Effortless Elegance: Mastering Soft Natural Makeup Looks for Everyday Charm
Alyssia Chang
- Published
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
Seeking a makeup style that highlights your natural beauty without the heavy-handed look of too many products?
Soft natural makeup is your answer, offering a gentle enhancement to your features, perfect for everyday wear.
In this step-by-step guide, we dive into the essential products and techniques—from selecting the right foundation to perfecting a subtle lip color—that will help you achieve a fresh, effortlessly beautiful appearance any day of the week!
Key Takeaways
Discover your perfect foundation skin, be it BB cream, tinted moisturizer, liquid foundation, or mineral powder, to create a flawless canvas that feels just right for your skin.
Conceal, perfect, and set for an impeccable complexion with lightweight concealers, targeted blemish coverage, and a touch of setting powder to lock in that understated elegance.
Highlight and contour with a gentle touch, using soft shades and blending seamlessly for that natural, lifted look that enhances your features without the drama.
Choosing the Right Foundation
Ever wondered how celebrities achieve that flawless, glowing skin? The secret lies in choosing the right foundation! This is the first step in achieving a soft natural makeup look and enhancing your overall glow. We recommend the following skin base formulas depending on your lifestyle:
BB Creams.
Tinted Moisturizers.
Liquid Foundations.
Foundation Powders.
There’s a product out there that’ll help you create the perfect canvas for your makeup look, thanks to its personalized benefits and textures.
BB Creams and Tinted Moisturizers
BB creams and tinted moisturizers are your best friends if you’re aiming for a lightweight texture that is quick to apply, smooths out the complexion, conceals imperfections, comes in all types of coverages, and hydrates your skin with a sheer and natural finish.
Applying these products with your fingers, a brush, or a beauty blender ensures that the product melts evenly into your skin, giving you a smooth and even coverage that enhances the natural radiance of your skin.
Brands like Chantecaille, Jouer Cosmetics, Maybelline, Charlotte Tilbury, ILIA Beauty, Saie, and Dr. Jart+ offer a range of products that can help you achieve a radiant and natural makeup look.
Liquid Foundations
When it comes to liquid foundations, the key is to find the one that matches your skin needs — such as coverage, color, skincare benefits, skin type, and the environment that you’ll be in.
Once you’ve identified the brand that resonates with you, us makeup artists recommend testing the foundation on your jawline or the side of your face for the best foundation color match.
If you’re super tanned on your body and not your face, match the foundation on your tanned shoulders or chest where the tan color is most even. Especially if your skin on your body is being reveled. That way your face and neck blend flawlessly and is the same color as the rest of your body!
And remember, if you’re aiming for full coverage with soft, baby-like skin, and a no cakey effect — start with exfoliated, well-moisturized, and primed skin. Use less product while building and blending the product thoroughly to achieve a flawless natural skin look.
Foundation Powders
If you’re a fan of a soft, matte finish, foundation powders are your go-to! They offer customizable coverage that lets you control the finish you desire. Apply it with a powder brush in sweeping motions downwards for a seamless blend into your skin.
Now a days, foundation powder makeup comes in all types of finishes and coverage levels. Make sure to pick one that you choose one that is suitable for your skin type. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, there’s a face powder out there for you!
Perfecting Your Complexion
With our foundation in place, it’s time to refine our complexion. Devil’s in the details right?
This step involves concealing under-eye circles, covering blemishes, and applying setting powder. By mastering these steps, you’ll be able to achieve a flawless complexion that screams natural beauty. And don’t worry, we’ve got professional beauty tips to help you along the way!
Under-Eye Concealing and Blemish Coverage
Under-eye circles and blemishes can be a real pain, but with the right concealer, they’ll be a thing of the past. Here are some tips for choosing the right concealer:
Opt for a lightweight concealer such as HOUSE LABS BY LADY GAGA Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating + De-puffing Concealer that matches your skin tone and meets your dark circle needs.
If you’re planning to purchase concealer to brighten the under eye, use an eye brightener or lighter concealer shade after evening out the complexion.
If you have discoloration under skin, look for a color corrector to neutralize the unwanted shade such as peach or bisque undertone. For darker skin, an orange undertone works best.
To apply, simply fill the under eye area starting where the darkness is the deepest then blending upwards towards your lash line.
Less is more! A lot of concealer struggles: such as enhanced wrinkles, skin texture, settling into the skin, moving, can be fixed with applying a lot LESS product. Concealer is meant to conceal and hide, it is a pigmented micro-dose of color to hide what you don’t want to see. Start with the tiniest bit of product then lightly build it to your skin needs.
This not only brightens your under-eye area but also creates a lifted appearance and provides a more even-toned finish. It’s a simple trick that can make a world of difference, especially when applied to the inner corner and outer corners of your eyes.
Setting Powder Application
To lock in your makeup, avoid product build up in skin texture, and control shine, setting powder is your secret makeup weapon.
