The ultimate guide to the no-makeup look

To help your inner beauty shine and accentuate your gorgeous features, IT Cosmetics has compiled the ultimate guide to mastering the clean girl, minimal-makeup look.

It’s all about that base

Your base is the literal foundation of your routine, and for the no-makeup makeup look you need a light, low coverage product. The T-Zone should be the focal area, as it’s where you may need a touch of colour correction or control over an oily shine. 

CC Cream is the best for this type of coverage as these are most likely to contain SPF, which is vital for protecting the skin from sun damage. 

But how do you perfect that base?   Josie recommends using a hydrating primer before applying any other products: “I love using a hydrating cream before I apply any makeup as it can prime the skin and add a layer of moisture before you get started.”

When your skin is prepped: “Apply coverage to the areas of concern first, which is normally more towards the center of your face where you may have some redness, then the cheeks.” Once you’ve got the main areas perfected, Josie says to “sheer the rest of the product where there is little need for coverage”.

If you are using a foundation, using a synthetic buffing foundation brush will give you more control over your application.

Top Tip: Press a dab or your primer or hydrating serum onto your skin after applying your makeup for a refreshing glow

Give the cheeks some glow

The cheeks are one of Josie’s key focus areas for nailing the no-makeup makeup look, as they “add a pop of colour and accentuate and highlight the cheekbones”.

Finding the right shade of blusher can be a tricky task, especially when you want to keep it subtle. Fear not though, as Josie has outlined the best shades of blush for your skin tone. 

• Fair to Light tones – Pinks
• Medium to Tan tones – Melon & Coral 
• Rich to Deep tones – Mauves & Rose

 Top Tip: Apply your blusher alongside the area where you apply your bronzer, for that extra lift. 

A highlighter is also key for creating a natural glow, however how do we correctly apply it? 

Josie says: “Highlighter should be placed where the light would naturally hit and reflect off your skin – horizontally across the forehead, vertically down the nose, high above the cheek bone, on top of the cupids bow of your lip and down the center of your chin.”

Accentuate the eyes

Less is more when it comes to getting the clean girl aesthetic. But how do you accentuate your eyes while keeping it subtle? 

You may be pleased to hear, eyeliner isn’t completely off the cards - however the trick is to avoid harsh lines: “Smudging eye liner out immediately after applying will help you to achieve a more natural, softer look.”

Creating length and definition through curling your lashes is also a sure-fire way to achieving elevated, natural looking eyelashes. 

Although mascara might seem like a no-no, Josie reassures that using a small amount of mascara is okay, especially if it contains a conditioning serum, stating: “Not only does this type of mascara enhance your natural lashes, but it also treats your lashes to help prevent fall out and supports stronger lash growth.”

Top Tip: Josie suggests using a bronzer on your eyelids instead of eyeshadow. She says: “Gently sweep a little colour onto the center of your eyelids to enhance the natural shape of your eyes.”

Fluff up the brows

From bold and untamed like Cara Delavigne to plucked and preened like Pamela Anderson, brows have been a hot topic over the last decade. Brow politics aside, we asked Josie how she would advise grooming and defining your brows, whilst maintaining a natural look:   

“Brow pencil is great. My all-time favourite is the IT Cosmetics Brow Power pencil because the shade is universal, and the product itself is infused with condition treatments to support the health of your brows, so always looks for this when choosing a product.” 

“The more pressure you apply will determine your shade, so when applied lightly, you can achieve a very natural look. It’s always a good idea to use a grooming brush afterwards, too, to help keep brows looking neat.”

Top Tip: Use a clear brow gel after application to help keep your brows in place

Light on the lips

There are 9.2K monthly searches for ‘lip gloss’ in Australia, with a 57% increase over the last year, further highlighting the movement from bold matte lipsticks to clear high shine products.    

Dewy, wet-look lips are the perfect way to complete the no-makeup look, with Josie opting for a balm to get that natural finish.

“A balm is best for a no-makeup look – I love creating my own blush using a clear lip balm and mixing it with a tiny bit of blush so my lips and cheeks match.”

But what if you want to match up your lip shade with your skin tone? “Choose a lip color that is most naturally like your own lip shade and then pop on a clear gloss on top “

Top Tip: Josie says she always applies eye cream to her lips day and night to help them stay hydrated.