Tutorial – How To Do Light Makeup

If you like a fresh and effortlessly natural look, you’re in the right place. This article will help you achieve a subtle glow that makes your skin look flawless with some tips and tricks on how to do light makeup. The saying ‘less is more’ is relevant for makeup as, while occasions like weddings are parties require heavy makeup, most day-to-day activities call for simple and casual looks. Most weekday mornings are busy, and we do not get enough time for elaborate makeup with multiple products and steps. Again, light makeup goes perfectly well for the office, formal events, and birthday parties. It allows you to accentuate your natural features and embrace your imperfections. So, swipe up for some fantastic ideas for light makeup looks!

Keep In Mind

• Apply Makeup In Natural Light: Apply makeup in natural light to ensure you have an accurate view of your skin tone and makeup colors.
• Skin Tone: Choose makeup shades that complement your skin tone. For fair skin, opt for peachy or light pink shades. For medium skin, go for warm, golden hues. For dark skin, choose deeper shades like bronze or burgundy.
• Hairstyle: Light makeup usually goes well with simple, low-maintenance hairstyles. Think of a sleek ponytail, messy bun, or natural waves.
• Attire: Consider the occasion and outfit you’ll be wearing. Light makeup typically pairs well with simpler, more understated outfits. A classic white T-shirt, denim shorts, or a black dress are all great options.

How To Do Light Makeup

Things Required For Light Makeup

• Moisturizer
• Primer
• Tinted moisturizer/foundation
• Concealer (optional)
• Eyeshadow
• Eyeliner
• Mascara
• Lipstick/Lip Gloss
• Makeup brushes/sponge

Light Makeup Tutorial

Makeup For Face

It is important to follow a proper skin care routine before applying makeup.

Start by applying the moisturizer, and then use a sunscreen, if required. Use a primer if you want your makeup to stay on for a longer time. It also works as a base for your makeup.

Alana, a makeup vlogger, shared her everyday light makeup routine in her vlog. She elaborated that she starts by prepping her skin. She said, “I usually use two products for this. The first is a hydrating serum. After that is all soaked in, I go with a lightweight moisturizer (i).”

After you’ve prepped your skin, apply a coat of foundation. Knowing how to apply foundation is key to achieving your desired look. Starting from the center of your face, blend it outwards in a circular motion for light coverage or in a dabbing motion for more coverage. Use a stippling brush or a sponge to get an even complexion. You may use a concealer, if needed. If the foundation gives you the desired coverage, you may skip the concealer.

To seal the makeup, use a powder as it mattifies your skin and makes it look shine-free. A makeup routine is never complete without dusting with powder.

Use a fluffy powder brush in a sweeping motion, and apply the powder all over the face, specifically on the T-zone and the under-eye area.

You can finish off with a translucent/transparent/compact powder setting spray. For last-minute touch-ups, a powder is the ultimate go-to product.

Makeup For Cheeks

Take a blush and pat it on the apple of your cheeks using a fluffy blush brush. Blend it onto your cheekbones in the upward direction near the temples, as shown in the above image.

Remember, when dealing with colors, start by applying one coat of the color, and layer it up for more intensity. You can also use a bronzer for a sun-kissed look.

To make your cheeks appear glowy and dewy, go for a cream base/powder base highlighter in silver or gold shade, and apply it on the higher planes of the face, such as above the cheekbone, on the bridge of the nose, and on the center of the forehead. You can use either a brush or your fingers for this step.

Quick Tip

You may also select an earthy peach or rosy pink tint for your cheeks; use a tiny quantity of the product to create a stained, rosy effect.

Makeup For Eyes

Let’s start with the eyes. Use an eye primer as a base and set it with a powder before using concealer. This makes your eye makeup crease-proof and long-lasting.

For the eye makeup, pick a color of your choice. Since the article is about light makeup, I am using a neutral orange shade to complement the eyes and give them a fresher look. Load the product onto a flat or fluffy brush, and pat it on the eyelid. Blend it in a circular motion towards the crease. I have used only one shade to maintain the natural look.

Next, apply the eyeliner. You can opt for a pencil, gel, or liquid eyeliner, whatever you prefer.

Start applying the eyeliner from the outer corner of the eye, and gradually draw the line till the inner corner, stroke by stroke, with the help of a pointed / angular brush. In this case, I am using an eye pencil as that works best for me.

Ensure you draw the line close to the lash line and as thin as possible as it is a light makeup look.

Brows are an important part of your eye makeup. Fill your brows and groom them using an eyebrow pencil or an eyeshadow that is close to your brow color.

To complete the eye makeup, curl your lashes and then apply a coat of mascara. Start from the roots of your lashes and wriggle the wand right up to the tips.

Apply more mascara on the roots and not along the length of the lashes, as using excess product on the length weighs the lashes down. For extended and voluminous lashes, go for a volumizing mascara.

Makeup For Lips

Prep by scrubbing your lips to remove all the dead, chapped skin to ensure a smooth base. Then apply a lip conditioner or a lip balm to moisturize your lips before applying the lipstick.

