Here’s How to Rock a No Makeup Wedding Look

Updated on 08/06/21

no makeup look — Unsplash | Design by Michela Buttignol

For the wedding, brides typically request a full glam makeup look from their desired makeup artist: foundation, concealer, a killer eye, blush, contour, and a nice lip (maybe throw in some false lashes). But what about a look for brides who aren't so crazy about a beat face?

The answer is quite simple, and it's in your makeup bag. The no-makeup makeup look is the perfect fit for brides who are less than thrilled about having a ton of product on their face. The finish? Glowing, even skin, bright eyes, and a touch of color add definition to the high points of your face. The look is surprisingly simple to achieve, and we've listed the step-by-step process below. Get a flawless look for your wedding in as little as eight steps.

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Start With Smooth, Glowing Skin

When it comes to a natural-looking complexion, which pretty much serves as the base for killer makeup application, smooth skin is a must. Start by exfoliating skin with Tatcha's The Rice Polish Classic or a double-duty exfoliating cleanser like Tata Harper's Regenerating Cleanser. The gentle formulas use physical or a combo of physical and chemical ingredients, respectively, to whisk away dead skin for a bright and baby-soft finish.

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Forgo Foundation, Opt for Something Lighter

Foundation is simply too heavy to use for this kind of look, so opt for a tinted moisturizer (a BB or CC Cream can work, too!). We're currently loving the It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+ and NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. The light, hydrating formulas instantly blur dark spots and are infused with loads of anti-aging benefits, like peptides, vitamins, and antioxidants, not to mention sun protection. For great results, apply with your fingers or a wet makeup sponge.

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Conceal Trouble Areas (But Don't Go Too Crazy)

Lightweight, hydrating concealers are going to be your best friend. If you want to cover up a troublesome pimple or are in need of something to hide dark circles, we like the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. The super-blendable formula seamlessly blurs imperfections for a natural, non-cakey finish. For a clean option, we're obsessed with the Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer for a brighter, all-natural finish packed with energizing caffeine as well as a skin-loving blend of algae and peptides.

Usually, the next step is to set your concealer application with a powder. For this look, we'd recommend you avoid it, but if you happen to have oily skin, use the product sparingly. Try Makeup Forever's Ultra HD Microfinishing Pressed Powder or Glossier's Wowder, which leave a natural (read: not overly matte) finish.

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Get Wide Awake Eyes With Mascara

Spider-like lashes tend to look overdone on a natural complexion, so a little curl always works best. Lightly brush lashes with a mascara like the Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara. The curved brush grabs every lash for volume and is infused with plant nectar, which boosts hair growth. For something certified clean and cry-proof check out the Ere Pereze Avocado Waterproof Mascara. The 24-hour waterproof, smudge-proof formula leaves out all the toxic additives and replaces them with mamey and avocado oils for lashes that are long and strong.

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Use a Brow Gel Instead of Pencil/Pomade

Don't worry about getting your brows on fleek with a pencil, opt for a tinted brow gel (it's surprisingly much easier to use, too). Benefit's Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel uses tiny microfibers to create fuller-looking, tamed brows in a snap. If pomade is typically your weapon of choice, try the Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel, which delivers all of the benefits of its cult-favorite brow pomade in a convenient tube and spoolie brush applicator, or Glossier Boy Brow's waxy formula that conditions without stiffness or flaking.

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Cream Blush Is Best

Get a natural-looking flush with a cream blush. Glossier Cloud Paint's gel-to-cream formula and Honest Beauty's Crème Cheek Blush blend seamlessly into skin for a healthy glow. If a matte finish is more to your liking, the Nudestix Nudies Matte Blush & Bronze leaves a velvety flush and comes with a handy built-in applicator brush for easy touch-ups on the go.

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Don't Skip Highlighter

Let's face it, a whisper of highlight can really give your look extra oomph. In this case, step away from the powders and instead opt for a cream highlight. We're totally obsessed with the RMS Living Luminizer. The cult-favorite product gives a gorgeous pearl finish that will totally make it look like you #wokeuplikethis. For an added bit of color, the Saie Dew Balm offers several ethereal shades of lilac, rose, and peachy bronze. Dab the product on the top of your cheekbones, eyelids, and a pinch on your cupid's bow (the outline of your upper lip).

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Use a Tinted Lip Balm

To finish off the look, add a tint of color to bare lips. Find a formula that's light, hydrating, and will amplify your natural lip color. Bite Beauty's Multistick and Honest Beauty's Tinted Lip Balm give the perfect amount of color to lips (or eyes, or cheeks!), for a soft, weightless finish. Looking for some added sun protection? The Fresh Sugar Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 15 is the perfect companion from your walk down the aisle to honeymoon strolls on the beach.