The ‘bare-faced baddie’ isn’t hiding behind layers of make-up. She’s enhancing what she already has and doing it with confidence. This viral beauty vibe is all about effortless radiance, minimal use of product and a skincare-first attitude. Think dewy skin, hydrated lips, soft brows and a subtle snatch that makes people say, “She woke up like that.”
Pro tip
Between cleansing and applying serum, try patting on a hydrating toner to replenish your skin while removing any leftover dirt or residue. Using a toner that contains ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid can be especially soothing for dry skin types, and prevents
Let your skin breathe
Ditch the heavy foundation. A skin tint gives just enough coverage to even out your tone while letting your freckles, beauty marks and real skin shine through. Got a rogue pimple or dark circles from a 3am TikTok binge? Simply tap on a bit of concealer with your ring finger or a concealer brush — but only where you need it. With this trend, we’re not going for the bright triangles of concealer under the eyes. We’re simply evening out skin tone and concealing dark marks. Blending concealer in using your fingers allows for a natural, second-skin finish. A foundation or stippling brush will give a more professional, blurred-out finish.
Using a heavy, loose setting powder will look cakey and diminish the natural look of your skin. If you absolutely must use a powder (combination and oily skin types often require this), a lightweight, translucent pressed powder is the way to go. Only apply it to the T-zone of the face — you still want your skin to have some luminosity to it.
@jessmollybell for my girls who also can’t leave the house without makeup, this was actually quite liberating 🥹💛 #nomakeup #barefaced #glowingskin skin glow courtesy of @IPSY @Glow Recipe ♬ Secrets from a Girl (Who’s Seen it All) – Lorde
Skin first
Your skincare regimen will ultimately set the tone for your overall look. Most make-up products provide the best results when the skin underneath has been nourished, primed and prepped.
Cleansing and moisturising are a given, but the real baddie move? Layering products that boost your natural glow. A vitamin C serum can fade dark marks and brighten your complexion, while a water-based moisturiser will help keep your skin looking plump and dewy.
To make you look more ‘awake’ and energised, gently apply an eye cream, using your ring finger to dab a small amount of product on the skin around your eyes, focusing on the orbital bone (the bone surrounding the eye). Avoid rubbing or tugging the skin, and don’t get the product too close to your eyes. Seal the deal with SPF — even on cloudy days. Remember to apply your skincare with upward strokes, and don’t forget your neck!
Lash lift-off!
Your lashes deserve a moment – but not a clumpy one. Curl them using a metal lash curler, then swipe on a single coat of mascara. Keep it light to avoid a spidery look. Brown mascara gives a softer, more natural look than full-on black. If you’re really going full barely-there baddie, then clear mascara is your bestie. A quick hack is to use a lash serum underneath your mascara. Lash serums help nourish the follicles of your eyelashes, making them appear longer, fuller and more voluminous. Additionally, they enhance growth, lessen breakage and strengthen your lashes.
Frame the face
Feathery, face-framing brows are the move. No harsh lines, no blocky shapes, just soft definition. Your brows don’t have to match — they’re sisters, not twins. Use a spoolie to brush them up, then lock them in with a strong-hold brow gel If you have any patchy spots, fill them in with hair-like strokes using a brow pencil. To get the right brow pencil shade, aim for a colour that is slightly darker than your natural hair colour.
Pro tip
Keep blotting papers, a mini-size facial mist and lip balm in your bag for touch-ups throughout the day. The goal is to look fresh, not cakey.
@jazturner16 Day 1 of my 75 Glow Up Challenge ✨ I would loveeeeee if you joined me over these next 75 days as we work to become the best version of ourselves 🫶🏽 #75glowchallenge #glowupchallenge #glowuptips #glowuproutine ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design
Natural flush & snatch
For that lit-from-within look, dab a bit of cream blusher on the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards. It gives you that “I just left Pilates” flush. Start with a small amount of product and build it gradually – don’t go overboard. Using a damp beauty sponge to apply cream products will help achieve a natural-looking flush on the cheeks, without over-saturating your face with colour.
Blend your preferred shade of blusher onto the bridge of your nose for a cutesy, almost sun-kissed vibe. You can also add a whisper of cream or powder bronzer to define your cheekbones and jaw but keep it soft. We’re not ‘carving’ out or intensely sculpting the face with this look.
Glossed & glowing
Finish off with a juicy lip — think nourishing, not sticky. A tinted balm or lip oil adds just enough colour while keeping your pout hydrated. Dot a little cream highlighter on your cheekbones, brow bone and cupid’s bow for that glass-skin gleam. For an all-over glow, mix a bit of liquid highlighter into your moisturiser.
By: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photography by: Gallo/Getty Images, Shutterstock, Supplied
Text courtesy of Club magazine
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