I Woke Up This Way

Recently, the mainstream beauty industry has shifted from heavily pigmented cosmetics and thick foundations to embracing a more natural glow. This no-makeup movement is fantastic for those of us who love the effortless, fresh-faced look!

Achieving that “I woke up like this” radiant appearance may require a bit of effort, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. Here’s a guide to help you create that natural glow.

The Return of Natural Beauty

Nav Uppal, a makeup artist based in Vancouver, confirms the increasing popularity of the no-makeup look. “Many of my clients adore the ‘no makeup’ makeup style, as do I,” she shares. “Most makeup artists will tell you that this look is one of the toughest to master, as it involves making makeup look like skin.”

Prioritize Skincare

“For anyone looking to achieve this look, the foundation of great makeup is great skincare,” advises Uppal. “By taking care of your skin, applying makeup becomes so much easier!”

A straightforward skincare routine with products from natural health stores will help create a flawless base.

Serum

Facial serums are concentrated and target specific skin concerns, making them essential in your skincare arsenal. Look for powerful ingredients in natural formulations such as licorice for evening skin tone, vitamin C for anti-aging, and willow bark for acne. A little goes a long way with serums!

Moisturizer

No matter your skin type, moisturizing is crucial, and there’s a suitable product for everyone. Those with oily skin may prefer a lightweight moisturizer, while those with dry skin may need a heavier cream. A great moisturizer can even enhance your skin’s youthful appearance.

Incorporating eye creams into your daily skincare routine is also beneficial. These are specifically formulated for the delicate skin around your eyes and often contain soothing ingredients like cucumber and green tea.

Sunscreen

We’ve all heard it before: sunscreen is a daily necessity. It protects against harmful rays that can lead to skin cancer and help prevent premature aging. Rather than relying on high SPF levels, opt for SPF 30 and remember to reapply every two hours for best results.

“Investing in skincare, especially SPF, is protecting that investment,” notes Uppal. “Many clients are unaware of the need for reapplication—it’s astonishing! Typically, sunscreen only lasts you about one and a half to two hours.”

Mineral sunscreens made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are among the safest and healthiest choices available.

Primer

For those with oily skin, keeping makeup in place can be a challenge, especially by the afternoon. Primers are ideal for ensuring your makeup doesn’t budge. Look for a natural primer packed with antioxidants and skin-loving vitamins, while avoiding artificial preservatives that may disrupt hormones.

Essential No-Makeup Kit

These minimalist makeup options complete your natural look.

Foundation Alternatives

To achieve a natural appearance, skip heavy foundations in favor of lightweight tinted moisturizers, BB (beauty balm) creams, or CC (color correcting) creams. A light sprinkle of mineral powder can finish off your look. Both BB and CC creams function similarly to light foundations but offer additional benefits such as smoothing and enhancing radiance.

If you’re concerned about using powder due to dry skin, Uppal suggests mixing a mineral facial powder with organic facial oil, like 100 percent argan oil.

“This technique can also benefit those with normal to oily skin, creating a beautiful ‘lit from within’ effect,” Uppal remarks.

Natural Mascara

For a soft, subtle enhancement to your eyes, choose a brown or soft black mascara instead of a bold smoky eye. Ideally, look for a product that focuses on lengthening rather than adding volume.

Tinted Lip Balm

Last but not least, add a natural tinted lip balm to your lips. Available in numerous shades, these balms provide a subtle pop of color that complements your natural lip tone. Many natural options feature nourishing ingredients like beeswax or coconut oil.

Is a Makeup-Free Life Right for You?

While the no-makeup look involves some makeup, a number of people are choosing to skip cosmetics altogether to improve their skin. Variations of this trend include the “5:2 skin diet,” where makeup is worn five days a week followed by a two-day “fast,” and the more extreme “caveman regimen,” where no skincare practices are followed at all.

What do dermatologists say about makeup? Generally, they recommend taking a break from cosmetics at least once a week to allow your skin to “breathe,” and this is particularly important for acne-prone skin. They also emphasize the importance of regular cleansing and moisturizing.

Understanding Your Skin Type

Nav Uppal’s top tip for selecting skincare and makeup products is knowing your skin type (dry, normal, combination, or oily) and choosing products accordingly.

To determine your skin type, try this easy method: cleanse your face and wait for 10 to 15 minutes without applying any serums or moisturizers. How your skin feels or looks after this waiting period will help you identify your skin type:

• If your skin feels tight, you have dry skin.
• If it feels oily, you have oily skin.
• If it feels oily in the t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) but dry elsewhere, you have combination skin.
• If it feels comfortable all over, you have normal skin.