How to achieve no-makeup makeup: Best products for a natural look

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With beauty trends like skincare as makeup and no-makeup makeup dominating the industry, we’re seeing a large emphasis on products that will enhance a natural glow, whether from makeup, skincare or a mix of both.

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From tinted moisturizers to liquid blushes and faux freckles, the au natural look is back and having its day in the sun.

To get the look for yourself, a solid skincare base is also a must. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favourite makeup and skincare products to help achieve that effortless, fresh-faced look.

Best no-makeup makeup products

Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Micellar water: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
Serum: L’Oréal Paris 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Eye cream: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
Moisturizer: e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream
Tinted moisturizer: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector
Contour: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Match Stix Contour Stick
Faux freckles: Freck The Original Freckle
Blush: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Lash curler: GrandeLASH LIFT Heated Lash Curler
Lip balm: Temperature Changing Lip Stick
Self tanner: Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Self Tanning Mousse

Best no-makeup makeup products explained

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

This non-foaming cleanser has been trending for quite some time—and for good reason. With essential ceramides and moisture-retaining ingredients, the formula is dermatologist recommended and suitable for skin types including those that are dry, sensitive, oily or acne-prone.

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Price: $17
Where to buy: Walmart | Shoppers Dug Mart

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

This all-in-one cleanser and makeup remover is powerful yet gentle on the skin. Best for dry and sensitive skin, this product is oil- and fragrance-free.

Price: $10
Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart

L’Oréal Paris 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This intensive 1.5 per cent pure hyaluronic acid serum deeply replenishes hydration, reducing the look of wrinkles and visibly plumps skin.

Price: $31
Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

The Ordinary has been dominating the affordable skincare game in Canada. The caffeine solution is one of its best sellers—and for a good reason. This formula reduces the appearance of under-eye contour pigmentation and puffiness so you can use less concealer (or skip it entirely). 

Price: $12
Where to buy: Sephora | The Ordinary 

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream

Prep skin for a natural makeup look with a dose of hydration. This lightweight cream is fragrance free and features hyaluronic acid to plump skin, plus niacinamide to reduce redness and irritation.

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Price: $17
Where to buy: Amazon

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector

Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizers are bestsellers for a reason. Boasting a new and improved formula, this product is infused with skincare benefits, including 24-hour hydration.

Price: $73
Where to buy: Sephora

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Match Stix Contour Stick

This contour stick is a favourite amongst beauty product reviewers and for good reason. The formula is long-lasting and easy to apply, melting into the skin for a natural contour look.

Price: $44
Where to buy: Sephora | Fenty Beauty

Freck The Original Freckle

Freckles are IN—natural or otherwise. With the freckle filters blowing up on social media, there’s no need for those with this easy-to-use product.

Price: $38
Where to buy: Sephora

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Pigment-forward products are all the rage nowadays, and arguably, Rare Beauty started this trend with their liquid blush. A little goes a long way with this blush, meaning it’s not only a beautiful product, but it’s also a great bang for your buck.

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Price: $32
Where to buy: Sephora

GrandeLASH LIFT Heated Lash Curler

With this heated lash curler, there’s no more need for mascara. Offering a more gentle curling mechanism without the crimping and pinching of transitional lash curlers, the GrandeLASH Lift Heated Lash Curler protects the delicate skin around the eye using a grooved safety-slot design.

Price: $53
Where to buy: Sephora

Temperature Changing Lip Stick

Not only do these lip balms have the most exquisite packaging—complete with an adorable flower built into the lipstick—they’re colour-changing and incredibly moisturizing. Once applied, the colour of the balm adjusts on your lips according to your temperature. Made with ingredients like cocoa butter, beeswax, and essential oils, they also offer lasting deep hydration

Price: $8
Where to buy: Amazon

Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Self Tanning Mousse

For a natural glow, this Jergens Instant Sun tanning mousse mimics a natural sun-kissed glow. The formula is airy and moisturizing, gliding on effortlessly and dries in 60 seconds, allowing for a seamless application.

Price: $12
Where to buy: Amazon | Shoppers Drug Mart

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