Loose setting powders like Anastasia Beverly Hills Loose Setting Powder and compact LYS Beauty’s Triple Fix Setting Powder sets your makeup without leaving it looking heavy, cakey, or dry. To apply, use a large, fluffy makeup brush for a light, even distribution, or a damp makeup sponge for areas you want to set or highlight.
Enhancing Your Features with Subtle Contouring and Highlighting
The magic of makeup lies in its ability to enhance our natural features. And what better way to do this than with subtle shading, contouring, and highlighting? This step involves using soft contouring techniques, natural highlighting tips, and blending methods to achieve a seamless finish that screams natural beauty.
Soft Contouring Techniques
Contouring doesn’t always have to be dramatic. For a natural look, opt for shades that are 2-3 shades darker than your skin tone and have a similar undertone.
Apply it on the left and right sides of your face, tracing down the hair line, by your ears, and all the way down to your jaw line.
Avoid the hollows of your cheeks, instead blending the product downwards to lift the center color of your skin and add a natural shade. This Korean contouring method will give your skin the soft natural feels without the muddy streaks!
Natural Highlighting Tips
When it comes to highlighting, think dewy and natural. Creamy highlighters like Pai Skincare The Impossible Glow and VIEVE Skin Dew offer a beautiful, second-skin finish.
Apply the formula to the high points of your face where light naturally hits, such as the cheekbones, jawline, cupid’s bow, brow bone, the center of the bottom lip, and lower chin. This technique not only illuminates your face but also gives the appearance of a more even-toned and youthful look.
Blending for a Seamless Finish
A flawless makeup look is all about blending. Whether you’re contouring, highlighting, or doing both, using the right tools like Trish McEvoy #65 Angled Contour Brush and of course the classic Beautyblender, and employing a stippling motion during application and blending, ensures a more natural, integrated look.
So say goodbye to harsh lines and hello to a soft look, seamless finish with a quick pop of our product.
Creating a Fresh, Radiant Glow
Now that we’ve got our base makeup sorted, it’s time to add some color! This section is all about creating a fresh, radiant glow on your cheeks. Whether you’re a fan of blush, bronzer, or a combination of both, we’ve got tips and tricks to help you achieve that natural, sun-kissed glow you’re after.
Choosing the Right Blush Shade
Finding the right blush shade can transform your makeup game. The secret is to select colors that enhance the natural flush of your cheeks and harmonize with your skin tone.
If you have fair or light skin, opt for soft pink, peach, or light coral. Medium skin tones can go for rich mauve, deep peach, or warm brown. For darker skin tones, deep fuchsia, warm brown, or tangerine can work wonders.
If you pinch your cheeks without makeup, your cheeks will turn into your natural blush cheek shade. Try to apply blush color and mimic that color of your cheeks so that you look naturally flushed.
Don’t be afraid to have a few blush colors to switch up your makeup looks with, the trick? Have fun, layer shades, and always start with thin layers!
Applying Bronzer for a Sun-Kissed Look
Bronzer is the best transition makeup product when it comes to achieving a sun-kissed look with an even skin base. Whether you’re looking to add depth to your natural skin tone or create a faux tan, the right bronzer can work wonders. Just remember to apply it sparingly for a subtle, natural look.
Soft Eye Makeup Techniques
Next, we will focus on the eyes, often referred to as the windows to the soul. Whether you’re a fan of neutral eyeshadow palettes, smudging eyeliner, or fluttery mascara, we’ve got tips to help you create a soft, natural eye makeup look that enhances your natural beauty.
Neutral Eyeshadow Palettes
Neutral eyeshadow palettes are a staple in any makeup kit. They’re perfect for creating a range of looks, from subtle to dramatic, and they complement any skin tone. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be used for both day and night makeup looks.
So whether you’re off to work or a night out, a neutral eyeshadow palette has you covered.
Smudging Eyeliner for a Diffused Effect
Eyeliner doesn’t always have to be sharp and precise. In fact, for a soft, natural look, smudging your eyeliner along the lower lash line can create a soft, diffused effect. This technique is perfect for those who want to subtly define their eyes without looking too made up.
Fluttery Mascara Application
Last but not least, let’s not forget the lashes. Fluffy lashes can add the finishing touch to any makeup look, making your eyes appear larger and more awake. And the best part? You can achieve this look with just a few coats of volumizing, non-clumping mascara.
So whether you’re going for a natural daytime look or a more glamorous evening look, wispy lashes are a must for achieving that soft glam style.
Perfecting Soft, Natural Lips
We will now focus on the lips, the final touch to any makeup look. Whether you prefer a subtle nude or a bold red, the right lip color can enhance your natural beauty and tie your whole look together. And the best part? It’s easier than you might think.
From selecting the right lip colors to defining your lips with liner and adding that perfect shine with gloss, we’ve got all the tips you need to perfect those soft, natural lips.
Selecting Lip Colors
Choosing the right lip color is crucial to achieving a soft, natural makeup look. Whether you prefer a peach, nude, rosy pink, or deep berry lip, the key is to choose a color that complements your skin tone, your outfit, and enhances your natural lip color. And remember, the best lip color for everyday wear is the one that is one or two shades deeper than your natural lip color.
