Everything you need to nail the no-makeup makeup look

Step into the world of the ‘clean girls’ – a beauty aesthetic that heavily mirrors previous versions such as ‘minimalist makeup’, ‘everyday makeup’, or the ‘off-duty model look’. All of these are just slightly different iterations of a no-makeup makeup look.

The virality of the clean girl look reached a fever pitch on US TikTok, made the sideways leap to Instagram, and entered the Indian beauty space. The new wave of minimalist bridal makeup took this approach to another level. But the journey to India has come with some bumps along the way.

A simple Google search of the ‘clean girl’ throws up variations of the same look – hair slicked back, a hint of concealer and tinted glowy moisturiser, a flush of blush as if you’ve just chugged two glasses of wine, and glossy, pouty lips with just a hint of a tint.

Now, you may wonder whether we’re overthinking it (we’re breaking the habit). If ‘clean’ is all about smooth, flawless skin, then would the opposite here be ‘dirty’? Like blemishes, pigmented lips, hyperpigmentation on the eyelids, and acne scars. The basis for this look is practically impossible to achieve unless you enlist the help of dermatologists offering expensive procedures, which the people you may be watching on your phone screen possibly indulged in too. There’s nothing wrong with that; if a clear complexion is an investment you want to make in yourself, then do what makes you happy. But is that the only way to hop on the clean girl trend?

When it comes to Indian skin tones, weather conditions, and human biology, there is the annoying flip side of having beautiful brown skin, including dark circles, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and more. Trying to replicate the clean beauty looks we see online by following our favourite Caucasian creators and dotting 2-3 products on our faces is setting us up for disappointment. That is, unless you’ve been genetically blessed with dolphin-like glass skin.

We prefer the more approachable no-makeup makeup look that gives you the ‘natural’ finish of clean beauty, without needing to have the pores of a kindergartener. However, those who have already tried it know that it does take effort to make your makeup look effortless.

The no-makeup makeup look is as diverse as the Indian skin tones. For example, a nude lip on someone with pale skin and pink undertones won’t be the same shade on someone with a deeper skin tone, yellow undertones, and pigmented lips. Even if you’re breaking out or have uneven texture, with the right kind of products, you can still achieve that dewy glow.

Everything you need to nail the no-makeup makeup look

A priming strobe cream

Strobe cream has become a catch-all term for a light, creamy moisturiser or primer with pearlescent particles that illuminate the skin. Using this as a first layer of your base gives you that dewy finish you want without adding an oily sheen (especially if you already have combination or oily skin.)

Tweak tip: If you’re new to using cream highlighters or strobe cream, we recommend starting with a tiny dot of product and working that in first. A little goes a long way. You could also use this as a subtle cream highlighter later on.

Sheer or buildable foundation/BB cream

Growing up constantly being told to cover up everything that could be perceived as a flaw with a full-coverage foundation, changing your ways can take some practice. Your base honestly depends on how much of your skin you’re comfortable showing. The no-makeup makeup look champions base makeup that leaves a skin-like finish, but you can ease into it with a BB cream or a sheer to medium coverage foundation that can be layered if needed.

Tweak tip: If you’re conscious of some discolouration peeking through, use a peach or orange colour corrector first (depending on your skin tone) and green to tone down redness. You can add extra layers of product on just those spots to cover up. Blend out to a seamless finish.

A slight sun kiss

A bit of bronzing can mimic the natural tan and shadows of the face that tend to get flattened out by base products. Without bronzer, your face can look like it’s a single colour, lacking in dimension. A cream bronzer blends in easily and gives a more natural finish than a powder formula. But if you have oily skin and worry about the sebum or sweat breaking up the product through the day, you could always top it off with a little bit of setting powder or a powder bronzer and get the best of both worlds.

Tweak tip: Dab a little bit of bronzer to the outer corner of your eyelids and blend it inwards for a clean-girl approved eyeshadow look.

Fluff up those eyebrows

When it comes to the matter of eyebrows, everyone has their own style and preference. For the no-makeup makeup look, your brows don’t need to be as filled and defined as you would do them for a glam day. Keep them structured, light and fluffy. Some brow pomade or gel can hold them up and in place without making it seem like you’ve put a lot of time into doing them.

Tweak tip: The bushy and full eyebrows we grew up getting bullied over are now trendy. So use a less is more approach with your eyebrows too. Go in with a little product at a time until you get to the point where you’re comfortable.

Lengthening the lashes

Long, fluttery lashes are the name of the game, long enough to make wearing glasses a problem. Unrealistic as that goal may be (at least without the use of false eyelashes), you can come close with the use of a lash-lengthening mascara. It all comes down to the mascara wand (the top brush). Mascara wands come in all shapes and sizes, really, but for noticeable lengthening, you’re going to want to find one with a wand that is either tapered or cone-shaped. If not, then a rectangular one can give volume and some length.

Tweak tip: Mama’s double-sided eyebrow brush always fascinated us sitting atop her dressing table when we were growing up. Grab one like hers and use the thin comb side to brush through your lashes gently after applying mascara, fanning them out and removing clumps.

Flush of colour

A cream formula will give you a natural-looking flush. Go for a monochrome look to keep it simple, with the same colour on your lips, cheeks, and eyelids. You can top off the cheeks with a similar powder blush to make it more pigmented and long-lasting.

Tweak tip: If you have sensitive eyes, you will want to be a little cautious and find a multi-use product that says it’s safe to use everywhere. We know it can be intimidating, but trust us and try an orange-toned tint. Orange blush warms your complexion to give a perpetual fresh, summer glow.

Perfecting the pout

We love matte lipstick that will stick around on your lips longer than monsoons in Mumbai, but for a no-makeup makeup look, you’ll want to go for something a little less pigmented. A tinted lip balm or lip oil (or both) will give you a natural finish with a hint of colour and also nourish your lips.

Tweak tip: Go in with a lip liner first to give your lips some definition. A lip liner will also go over any discolouration on your lips, in case you want more coverage.