I love makeup and watching makeup trends evolve into ridiculously cool looks. But I am not one to wear much of it. I just can't see myself sporting more than my essentials on a regular basis. I prefer that subtle look of a relatively 'clean' face with all our features enhanced. Bold, open eyes, defined eyebrows, clear complexion and a kissable tinted pout (by kissable I mean, soft + free of dryness or cracks). My go to look is referred to as the "No Makeup- Makeup Look" where you and I are surely wearing makeup but it looks super natural. You know I am all about that. To achieve this, I stick to my essentials - concealer, an eyeshadow that complements and matches my skin tone (one with subtle shimmer is great), dark brown eyeliner, (mascara on those fancier days), blush and a tinted lip balm.

To me this is literally all I truly need to walk out the door feeling confident but not completely overdone. It takes me about five minutes to get my makeup done in the mornings which is great when I wake up late but still want to look my best.

NO Makeup - Makeup Look

Before Makeup

I like to start by washing my face with my cleanser and Clarisonic for an extra deep clean. I also make it a habit to put on a face mask at least once or twice a week to help my skin clear up.

Clarisonic can help you achieve an extra deep clean before applying makeup!

I then pat my face dry and apply a moisturizer (fractionated coconut oil or even vitamin E gel) and to clear blemishes (I am currently using Nadinola) which aids in fading dark spots. It is amazing! The neck area is also treated with moisturizer, it is important, people.

Fractionated Coconut Oil can help you to moisturize your face before makeup application.

Let's Begin With Makeup

I've had this Clinique cosmetics bag since middle school.  I actually found it along with 3 bags worth of cosmetics bags + makeup in the school's auditorium, my friends and I asked for it so we were free to take as many as we wanted home. … — I've had this Clinique cosmetics bag since middle school. I actually found it along with 3 bags worth of cosmetics bags + makeup in the school's auditorium, my friends and I asked for it so we were free to take as many as we wanted home. How random is that?

I cover all my imperfections such as blemishes from previous pimples with the concealer. I can skip foundation if necessary too. But, I am currently loving the Tarte Airbrush foundation over the concealer. My complexion looks flawless with this combination.

Brush Tarte Airbursh Foundation overtop your concealer for a flawless complexion!

If I am in a rush, which I usually am, I quickly apply blush next to brighten up my cheeks and I could just stop here. I absolutely love using colors that complement my warm colored skin tone. For me these would be peach, salmon or medium toned pinks or reds. I have a yellowish, orangie undertone to my skin (I know because gold jewelry flatters me best) and I find these are the colors that make me look enlightened with an internal glow pouring out.

Use a blush that compliments your underlying skin tone.

Note:
***Blush colors to choose by skin tone:

Fair to Light: (Your natural blush shades) Soft pinks, light corals or peaches (avoid purples)
Olive to Medium: (Warm deep shades) -- Deep peach, warm mauve, reddish browns, or rich pinks
Medium to Dark: (Deep to deeper shades) -- peaches, tangerine, reds, browns, plums or deep dusty rose

I deal with my eyes next. Nothing fancy here, though. Just a brown eyeliner (black is a bit too harsh for everyday) and I apply it both on my lids and on half of my lower lash line. At this point I could curl my lashes and then apply mascara but I am a lazy gal and I don't enjoy removing mascara off my eyes at night. I skip this step usually. But I have to admit my eyes look wide open and incredibly luscious when I do use mascara.

Eyeshadow doesn't have to be threatening or impossible to wear everyday. I stick to a neutral pallet or even a single eyeshadow (that's what I use, yes) but one that can enhance my eyes and match every outfit. For this, I love neutral colors that match my skin tone or that complement it.

Tip:

If you're like me and you skip mascara all together, to brighten up your eyes and make them appear bigger, tight line your upper lash line with a dark eyeliner (black is ideal). This will also help create the illusion of fuller lashes. I don't tight line my lower lash line as that tends to 'close up' the eye.

Apply eyeliner to your upper lashline to create the illusion of fuller lashes.

Finally, to finish things off, any lip color will do. I like lip products that moisturize and tint the lip for a little umph to that otherwise soft and neutral makeup look. My usual lip colors are medium to deep peach, coral, pink or a natural flush or red.

Moisturizing lip products can top off your makeup look by adding a little color or shine.

Tip #2:

If your lip color matches to some degree the color of your blush, the entire face will look even.

And that's it. That's my no makeup - makeup look revealed. It is super easy to achieve, it gets the job done of enhancing my features and it doesn't require a load full of products. I am all about simplicity and minimalism because hey, life is too busy, am I right?

Makeupe products for a "no makeup" makeup look.

What's your usual look of the day?

Products Used

Nars Eyeshadow Duo in Alhambra + Madrague, Kat Von D Everlasting Blush in Por Vida, Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation in Tan Sand, Tarte Airbuki Bamboo Powder Foundation Brush Make Up Forever Full Cover Concealer in Fawn # 14, Sugar Lip Treatment in Coral, Lapis Facial Oil Roller

No Makeup - Makeup Look