Defining Lips with Liner
A lip liner can be a game-changer when it comes to defining your lips. It not only outlines your lips but also creates the illusion of fuller, more defined lips. And the best part? You can achieve this look with a lip liner that matches your natural lip color or skin tone.
Adding Shine with Lip Oil, Gloss, or Juicy Lip Tint
Last but not least, let’s add some optional lip shine.
Glowing lip products are the perfect way to add a touch of glam and keep the lips look soft to match your natural makeup look. From clear glosses to tinted ones, there’s many amazing juicy options out there for every preference.
Effortless Brows
The brows should not be overlooked. Whether you’re blessed with naturally full brows or need a little help in the brow department, the right products and techniques can help you achieve effortless, natural-looking brows. From choosing the right brow product to filling in sparse areas and taming brows with gel or soap, we’ve got all the tips you need to perfect those effortless brows:
Choosing the Right Brow Product
Brow Gel: Clear brow gel is like hairspray for your brows. It’s perfect for taming unruly hairs and keeping them in place all day. Are you a side sleeper? Then your one brow crunched will love you for applying this product! It doesn’t add color or fill in sparse areas, but it gives your brows a neat, well-groomed appearance and can be used with other brow products or alone. Our favorite is Anastasia Beverly Hills Medium Hold Clear Brow Gel for it’s moldable texture and non-sticky feeling.
Tinted Brow Gel: Tinted brow gel works similarly to clear brow gel, but with the added bonus of color or fibers to make the brows thicker. It’s ideal for enhancing the natural color of your brows, making them appear fuller and more defined. It’s a great choice if you want to add some depth and volume to your brows, or if you just want to have nice brows in 3 seconds! Try TOM FORD
Fiber Brow Gel for a stunning thickness and color.Brow Pencil: Brow pencils are perfect for filling in sparse areas and defining the shape of your brows. They allow for precision, so you can create hair-like strokes for a natural look. Choose a color that matches your natural brow color or hair color for the best results. Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Brow Harmony Precision Eyebrow Pencil makes amazing brow pencils that stay on and blend!
Brow Powder: Brow powder is great for creating a soft, natural look. It fills in sparse areas without looking too harsh or drawn-on. Use an angled brush to apply the powder in light, feathery strokes. Brow powder is a good choice if you want a beginner friendly, more subtle, soft-focus effect.
Celebrity-Inspired Soft Natural Makeup Looks
Having covered all the basics, we can now examine some celebrity-inspired soft natural makeup looks created by celebrity makeup artists. Whether you’re a fan of Emma Watson’s subtle elegance or Alicia Keys’ radiant glow, these natural glam looks offer plenty of inspiration for your own soft natural makeup look.
Emma Watson
Emma Watson’s soft natural makeup look is all about subtlety and elegance. From her neutral eyeshadow and thin eyeliner to her neutral lip color, her look is the epitome of natural beauty. The best thing about this soft makeup look is that her lips are the same tone as her cheeks. Love!
Alicia Keys
If you’re a fan of a more radiant look, Alicia Keys’ makeup look is the inspiration you need. Known for her glowing skincare line and dewy finish, Alicia’s look is the perfect example of how to achieve a soft, natural makeup look with just a few “key” products.
Summary
So there you have it: the ultimate guide to mastering soft, natural makeup looks!
The steps to getting these timeless looks is to let your natural features shine through, so figure out what area you’d like to focus on the most and let your makeup creativity soar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make your makeup look soft and natural?
To create a soft and natural makeup look, prime your skin, even out the skin with foundation and concealer, add a shading product like bronzer or contour, blush, and highlighter, apply neutral eye makeup, fill in your brows, and finish with a hydrating lippie. It’s all about enhancing your natural beauty!
What makeup is best for soft naturals?
For soft naturals, the best makeup includes emphasizing the eyes with a natural lip color and a matching cheek color. God for cream products or multi-functional makeup. A natural, yet defined brow with full lashes are also perfect for this beauty style!
What is the difference between natural and soft makeup?
The difference between natural and soft makeup is that soft makeup is a step up from natural makeup and a step down from full glam, with no harsh lines and a nicely blended, mostly monochromatic look. For example, instead of winged eyeliner, one would do smudged eyeliner.
How can I conceal under-eye circles and cover blemishes?
To effortlessly conceal under-eye circles and blemishes, apply a concealer that meets your skins needs to the lower part of the dark circle. Then work the concealer upwards towards the lash line and outwards. Less is more, so start with a thin layer then build up to the desired coverage needed. Use a small concealer brush to spot conceal blemishes for an even finish.
How can I enhance my features with contouring and highlighting?
You can enhance your features with contouring and highlighting by using natural shades for subtle definition and applying creamy highlighters with your fingers for a natural glow. Don’t forget to blend contour and highlight products with a soft brush or sponge to smooth out the edges.
