The “no make-up make-up” look has become a go-to for models who want to appear fresh, radiant, and effortlessly beautiful. This minimalistic approach to beauty enhances natural features without looking overly done – perfect for castings and photo shoots.

Achieving this look, though, isn’t as simple as it seems. It requires careful preparation, smart product choices, and a light touch to master that fresh-faced glow. It can take long to apply this type of look than it takes to apply a full face.

Here’s how to achieve the perfect no make-up make-up look, with tips inspired by the pros of the modelling industry.

The Appeal of the No Make-Up Look in Modelling

The no make-up make-up look is ideal for models because it strikes a balance between polished and natural. Many casting directors, photographers, and stylists prefer models to have a clean, glowing complexion that highlights their natural beauty, rather than being obscured by heavy products, because it helps them to see models as a canvas.

Models like Adwoa Aboah and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley are known for perfecting this minimal look, which helps them appear fresh-faced and camera-ready while keeping their skin healthy and happy under the daily demands of modelling.

Step-by-Step: How to Get the Model No Make-Up Make-Up Look

1. Start with Great Skincare

Healthy, glowing skin is the foundation of any no make-up look. As a model, your skin needs to look flawless even when you’re wearing the bare minimum. Here’s how to prep:

• Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt or oil. If you’ve just come off a shoot, double cleansing ensures you remove all product build-up without stripping your skin.
• Moisturise: Hydration is crucial. A light, yet nourishing moisturiser will give your skin the plump, dewy look that’s essential for this make-up style.
• SPF Protection: Whether on a shoot or running between casting calls, don’t forget sun protection. Models are often exposed to the elements, so daily SPF is non-negotiable. Find one that doesn’t have flash-back under flash photography.

For an added boost, many models use a hydrating serum or face oil before applying moisturiser to lock in moisture and give skin a subtle sheen.

2. Prime for Perfection

A good primer is your secret weapon for the no make-up look. Choose one that smooths skin texture, blurs pores, or adds luminosity. Models often use illuminating primers that give a soft glow without looking oily. This creates the perfect base for make-up, ensuring it stays put all day without caking.

3. Use a Light Foundation or Tinted Moisturiser

Heavy foundations can weigh down the skin and detract from the natural beauty of this look. Instead, opt for a lightweight foundation or a tinted moisturiser to even out your skin tone while still allowing your natural complexion to shine through. Apply it using your fingers for a seamless, you-skin-but-better look.

• Tip: If you have fairly clear skin, skip foundation altogether and spot-treat any areas that need coverage with a light concealer. The goal is for your skin to still look like skin – just a little more even and refined.

4. Strategic Concealing

For models, it’s all about subtle enhancements. Use a light, creamy concealer only where needed – under the eyes, around the nose, or over any blemishes. Choose a concealer that offers buildable coverage but blends seamlessly into your skin.

• Pro Tip: Many models opt for concealers that are slightly lighter than their skin tone to brighten up under the eyes. Blend well using your fingers or a beauty sponge for a natural, seamless finish.

5. Soft Contouring and Highlighting

While heavy contouring may work for evening looks or more dramatic shoots, the no make-up make-up look requires a softer approach. Opt for cream-based products that melt into the skin, giving a subtle definition.

• Contour: Lightly contour the hollows of your cheeks, jawline, and temples with a cream contour stick or bronzer. Use a light hand – you’re just adding soft shadows to enhance your natural bone structure.
• Highlight: Go for a liquid or cream highlighter that gives a dewy, lit-from-within glow. Apply it sparingly on the high points of the face – cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and brow bones.

6. Soft, Natural Brows

Brows play a major role in framing the face, especially in the modelling world. But for a no make-up make-up look, you want them to look groomed but not overly defined.

• Brow Gel: Use a clear or tinted brow gel to brush through your brows and keep them in place. A slightly fluffy, natural look works best here.
• Fill Sparingly: If your brows need a bit of filling, use a brow pencil or powder to lightly define any sparse areas, keeping strokes light and feathery for a more natural appearance.

7. Minimal Eye Make-Up

The no make-up look for models calls for understated eyes, allowing the rest of the face to shine without overloading on eye products.

• Mascara: If you’re using mascara, stick to a brown or clear formula. Focus on defining the roots of the lashes rather than lengthening or thickening them. One light coat is enough for a natural flutter.
• Eyeshadow: Stick to neutral tones. A light wash of nude or taupe over the lids will add subtle depth, while a hint of champagne shimmer on the inner corners can make your eyes look more awake. Many models like to use their bronzer along the upper socket of their eye for natural shadow and shape.

8. Natural Blush

For that “just pinched” flush, opt for a cream blush in soft pink or peach tones. Apply it with your fingers to the apples of your cheeks and blend it upwards towards the temples for a natural lift.

• Pro Tip: Many models use multi-purpose sticks that can double as a blush and lip tint, giving that cohesive, natural glow. Red blush can look more natural than pink.

9. Nude Lips

To keep with the minimal theme, the lips should be soft and natural.

• Lip Balm: Start with a hydrating lip balm to keep your lips moisturised and smooth.
• Nude Lipstick or Gloss: If you want a touch of colour, choose a nude/pinkish lipstick that’s close to your natural lip tone or go for a tinted balm. A touch of gloss can also add a youthful, fresh-faced finish.

Final Tips from the Modelling World

• Less is More: Always remember, the key to the no make-up make-up look is moderation. The idea is to subtly enhance your features, not hide them. Keep your application light and build up product only where needed.
• Check Your Look in Natural Light: Always test your make-up in natural light before stepping out. Studio lights can be forgiving, but daylight is the true test of how well your make-up blends with your skin.
• Hydrate: Glowing skin starts from the inside, so drink plenty of water throughout the day. Most models swear by staying hydrated to keep their skin looking its best, even with minimal make-up.

Conclusion

Achieving the model’s no make-up make-up look is all about balance – enhancing your natural beauty without looking like you’ve put much effort in. It’s perfect for days when you want to look fresh and polished but don’t want the heaviness of a full face of make-up. By focusing on skin preparation, lightweight products, and subtle enhancements, you’ll be able to create that effortless, runway-ready look that’s a favourite among top models.