Natural Makeup Hacks to Try This Summer (7 Simple Steps)
Several years ago, beauty trends revolved around covering up and transforming your features. But intense contour, matte liquid lipsticks and meticulously carved brows are no longer standard when it comes to well-applied makeup.
Today, many women are choosing natural makeup looks that don’t erase, but enhance their features.
The appeal of a natural makeup look is simple- women want to feel beautiful and look like themselves, not beautiful because they’ve dramatically altered themselves. A natural makeup look will also save you time and effort so you can wake up, complete your beauty routine in 15 minutes or less and move on with your day.
Minimal makeup’s allure is especially strong now that it’s summer, during which the vibes are lively, youthful and carefree. Outlined below are 7 steps you can take to craft a simple yet effective beauty routine this summer.
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1. Create a Smooth Surface with Chemical Exfoliant
A good natural makeup look starts with a good base. Healthy skin is everything when it comes to “no-makeup makeup,” so taking proper care of it is key. Cleanser and moisturizer are essential for clear, supple skin, but those are already a part of most women’s skincare routines.
If I had to name one skincare product people neglect far too often, it would be chemical exfoliant. Physical exfoliation, AKA scrubbing with some sort of rough material, can cause micro-tears in the skin. Chemical exfoliation, however, is considered by dermatologists to be safer and less likely to cause micro-tears. Chemical exfoliators contain chemicals that aid in cell-turnover and dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together.
A makeup artist I worked with on the set of a modeling job introduced me to chemical exfoliation. She exfoliated my skin with Sex Apeel by Sonia Roselli, and it’s been a staple for me ever since. I use it twice per week, and when I wash it off I’m always amazed by how polished my skin feels.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Sex Apeel Instant Exfoliation Spray
2. Invest in a Non-Comedogenic Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen on a regular basis prevents premature aging and decreases your chances of developing skin cancer, so an effective sunscreen should be included in any skincare routine. However, for those of us with acne-prone skin, applying greasy sunscreen every day is a loathsome task that’s sure to leave us broken out.
Fortunately, there are plenty of non-comedogenic sunscreens on the market that
will protect your skin from sun damage without causing acne. “Non-comedogenic” products are specially formulated so that they don’t clog pores. I use Neutrogena’s Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid Lotion Sunscreen.
Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Oil Free Sunscreen
Generally, your concealer should be 1 to 2 shades lighter than your foundationbut what if you want to skip the foundation altogether? If you want to apply concealer without using foundation, the concealer you use should match your skin tone as closely as possible. Forget the “1 to 2 shades” rule.
3. Wear Lightweight Concealer that Matches your Skin Tone
It’s more difficult for concealer to blend in seamlessly when it’s applied on top of bare skin as opposed to foundation. If the coverage of the concealer is too intense, it could end up looking unnatural. Light to medium coverage is the way to go.
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Hydrating Concealer
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
4. Enhance your Lashes with Mascara
Mascara is one of the quickest and easiest makeup products to apply, and it makes a big impact on your appearance. With just a few strokes through your lashes, you can widen your eyes and make it look like you actually got a good sleep last night. Long, thick lashes are a classic that no makeup look – even a natural one- is complete without.
Plan on spending a lot of time at the beach or pool this summer? Try a waterproof mascara!
L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
5. Shine Bright with Highlighter
A dewy glow is perfect for summer, and you can achieve that dewy glow using highlighter. You don’t want to apply so much highlighter that you look like a glazed donut, but summer is the perfect time to take advantage of all it has to offer. When used correctly, highlighter enhances the beautiful features you already have, making it the perfect addition to a natural makeup look.
For a gorgeous highlight, I recommend Glossier’s Haloscope. Formulated with genuine crystal extracts, this highlighter delivers a natural shimmer that doesn’t look tacky and glittery. The Haloscope features an oil-based inner-core, so the product glides smoothly across the skin and leaves it looking and feeling hydrated.
Glossier Haloscope
6. Use Blush for a Youthful, Sun-Kissed Look
Nothing creates a healthy and youthful appearance quite like blush – that small pop of color instantly brightens your entire face. If you sweep it onto your cheeks in an upward motion, it can even sculpt and lift your cheekbones.
My favorite blush is the Thrive Causemetics Cosmo Power Multi-Dimensional Strobing Blush in the shade Rosie. It doubles as a highlighter and contains the brand’s trademarked Youth B5 Complex, which “plumps skin, hydrates and replenishes moisture.”
Glossier Cloud Paint
Thrive Causemetics Cosmo Power Multi-Dimensional Strobing Blush
7. Try a Lip Tint
Lip tints, a South Korean beauty staple, are lightweight and long-lasting. You won’t feel your lips being weighed down or dried out, but you also won’t have to constantly re-apply. Whereas most long-lasting lipsticks are matte, lip tints can be used to create a subtle, soft and moist effect.
The application process is super simple. Before you apply a lip tint, moisturize your lips with lip balm. Use the applicator to dab a small amount of product onto your lips and gently press them together to spread the product around.
What you’ll get is a pretty, natural-looking lip color that’ll last all day!
Etude House Dear Darling Water Tint
Tonymoly Liptone Get It Tint
Amuse Dew Tint
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