The ‘clean look’ is taking the beauty world by storm, and it comes as no surprise – it’s the go-to for people who want to enhance their natural appearance. The best part? It takes almost no time to perfect. The Gaggler team has compiled this step-by-step guide to help you achieve your clean, natural makeup look.
Step 1: Start with the Skin
Clean makeup is all about the prep. Your pre-makeup application routine matters tremendously when it comes to creating the best canvas for your clean makeup look. Achieve this by building a simple skincare routine with products compatible with your skin type. First and foremost, search for the right cleanser. If you have particularly sensitive skin, opt for gentle cleansers free of potential irritants such as alcohol. For dry or combination skin, go for a hydrating cleanser that will keep you clean and fresh throughout the day.
Next, find a good moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and ready for makeup application (incidentally, we tested out three options you might like). Last but not least, do not forget to apply sunscreen! This skincare step not only protects your skin from sun damage, but also aids in improving the appearance of blemishes on the skin, giving you a flawless base for your makeup. For added plumpness and dewiness, you can add serums and active ingredients to the mix. Just make sure not to overdo it and research the proper combination that won’t cause unnecessary irritation.
Step 2: Create a Natural-Looking Base
The clean look might mean having to use fewer products than you are typically used to, but creating a natural and glowy base remains a priority in achieving this trendy aesthetic. Start by applying a luminous primer that will keep your skin looking more awake through the day. Then, apply just the right amount of concealer to areas that need a little more love – areas of hyperpigmentation and dark undereye circles. Make sure not to apply too much and take time to properly blend until you get rid of harsh lines.
The next part is using your favourite foundation. For this look, opt for a product with lighter coverage. Remember, the clean look heavily relies on looking as natural as possible, so avoid piling on too much product, starting with your base. The goal is simply to even out the tones and keep it fresh – think glass skin.
Step 3: Opt for Cream Products
There’s no rule that says you can’t make use of your powder products, but reaching for a cream or a gel-based alternative will help keep the skin looking illuminated. The simplest trick to finding the right blush shade is choosing one with the same undertone as your skin. Apply this product by lightly dotting it into the high points and the apples of your cheeks and then blending it out in an upward motion.
If you’re a first-timer in applying cream makeup, you might want to apply and spread the product on the back of your hand instead of directly applying it onto your face, so you can control the amount applied onto the skin before using a brush or a beauty sponge to blend. Top it off with a bronzer or a contour shade for that snatched, lifted look. Again, keep it minimal and blend, blend, blend.
Step 4: Plump Lips Are the Way to Go
Once you’re done with your complexion products, all that’s left is your lip makeup. For this look, apply your favourite moisturising lip balm to prime and hydrate the lips before applying other products. Choose a shade closest to the natural colour of your lips. Then, top it off with a high-shine gloss to add more glow to the overall look. If you want to keep the products to the very minimum, you can opt for a lip balm or lip oil with a slight tint to add colour to the lips with half the preparation time.
Step 5: Don’t Hesitate to Add Some Flair
If we’re talking makeup, the one rule you should know is that there really are no rules! While it’s important to keep the makeup looking as natural as possible, there’s no harm in taking it up a notch. If you want an upgraded look that reflects your style and personality, you can go for colourful eyeliner or add a quick swipe of your favourite shimmer eye shadow on the lids for extra drama.