Apply a nude pink or brown shade of your choice that complements the look. I have applied a lip gloss in a nude pink shade for an effortless look.

Alanna further elaborated on how she did her lip makeup. She said, “I use a tint to stain my lips. I prefer using a tint over a lipstick because I feel like it keeps my lips pink all day.”

Quick Tip

Additionally, you can apply peach nude lipstick. Dab it on your lips if you want a subtle tint-like effect.

And that’s the final look – fresh, natural, and subtle.

If you at all want to experiment a little with your fresh and natural makeup look, here are a few tips to help you out.

Tips For Light Makeup

• You may use a brow gel or clear mascara to enhance your eyebrows. That way, you can give them more definition without using heavy pencils, creating a subtler look.
• Apply a small amount of highlighter or a light eyeshadow to the inner corners to add a touch of radiance.
• Use a neutral eyeshadow or a soft eyeliner to lightly define your lower lash line.
• You may consider using a hydrating mist to set your makeup and look fresh throughout the day.

Never let the lack of time stop you from looking great. Keep it light, keep it simple, and step out with confidence.

These tips can help you achieve a flattering complexion. But, before you are ready to take the plunge, you need to learn some makeup mistakes to avoid that can ruin your vibe. Learn more in the next section.

Common Mistakes To Avoid With Light Makeup

It’s important to know common makeup faux pas that can ruin your look. Here are some common light makeup mistakes you should avoid.

• Skipping Skincare

A solid skincare routine is important to achieve a perfect light makeup look. Stick to a simple CTM ritual to prep your skin before applying makeup.

• Using Too Much Product

Applying too much product can make your skin look cakey. No matter the product, be it powder or cream, apply a little and then build on that if needed.

• Overdoing The Eyes

Skip adding drama to your eyes for a light makeup look. The idea is to keep the eye makeup simple and minimal.

• Overdoing The Blush

Going overboard with the blush can make your makeup look heavy and unnatural. It’s important to start with a small amount and then build up the color eventually.

These tips can ensure you are getting the light makeup right and avoid any makeup mishap.

Infographic: 4 Steps To Nail The Light Makeup Look

Are you someone who loves a natural finish when it comes to makeup? If yes, then you have come to the right place. The “light makeup” look enhances and accentuates your features with minimal products and is suitable for any occasion. Want to know how to go about it? We have curated a step-by-step guide to help you get that light makeup look on point in the infographic below.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you do neutral makeup?

A neutral makeup look involves the full and proper application of a primer, foundation, and concealer. You can do full eye and lip makeup as well for defined features. But, make sure to pick neutral shades that are close to your skin tone.

How can I look pretty in 5 minutes without makeup?

The secret to a quick, flawless, radiant, and minimal makeup look is an extensive and consistent skincare routine that is suitable for your skin type. As long as you practice cleansing, exfoliating, and hydration, your face will have a natural glow. Before stepping out, all you need is a tinted moisturizer, lip balm, and sunscreen.

Why must one prefer makeup in a neutral way?

Neutral makeup is preferred by many as it adds a classy touch to their natural appearance, highlighting all their attractive facial features. It is perfect for formal settings like the office where you can’t wear too much makeup.

Can you wear makeup without foundation?

Yes. If your skin is healthy with a uniform complexion throughout, you do not need foundation in your makeup.

Does blush make you look younger?

A blush is one makeup item that adds a youthful touch to your face. It gives a tinted glow to your cheekbones which is very similar to a flushed appearance that healthy, young skin naturally has.

How can I make my eyes look pretty without mascara?

Begin with having a care routine for your eyes involving night creams, massages, and a lot of rest. The skin around eyes that have been pampered will glow from within. You could use a lash conditioner before bed to add length and volume, and ensure overnight upkeep. For a daytime look, pair dark liners with shimmery eye shadow in neutral shades. For nighttime looks, go bolder with your color choices and smokey effects. You can use a mascara curler to shape your lashes and make your eyes look brighter.

Illustration: How To Do Light Makeup? - Step by Step Tutorial With Pictures

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Master how to perfect your makeup look in a few easy steps. Check this easy video tutorial to look flawless in no time with makeup that looks professionally done.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Abhilasha SinghLicensed Cosmetologist

     

Abhilasha Singh is one of the top bridal makeup artists and a celebrated Bollywood makeup artist with a decade of experience. She was the Creative and Business Head of Makeup for Jean Claude Biguine Salons and Spa - India.

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Nisha BaghadiaContributor

 

Nisha is a contributor to StyleCraze and has 3 years of experience in content writing for different genres. She is a makeup aficionado and combines her love for makeup and writing to provide her readers with the latest information in the beauty world.

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Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor

Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.

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Anu PallaviBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Anu is a beauty and lifestyle writer and a graduate of Amity University, Noida, where she refined her writing skills and cultivated her deep passion for the field. She pursued the Beauty Technician Training Program at Maquillage Beauty Institute, which has equipped her with practical skills in various beauty treatments.

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