Whether you’re a makeup newbie or just don’t like to wear a ton of makeup, creating a low-key makeup look can be difficult. You may not know what products to start with, how to use them to create your look, or even where to get them! Well, fret no more. We’ve compiled a list of the perfect products that collegiettes love for their “no-makeup” makeup look.
1. Clinique Super City Block ($25 at Sephora)
First up, we’re keeping it nice and simple. Sierra Claire, LMU senior says, “I am not really a makeup person and never have time, so I usually wear Clinique City Block because it’s a foundation and sunscreen in one!”
We love a good sunscreen because it’s an essential element in keeping your skin safe! Even if it’s cloudy, SPF is a must. This foundation is great to sweep on real quick before starting the day. Pair it with a little mascara or by itself and you’re good to go.
2. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara ($23 at Sephora)
A lot of the time, all we need is a good swipe of mascara to brighten up our eyes for the day. Too Faced’s ‘Better Than Sex’ mascara truly lives up to its name. It makes eyelashes look amazing and lasts all day long.
Micki Wagner, a senior at University of Missouri – Columbia, has “been really into the low-key makeup look for awhile now.” She says, “I usually use mascara, concealer, a brow pencil and some lip gloss.”
That might seem like a lot, but the mascara is the main focus here. Mascara is like the cherry on top to any look, so it’s a great way to swipe and go.
3. L’Oréal Infallible Pro Glow Concealer ($10 at Ulta)
As Micki mentioned above, she uses concealer in her low-key look. Concealer is a great way to hide under-eye bags (because we all know how little sleep college kids get sometimes) or cover up blemishes. L’oréal’s Pro Glow concealer is great because not only do you get great coverage, but it gives skin that dewy glow look. Everyone loves a natural glow.
4. Glossier Boy Brow ($16 at Glossier)
Another product that is amazing on its own is a brow gel or pencil. Glossier’s Boy Brow comes in Blonde, Brown, Black and Clear so you can get those brows in formation! Ellie Lauthner, a sophomore at Portland State University, lives by Glossier. She says “This stuff has literally changed the ENTIRE game. I am never going back to my pre-glossier days.”
Now that you have the product, you definitely want to get the shape down. Unsure of how to shape your brows? Follow the natural curve and arch of your brow and then pluck around the shape to your desired level of thickness.
5. Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm ($5 at Maybelline)
Keeping your lips hydrated is an important step in any beauty routine. Baby Lips has been around for years and is a cult favorite! They come in all different colors, from clear to bright pink and deep red or peach. Ally Cumiford, a freshman at Oregon Health and Science University, exclaims she “loves Baby Lips because they keep my lips moisturized through a long night shift. It’s also the perfect lip tint when I don’t want to wear any other makeup.”
The best part is that Baby Lips has a clinical care formula to improve the health of your lips and keep them moisturized for eight hours. That’ll last you all day!
6. NYX Professional Makeup HD Blush ($7 at Ulta)
Blush is wonderful for brightening up the face and adding a nice pop of color. It’s a little bit quicker than applying a face full of foundation, so if speed is important in your routine, reach for that little brush of color. Pro tip: your go-to blush shade is the color that your face turns when you’re cold or, well, blushing.
7. Maybelline Master Chrome Highlighter ($10 at Maybelline)
Highlighter can sometimes be the highlight of your day. Puns aside, highlighter can add a really fun glow to your look. Even if it’s a low-key look, a little sprinkle of highlighter can kick things up a notch! Especially in a color like Molten Rose Gold, people will be saying “highlight on fleek”
Hopefully this compiled product list helps create a low-key look for a “no-makeup” makeup routine. If you want to get even fancier in your look, try combining a few of these products, like foundation, blush and mascara or concealer, brows and highlight. The possibilities are endless and everyone will be asking what products you used!