Pared-down makeup looks aimed at putting your best features on display are nothing new. By now, most of us have streamlined our routines to include products that work double duty, giving us glowy, healthy skin. Or we’ve found comfort in a no-makeup makeup routine that delivers a natural-looking yet flawlessly beat face. But the rise of minimal makeup brings something new to the table. Sure, the focus is still on enhancing your best features. However, as celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty states, it’s about choosing products that bring them out naturally rather than changing them. The Hollywood set has given minimal makeup its stamp of approval, with celebs like Pamela Anderson, Alicia Keys, Demi Moore and others showcasing that less can truly be more when it comes to makeup. Below, three makeup artists share their insights and top tips for creating an effortless, minimal makeup look.
Featured experts
- Kirin Bhatty is a celebrity makeup artist
- Hannah Jaclyn is a celebrity makeup artist
- Christian Briceno is a celebrity makeup artist
Minimal makeup vs. no-makeup makeup
“Minimal makeup as an aesthetic that focuses on simplicity and efficiency—think clean skin and attention to one focal point, either a beautiful lip color, eyes or blush,” says celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno. He explains that the look is achieved with very few products and is practical for people on the go or those who don’t want to spend loads of time doing their makeup. Despite sounding similar, the experts note that these two styles are not the same. “Minimal makeup takes a less-is-more approach to makeup application and uses products that enhance your features, giving you a polished and put-together look,” says Bhatty. While no-makeup makeup also yields a polished appearance, Briceno notes that its focus is to create the illusion of bare, flawless skin, but it often uses more products than you’d think. While no-makeup makeup looks effortless, it’s really the result of various blending skills and application techniques.
How to do minimal makeup
Great makeup begins with good skin care, and that goes tenfold for minimal makeup. “Enriching ingredients, such as Vitamin C and peptides, can give your skin a natural glow while hydrating serums and moisturizers keep it from appearing dull,” says Briceno. Your makeup application should have a similar approach, using lightweight products that enhance your natural features. “Reach for creams or liquids over powders, and apply small amounts with your fingers to really press them into the skin. Using fewer products also means you won’t have to worry about it settling into fine lines or moving throughout the day,” says celebrity makeup artist Hannah Jaclyn. The rest of your makeup should fall in line with your base and appear natural. A pop of blush on the cheeks, curled lashes accented with a lengthening mascara and a touch of color on the lips complement the skin without overwhelming it. Taking minimal makeup from day to night is also a cinch. If you want to amplify your look, Briceno suggests choosing one accent feature and playing up the drama.
Makeup artist-approved products for minimal makeup
