No Makeup Makeup
2020 was the year I learned to become comfortable in my skin.
I’ve been wearing a full face of makeup since I was a freshman in high school, buying Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse from Target. I’ve evolved a bit since then but my biggest change came this past year when the pandemic hit and I found myself working from home. Last March, my routine completely changed. I seriously paired down my look in favor of less or no makeup. Now, I’m so used to seeing my skin, I’ve more fully embraced my imperfections. Yes, there are still some days l struggle with this. I have adult acne and am starting to notice more dark spots and wrinkles, but I’ve also grown to recognize those imperfections as part of who I am and I’m more okay with that now than I’ve ever been.
Below is my lineup to create the perfect no-makeup makeup look. This has been my go-to during most of my work-from-home time. I love 1) how quick it is to apply and 2) how natural it feels and looks. There are still days I like to do more but only because I want to, not because I have to.
Goop Genes All-in-Once Nourishing Face Cream - I get it, Goop is a bit controversial BUT, I got this cream shortly after it came out a few months back, and let me tell you, it works. I was starting to notice some wrinkles in my forehead (thanks, 2020) so I panic bought this and was thankfully not disappointed. My husband even noticed that my skin looked tighter after just one week. This also works as a great base for this look, it's hydrating but not greasy and it lasts all day. That’s a win for me.
Poppy & Pout Marshmallow Creme Lip Balm - I cannot start any makeup look without hydrated lips. I found Poppy & Pout in Santa Fe this last year at the cutest little boutique. While I’ll admit I was initially sold because it was Marshmallow scented (which is legit by the way), it works great too and the plastic-free packaging is also a huge bonus.
Saie Glowy Super Gel - This is my absolute must for the no-makeup makeup look. I don’t quite know how to describe it since there’s nothing else like it on the market. I will say, it's super light, does not stain or have any sort of pigment, it just gives a really solid glow. I love how it acts as a base and allows everything else to just melt together seamlessly, all while keeping me looking hydrated and dewy but very naturally.
Chantecaille Real Skin + Eye and Face Stick - When doing a light makeup look, it's important to pick the right concealer. I use this to cover up dark circles and any other annoying spots. I love the fact that the creamy texture blends well with my other products and creates a seamlessly natural look where I need it. I also love the tube it comes in, making it quick and easy to apply.
Saie Brow Butter - I’m picky about my brows, they are naturally very faint so any application too heavy just doesn’t vibe. This brow butter is the most natural-looking brow product I’ve tried and I’m hooked. It’s a bit fibrous, adding just the right amount of texture and color without looking like I painted on my brows.
Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara - I’m usually very disloyal to mascaras. I feel like new products are coming out all the time that claim to be better than the last. I will say however, I’m pretty happy with this one. The brush is dual-sided so you have options. Also, the formula doesn’t flake which is fantastic. I might just stick with this one until the next best thing arrives.
Ilia Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil - I’m a tough critic of lip products. I have naturally dry lips so I’m super picky about what I use. I find that most lip products tend to fall short of their promises. Either the product is super drying, and/or the pigment is barely there or doesn’t last. Well, I can vouch for this one. I don’t know that this hydrates my lips but it doesn’t dry them out which is great and you get the glossy look without the gross stickiness. Bonus, it also works as a blush!
RMS Living Luminizer - An old favorite, this has been a staple of mine for years and it's not going anywhere. I love finishing a look with a bit of this natural highlight applied to targeted areas. This looks great on no makeup or a full face, giving just the right amount of healthy highlight.
