned Iconic drops.

4. Go for subtle eyes and brows.

On eyes, keep it simple. A warm brown shade smudged along the upper and lower lash lines will give you just enough definition. Sisley Phyto Eye Twist No. 18 Fawn is a nice mix between an eyeliner and eye shadow, so it's creamy and easy to blend. “The key is to do it very subtly and use your fingers to diffuse it,” says Dempsey.

Next, curl lashes and go in with a mascara that lengthens and adds volume, but not distractingly so. “Individually coat lashes with few gentle strokes of mascara to define lashes,” says Gabbard, who loves Thrive's Liquid Lash Extensions for the job. Another option is to opt for brown mascara, since brown mascara makeup application reads “as natural as can be,” making it perfect for the no-makeup makeup look, Gabbard adds.

For brows, all you have to do is fluff ’em up or lightly fill them in. “Brows are neatly groomed, lightly filled in with pencil, gel or powder and shaped to look fuller but not overly defined,” says Gabbard. who loves Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. Another Glamour favorite for a super simple yet striking brow look is Kosas Air Brow Gel.

5. Finish with nude lips.

Finish with a natural lip in either a nude or a rosy pink. “Lip balms, glosses and tinted lip products create a hydrated, natural lip color,” says Gabbard. You should be going for a shade that will give you a your-lips-but-better appearance. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lipsticks are great because they were created to do exactly this. Swipe on some clear or matching gloss and you'll be good to go. Glamor editors are also especially obsessed with Glossier's Ultralip.

Optional: Hydrate and set.

If your skin is especially dry or you want a really dewy finish, Gabbard recommends finishing the job by spritzing with a hydrating setting spray or essence like Mario Badescu Rose Water or Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist.

For something that helps set makeup but still looks glowy, try Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set Hydrating Setting Spray or Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Dewy Long-Lasting Setting Spray.

Feeling inspired? Same. Find more no-makeup makeup look inspiration, below: