Photo credit: 3.1 Philip Lim Spring 2015 RTW

C’mon now, let’s face it, the “no makeup, makeup” / model off duty look is always in. Who the heck doesn’t want to wake up looking like an even-skinned, rosy glowed goddess? It did take a few runway shows to get us all jazzed up again namely Michael Kors, 3.1 Philip Lim and Rebecca Minkoff.

I won’t buy into the ‘oh my gosh I just couldn’t‘ frenzy of this trend. Going barefaced isn’t scary – girl, live how you want to live, scary is accidentally eating moldy food.

Truth is, I love my morning ritual. I brew my coffee, bring it over to my gigantic makeup counter, spark on the lights and zen out for 15 minutes. It’s really never been a chore to me, more like propping up the ol’ easel and gingerly tapping on “happy little trees.”

Still, looking for a softer hand when things don’t necessarily need to be so severe? We’re not all supermodels with translucent skin, but these four tips will have you on your way to perfecting an epic no makeup, makeup feel while still going through the ritualistic motions.

S K I N

You’re looking for a translucent foundation that imparts a dewy, glowing finish – think healthy skin so shiny and taut it appears to have been exfoliated and lathered extensively for 55 minutes at a luxurious Icelandic spa. That said, look for a serum-like formula that will deliver skincare benefits while adding a sheer wash to the skin surface. Crucial to apply with a wet blender sponge for a sheer finish.
Try: Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation Serum ($55) and bareMinerals bareSkin Serum Foundation ($29)

B R O W S

Your brows are quintessentially the most important part of the no makeup, makeup look. Apply a smudge-free, waterproof eyebrow pomade on the outer half of the brow and draw in a bottom line. Brush up and out. With a spooly brush pick up some clear gloss on the back of your hand. Comb into brows to add youthful shine and remove the powdery finish.
Try: Anastasia DipBrow ($18) and Elizabeth Arden Crystal Clear Lip Gloss ($14)

L I P S

Instead of a full lip, just paint on a natural wet highlight where it matters! Exfoliate lips so you remove any makeup and foundation that may only dull and make lips appear nude. Add a treatment gloss to the cupid’s bow for a dimensional look that doesn’t scream real housewife – just you, but better! Love this one by IT Cosmetics which treats, hydrates and nourishes while minimizing the appearance of lip lines and wrinkles.
Try: Julep Buff Lip Scrub ($20) and IT Cosmetics Vitality Lip Blush Hydrating Gloss Stain ($24)

 

F I N I S H

To soften up the entire look, set with powder, but hover your face for 20-30 seconds over this steamer to “melt” makeup into the skin for a natural, glowy finish.
Try: Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Loose Powder ($37) and Panasonic Nano Facial Steamer ($179)