How to Get Spring’s Trendy Barely There Makeup

Where was the barely there look spotted on the runway?

Think you’ve been seeing Spring’s barely there/ ‘no-makeup’ look everywhere? You’re right. At Adeam, the rousing vernacular of modern ballet inspired by New York City Ballet principal dancer, Tiler Peck, conjured gossamer fabric and tulle galore. By contrast, NARS created a makeup look that was pared back. At Michael Kors, model’s faces were bare except for a soupçon of mascara and eyeliner. At Ralph Lauren, features were enhanced with makeup that still looked natural.

What natural pink lipstick and liners are best for the barely there look?

Why not take a cue from Kylie Jenner’s no makeup look at the Golden Globes – the bare, natural face is back. The focal point for this pulled together, polished look is a well hydrated pout, that looks like your natural lip colour, but slightly enhanced.  As a general rule, fair, cool skin tones should look for pinks with blue undertones, medium tones should opt for dusty pinks and darker tones look amazing in bright pinks or dark berry tones. Line lips with a lip liner a shade or two darker to add dimension to lips. Another key to the look is well moisturized lips, choose a lipstick with hydrating properties or top with a high shine gloss. Balance the look with soft, flushed cheeks.

Editors Natural pink Lipsticks of all time?

NARS Powermatte high intensity lip pencil in 182 Endless Love, $41; Armani Beauty lip power in shade 503, $56; RMS Beauty Legendary Serum Lipstick in Miranda, $35; Charlotte Tilbury Lip cheat in Crazy in Love, $34

How do you choose the best liquid liner ?

A dual brush (tiny calligraphy tip and fine tip) on either end of this liquid eyeliner allows for ultra precise application, whether you want a dramatic or small amount of definition. The highly pigmented, inky formula means that in a few strokes (no need to go over gaps), you can achieve a makeup-artist worthy cat eye that lasts for hours without fading.  “I try to use products with the least amount of unnatural ingredients and love that this liner is formulated without the use of sulfates parabens, and fragrance,” says Shivana Maharaj, CSL’s beauty and fashion editor.

Editors Favourite Liquid liner?

Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen Liquid Eyeliner Duo, $62;

How to I prep my skin for the barely there look?

What is the best concealer for the barely there look?

Editors Favourite Concealer?

I love the ultra hydrating formula (with vitamin E) for undereyes, which can have a tendency to crease over the course of the day.  The medium coverage means I can build less or more for day or night.

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk multi-purpose concealer in shade 5.75, $55;

What eye cream should I use under my barely there look?

Though improving dark circles is one of the brand’s claims, over a 3–4-week period, our testers did not see a significant improvement, though fine lines were softened.  The water-based formula with encapsulated retinol, avocado, coffeeberry as well as niaciamide was lightweight and didn’t feel heavy.

Editors Favourite Eye Cream?

Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Cream, $42;

This original article first appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of City Style and Living Magazine..

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