If we want to move past the fiery TikTok trends like Cherry Cola and Latte Makeup, it’s not a bad idea to take a step back into something simpler and timeless. And right now, nothing is hotter than the classic “No Makeup” trend, which has completely taken over TikTok feeds. In fact, the hashtag #nomakeuplook has racked up more than 226 million views at the time of writing!
As you probably know, the fashion industry always runs one step ahead of the seasons. That’s why spring collections start hitting the runway before winter even arrives, and makeup looks shift with every event to reflect the mood of the coming season.
Spring usually calls for a soft, fresh look that makes your skin appear clear and glowing — a vibe that highlights your natural beauty rather than covering it up. And that’s exactly where the “No Makeup” trend comes in. For this article, we tapped into insights from several natural beauty experts including Sheena Zadeh-Daly (founder of Kosas), Michele Gough Baril (founder of Iris & Romeo), and seasoned makeup artist Rebecca Restrepo, who shared their go-to tips for nailing this look.
According to Rebecca Restrepo:
This look is easy, quick, simple, and comfortable — but still beautiful, fresh, and full of energy. The funny contradiction about “no makeup makeup” is that yes, you’re still wearing makeup — but it’s supposed to look completely natural.
Celebrity makeup artist Lisa G Artistry adds:
Pulling off a no-makeup look takes a certain skill — the challenge is making it not look like makeup at all. Because let’s be real, we all want flawless, glowing skin, not just skin that looks “healthy enough.”
In this way, the look is very similar to light makeup, which we’ve covered before, with the main difference being just how “natural” the final result appears.
At its core, healthy, natural-looking skin depends on three things:
- Water for hydration
- Fats (like fatty acids and ceramides) to lock in moisture
- Protection against environmental stressors (like sun and pollution)
When your skin is healthy and hydrated, it reflects light beautifully and hides imperfections. That’s why heavy concealers and full-coverage foundations are rarely part of the no-makeup routine.
Steps to Achieve the No Makeup Look
The good news? Pulling off a no-makeup makeup look only takes a few steps and some quality products!
Exfoliation & Skin Protection
Step one: gently exfoliate. Over time, layering products and creams can leave your skin feeling heavy or congested. Every so often, give your skin a good cleanse — think two or three steps using micellar water, oil cleansers, or cleansing gels.
After cleansing, move on to light, natural products like hydrating serums and sunscreen. The goal is clear: protect your skin from dryness and UV rays. Just make sure to avoid tinted products here — you want your final look to be as close to your natural skin texture as possible.
Primer
Your primer should enhance your skin’s glow, not mute it. Go for clear or semi-transparent primers. Multi-tasking primers that blur pores can also work, but steer clear of anything too tinted — you don’t want uneven color patches standing out against your natural skin.
Eyes
Once your primer is set, focus on neat brows. For lashes, a light coat of mascara can go a long way in enhancing what you already have without looking “done up.”
Lips
For lips, hydration is key. A simple balm or gloss is enough to keep them soft and natural. Lipstick is only an option if it matches the natural shade of your lips.
The real secret to no-makeup makeup is multipurpose use. For example, if you do want a hint of blush, you can mix a tiny amount into your lip balm for a cohesive look. You can even dab blush on your eyelids or use highlighter in the inner corners of your eyes for subtle brightness.
