How to master the no-makeup makeup trend that's all over the red carpet
As far as makeup looks are concerned, there's one makeup trend (that should be 'easy' but really isn't) that still leaves us stumped: no-makeup makeup.
With an undeniably light-handed approach, no-makeup makeup requires expert application, and the foresight to know when enough is enough. Alas, we’ve always struggled with putting down our makeup brushes and stepping away from the mirror in time.
And now that celebrities like Zendaya, Alexa Demie, Sabrina Carpenter and Gabbriette have adopted the trend for red carpet events, we're really feeling the pressure to get the makeup technique down once and for all.
That’s why we’ve employed the help of professionals — Christina Sikalias (makeup artist and founder of Christina Sikalias Beauty) and James Vivian (Dermal Clinician and founder of Viviology) — to guide us through the process and master the elusive technique once and for all.
1/
Prep with fast-absorbing skin care
When it comes to applying ingredients to the skin prior to makeup application, it’s about striking the right balance, says James Vivian. The key is allowing your skin to shine without disrupting your makeup.
Locking in lightweight, hydrating and vitamin-rich serums like Viviology's Vitamin C Serum ($59 from Adore Beauty) with a deeply penetrating moisturiser (that doesn't leave behind a residue) will provide the perfect canvas.
"Creams or oils rich in essential fatty acids are great if you’re wanting a very light makeup coverage," Vivian advises.
"Drier skin types may want to use a thicker formulation and allow some time for it to penetrate before applying makeup, whereas combination to oily skin types might opt for a two in one moisturiser and SPF to skip a step — or simply allow your serums to form the base," he explains.
It’s also essential to exfoliate to smooth texture and ensure your makeup sits nicely on the skin — just don't overdo it, says Vivian.
Image credit: @anatakahashiii
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Start with a luminous base
After you've prepped your skin with an emollient moisturiser to smooth, soften and hydrate, Christina Sikalias recommends applying an illuminating primer with subtle pearls in it like Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Blur Primer ($92 from Adore Beauty).
"This will add that lit from within glow and make you look extra hydrated," she tells BEAUTYcrew.
As for foundation? Sikalias recommends sticking to cream or liquid formulations, which you can sheer out with a moisturiser for a more natural finish, like Victoria Beckham's viral Foundation Drops ($185 from Victoria Beckham Beauty)
"It'll dial down the coverage and give skin a dewier [look]," she says.
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Spot conceal any blemishes or redness
Sikalias prefers a light hand when it comes to achieving flawless skin, spot concealing blemishes and redness with a sheer formula like Glossier's Stretch Balm Concealer ($41 from Glossier), in lieu of heavier products.
"If you have dark circles, however I suggest patting it in with your finger," says Sikalias. "Then finish off with a light dusting of translucent powder in your T- zone."
4/
Brush up the brows with a clear brow gel
"Brushing up the brows with a clear brow gel makes the biggest difference for no-makeup makeup looks," says Sikalias.
Why? Well it makes your brows look fuller without needing to fill them in with a pencil, she explains. "[Eyebrow pencils] can appear heavy when paired with light makeup." Trust us, try Diorshow On Set Brow ($52 from Dior) instead.
Image credit: @ernestocasillas
5/
Use cream blush instead of powder
Sikalias recommends reaching for a cream blush instead of powder to get a natural-looking glow that adds to your no-makeup makeup look.
Alternatively, if you’re confident with a liquid blush, that can work well too. Although personally we've been loving the velatura inspired soft veil of colour that Violette_FR's Plume Blush ($56 from MECCA) provides.
5/
Use a darker foundation to contour
"I like to use a darker foundation to contour rather than a bronzing powder," Sikalias admits.
"It'll add definition without too much striping or streaking, so that you can add shadows that look natural and seamless," she explains.
We recommend using a foundation stick two to three shades darker than your typical foundation shade for best results — personally we like Merit's The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick ($63 from Merit Beauty) for such a task.
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Use a bronzer to create a soft natural eye
A wash of bronzing powder like Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Bronzer ($90 from Charlotte Tilbury) across the lid can create the perfect shadow for a soft and natural eye look, Sikalias shares.
"Sweep it over the whole lid and then add a little more into the socket," she advises. "It’s a soft look that adds natural definition."
Image credit: @cgonzalezbeauty
7/
A subtle glossy lip is best
A lip gloss is the final step in completing your natural-looking makeup look, explains Sikalias.
"[It'll keep] your lips looking and feeling moisturised all day long, [and] a subtle glossy lip goes perfectly with a fresh, dewy, hydrated look," she tells us. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to put Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Lip Oil Stick ($45 from Sephora) to the test.
9/
Refresh and reset your makeup with a face mist
A hydrating mist can be a great way to reinvigorate one's makeup look, just make sure you don't use too much, or you'll risk your makeup running down your face, says Vivian.
It'll minimise the need to reapply or touch up your makeup throughout the day too. Plus, it doesn't matter how many times you spritz — it'll never look heavy or caked-on. However, if you have oilier skin, we recommend sticking to mattifying formulas that help to reduce shine like the Hourglass Veil™ Soft Focus Setting Spray ($73 from Hourglass).
Image credit: @charlotte_prevel
We're paring everything back in 2026. Case in point? The bare manicure is the definitive nail trend of the year.
Main image credit: @ernestocasillas
Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).
