Bobbi Brown’s Tips for a Flawless No-Makeup Look at 68
When I first started as a makeup artist in the ’80s, people intentionally used darker shades of foundation and donned electric-hued eyeliner. Despite the trends, I thought everyone, myself included, appeared their best with a more subtle approach (like using brown eyeliner instead of purple and black mascara instead of blue). Since then, I’ve spent decades honing the no-makeup look, and now it’s one of my signatures. And yes, it does actually involve makeup!
Creating a natural look is simple, but the best approach isn’t to just wear less. In fact, if you don’t apply enough or if the color is too light, you’ll look washed-out. Wear too much, and it may fall into fine lines and wrinkles. Applying products correctly is paramount. Here’s how:
Prep Skin
A hydrated complexion is the best foundation for makeup. Start by dabbing an eye cream under your eyes to nourish and plump skin and lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Then apply a sunscreen to protect against the sun’s harmful rays. I prefer one that has a mineral base with SPF 30 or higher. Make sure it disappears when applied to skin to avoid having it conflict with makeup.
Even Out Complexion
Using a tinted SPF helps create a seamless canvas by lightly covering up discoloration. If you need more, a foundation or a tinted moisturizer works to balance things out. I use Jones Road’s What the Foundation, applying a sheer layer all over the face (apply only on problem areas if your skin is on the oilier side) before gently tapping Jones Road’s The Face Pencil into skin to cover any remaining redness.
Define Eyes
Thinning eyebrows can come with aging. First, comb brows upward using an eyebrow brush to find sparse spots and fill them in with an eyebrow pencil. Next, make your eyes pop by lining the upper lid with a brown pencil—it’s not too harsh but still adds definition. Believe it or not, a bit of sparkle near your eyes boosts the no-makeup makeup look by brightening the area, helping you appear more awake. Sweep a small amount of a neutral-hued shadow across lids to add a bit of glimmer. Then swipe two to three layers of black mascara through lashes to finish off the area. I use Jones Road’s The Mascara—it doesn’t clump and works for every hair color.
Add Color
Next, rub a rosy-hued blush onto the apples of your cheeks for a light flush. Finally, fill in lips using a natural-looking colored lip pencil and top it off with a sheer gloss for subtle shine. It is really that simple and brings out your natural beauty.
Makeup Artist and Founder of Jones Road Beauty and Bobbi Brown Cosmetics
Bobbi Brown is a makeup artist and the founder of Jones Road Beauty and Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.
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