Introduction: What is the Barely There Beauty Trend?
The “Barely There Beauty” trend is all about enhancing your natural features with minimal makeup. It’s the perfect combination of simplicity, subtlety, and sophistication. But don’t be fooled – even though it looks effortless, it requires some know-how. In this guide, we’ll share all the secrets to mastering this natural makeup look.
Why Choose a Natural Makeup Look?
Enhancing Your Natural Features
Natural makeup isn’t about covering up but accentuating what you already have. By choosing this approach, you let your skin, eyes, and lips shine without overwhelming them with product.
The Minimalist Appeal
Sometimes, less is more. A natural makeup look is ideal for those who love minimalist beauty. It’s perfect for those days when you want to look polished but not overly made up.
Versatility and Everyday Wear
Whether it’s for a casual day at work, a coffee date, or a weekend brunch, the barely-there makeup look suits all occasions. It’s versatile, quick, and keeps you looking fresh all day.
Prepping Your Skin for a Natural Glow
Skincare as the Foundation of Makeup
The key to a flawless natural makeup look is well-prepped skin. No amount of makeup will look good if your skin isn’t in great condition.
Cleansing and Hydration
Always start with a good cleanser to remove impurities. Follow it up with a hydrating serum or moisturizer to plump the skin, providing a dewy base for your makeup.
Exfoliation and Smooth Texture
Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells. This helps your makeup glide on smoothly and prevents any dry patches.
Moisturizer and SPF Protection
Never skip moisturizer or SPF! Your skin needs hydration and sun protection, even when you’re going for a minimal look. A good SPF moisturizer doubles as both.
Choosing the Right Base for a Barely There Look
Lightweight Foundations and BB Creams
For a natural look, choose a lightweight foundation or BB cream that evens out your skin tone without looking heavy. These formulas give you a natural finish while letting your skin breathe.
Using Tinted Moisturizers for Sheer Coverage
Tinted moisturizers offer the best of both worlds: hydration and
sheer coverage. They blur imperfections without covering your skin, making them perfect for a “barely there” makeup look.
The Power of Concealer: Spot Treating Imperfections
Instead of applying a full layer of foundation, focus on concealing where needed. Use a lightweight concealer to cover blemishes, redness, or dark circles, and let the rest of your skin show through.
Natural Eye Makeup Essentials
Neutral Eyeshadows for Subtle Definition
When it comes to natural eye makeup, less is definitely more. Opt for neutral shades like taupes, soft browns, and peach tones to add a hint of definition to your eyes. Blend well for a seamless finish.
Eyeliner Tips for a Soft Look
If you want to add eyeliner, go for a soft brown or dark grey instead of black for a more natural effect. Tightlining (lining the upper waterline) will make your lashes look fuller without the heaviness of traditional liner.
Mascara or No Mascara?
The choice is yours! A coat or two of mascara can enhance your lashes, but if you’re aiming for an ultra-natural look, skip it. Alternatively, choose a brown mascara for a softer, barely-there finish.
Brows That Frame the Face
Grooming Your Brows for a Natural Shape
Well-groomed brows are essential for framing your face. Keep your natural brow shape, but tweeze or trim any stray hairs to maintain a clean look.
Filling in Sparsely with Soft Strokes
If your brows are a little sparse, use a brow pencil or powder that matches your natural hair color. Lightly fill in any gaps with soft, feathery strokes to mimic the look of real brow hairs.
The Brow Gel Trick
Set your brows in place with a clear or tinted brow gel to keep them looking polished all day long. This step also adds a touch of definition without the need for heavy products.
Blush and Bronzer for a Subtle Flush
Cream vs. Powder Blush: Which is Better for Natural Looks?
Cream blushes tend to blend seamlessly into the skin, giving a dewy, fresh-faced look. Powder blushes can work too, but cream formulas tend to look more natural for this type of makeup look.
Applying Bronzer for a Sun-Kissed Glow
To add a touch of warmth, apply bronzer sparingly to the areas where the sun naturally hits: your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Choose a shade that’s only one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone for a subtle, sun-kissed effect.
Lips: The Final Touch
Choosing Nude Shades for a Natural Pout
For a barely-there makeup look, nude lip colors are the way to go. Choose a shade that’s close to your natural lip color, but slightly enhanced. Think soft pinks, peaches, or nude beiges.
Lip Tints for a Natural Flush
Lip tints or balms offer a light wash of color while keeping your lips hydrated. They’re perfect for a natural look, giving just a hint of color without the weight of lipstick.
Setting Your Makeup Without the Cakey Look
Light-Setting Powders vs. Setting Sprays
A light dusting of translucent powder can help set your makeup without adding a cakey finish. For an even more natural look, opt for a setting spray, which locks in your makeup while maintaining a dewy finish.
Dewy Finish: How to Achieve a Glowing Look
To achieve a glowing, dewy finish, skip heavy powders and embrace illuminating sprays or cream-based products. These will help your skin look fresh and radiant all day long.
Mistakes to Avoid When Going for a Natural Look
Over-Applying Product
The key to a natural makeup look is restraint. Too much foundation, powder, or eyeshadow can quickly ruin the barely-there effect. Apply products lightly and build them up only where necessary.
Using the Wrong Shades
Choosing the wrong shades – especially for your foundation or concealer – can make even the lightest makeup look unnatural. Always match your makeup to your skin tone, and avoid shades that are too dark or too light.
Top Products for Achieving the Barely There Beauty Look
Best Brands for Natural Makeup
Brands like Glossier, RMS Beauty, and Ilia are known for their lightweight, natural formulas that are perfect for achieving a barely-there makeup look. They offer products that enhance your features without overpowering them.
Clean Beauty Products to Try
For those who prefer clean beauty, brands like Kosas and Tower 28 offer natural, non-toxic options. Their formulas are designed to be kind to your skin while delivering beautiful, natural results.
How to Transition from Day to Night with Natural Makeup
If you’re going from day to night, the natural makeup look can easily be amped up. Add a slightly darker shade to your crease, a bold lip, or an extra coat of mascara to enhance your look for an evening out without overdoing it.
Conclusion: Less is More
In the world of makeup, sometimes less really is more. A barely-there makeup look allows your natural beauty to shine through while giving you a polished, effortless appearance. By focusing on skin prep, lightweight products, and subtle enhancements, you can achieve a stunning, natural look that’s perfect for any occasion.
FAQs about the Natural Makeup Look
1. Can anyone pull off the barely-there makeup look?
Yes! The barely-there makeup look can be adapted for any skin type or tone. It’s all about choosing the right products that work for you.
2. How do I make my natural makeup last all day?
Prepping your skin with moisturizer and primer is key. Using a light-setting powder or spray can also help keep your makeup in place throughout the day.
3. Do I need to use foundation for a natural makeup look?
Not necessarily. If you have clear skin, you can skip foundation and opt for a tinted moisturizer or simply spot-conceal any imperfections.
4. Can I wear natural makeup to formal events?
Absolutely! You can enhance your natural look for formal events by adding a few extra touches, like a bolder lip or more defined eyes.
5. What’s the biggest mistake people make with natural makeup?
The biggest mistake is over-applying product. Always remember that the goal is to enhance your features, not cover them up.
