9 Secrets to Achieving the Perfect "All Natural" Look

Nicole McCray

13 Aug 2020
Beauty

9 Secrets to Achieving the Perfect “All Natural” Look

Achieving the perfect all-natural look can be tricky. Somehow, you’ve got to find a balance between wearing minimal makeup but still looking put together. Natural beauty will always be trendy, but you don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed and walked out the door, either. Nevertheless, nailing the natural look can be a real timesaver when you’re in a hurry, so it’s worth taking the time to perfect it. It all starts with a consistent skincare routine, but other key factors come into play, as well. Here are our top nine secrets for achieving the perfect all-natural look, no matter what the occasion!

1. Don’t skip your AM skincare routine.

Prepping your skin properly can make a huge difference in how it looks during the day, even if you don’t plan on wearing makeup. Begin your AM skincare routine with a double cleanse to remove dead skin cells, oil, and dirt that can build up on the skin overnight and leave it looking dull and tired.

Then, follow up with a Korean toner that’s formulated to balance the skin’s natural pH balance. Korean toners use botanical extracts for gentle exfoliation, so they brighten the skin without drying it out. Next comes a moisturizer that’s suited for your skin type.

K-Beauty inspired moisturizers are known for providing hydrated radiance and glow throughout the day, even if you’re not wearing foundation. Even if your skin is oily, choose a lightweight formula with oil-controlling properties, but don’t be tempted to skip it altogether.

2. Your PM skincare routine is also important

If you want your skin to look beautiful without a lot of makeup, you’re going to need to be meticulous with your PM skincare routine, too. Natural beauty is all about blemish-free skin, so a Korean double cleansing routine is crucial at night for removing oil, dirt, and SPF that could clog your pores and cause acne.

Follow up with your toner once again, and they bring in a serum to address any skin concerns you may have. Serums are formulated for just about every skincare issue, including hyperpigmentation, anti-aging, anti-acne, dehydration, and so much more. Shop around and don’t be shy about using more than one and layering them for even better results.

When it comes to your nighttime moisturizer, look for one that’s a little heavier than your daytime one. It should also include active ingredients that address your primary skin concerns, such as fine lines or dark spots.

3. Sunscreen is non-negotiable

Exposing your skin to the sun can cause hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and redness, not to mention increase the risk of getting skin cancer later in life. Include sunscreen in your morning routine anytime you’ll be outdoors, whether it’s just during your commute to work or you’re headed to the beach for the day. Since you’re not going to be wearing a lot of makeup, it will be easier to reapply it throughout the day, too.

4. Try a Korean BB or CC cream for natural-looking coverage

Heavy, cakey foundation is out of the question when you’re going for a natural look, but that doesn’t mean you have to go without coverage. Korean BB and CC creams are formulated to blend away imperfections and even out the skin tone, without looking heavy. They often include active ingredients to address skin concerns, SPF, and even lightweight hydration, so you can minimize the number of products on your face.

What Westerners can learn from K-Beauty Korean Skincare

5. Your eyes are the focal point

You can play up your eyes without piling on a ton of shadow and liner. Use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes, and then apply a coat of brown or clear mascara. If you want to go natural every day without having to worry about your lashes, consider having your lashes tinted or get some lash extensions.

Concealer is key for hiding dark circles, which can make you look tired. There are other things you can do to improve them as well, without piling on more makeup. Analyze your diet to see if you may be deficient in iron or B vitamins, which could be contributing to your dark circles. And be sure to use a brightening eye cream in the morning and at night. One that contains green tea is ideal for depuffing as well.

6. Take care of your smile

A beautiful smile is essential to pulling off the natural look. Keep your teeth their whitest and brightest by using a whitening toothpaste, especially if you drink coffee or red wine. If you’re concerned about yellowness, talk to your dentist about professional whitening treatments.

Dry, flaky lips aren’t pretty, so be sure to exfoliate them regularly. Natural oils, such as coconut oil, are fantastic for hydrating the lips overnight. And, be sure to wear a lip balm that has sun protection during the day.

7. Your hair can make or break your natural look.

When your hair looks good, you will still look put together, even if you’re going without makeup. Stay on top of your color and trim appointments, and if you color your hair, choose a color that works with your skin tone and eye color. The simpler your hairstyle is, the fewer products and heat tools you’ll need. Use a hair mask weekly for added shine and moisture.

8. Make sleep a priority.

Our modern lifestyle is constantly on the go, and many of us don’t get nearly enough sleep. Not only is sleep essential for your overall health, but it’s also crucial for healthy skin. Adults should prioritize seven to nine hours of sleep nightly. Sleeping on your back may reduce premature fine lines and wrinkles.

9. Diet and skin are deeply connected

The foods you eat play a major role in how your skin looks. Include plenty of healthy fats like fatty fish, healthy oils, nuts, and seeds to keep your skin radiant and glowing. These foods are also rich in vitamin E, which helps to keep skin looking younger and more supple.

Your diet should also include a variety of colorful fruits and veggies every day for fiber, vitamins, and minerals. And, don’t forget to drink lots of water because hydration is essential for healthy skin.

Wrap Up

The makeup-free, all-natural look will always be on-trend, and it’s a real timesaver, whether you’re headed to work or going out for the evening. It allows your natural, authentic beauty to shine through, and it’s a great way to avoid makeup-meltdown in summer’s stifling heat and humidity.

INTERVIEW: SimiHaze on Beauty, Identity, and Impact They’re twins, artists, DJs, beauty entrepreneurs, and so much more. With SimiHaze Beauty, sisters Simi and Haze Khadra have built…

Interview: Peter Philips on How Dior Backstage Reinvents an Icon With PH Technology Since its debut in 2018, Dior Backstage has been all about translating professional makeup artistry into intuitive, easy-to-use products for…

A Look Inside Dries Van Noten’s New Gallery Concept in Brussels Following the success of the first Gallery in Paris, Dries Van Noten is set to unveil a new gallery concept…

Louis Vuitton Announces the Debut of La Beauté Louis Vuitton with Pat McGrath as Creative Director Louis Vuitton embarks on an exciting new journey with the launch of La Beauté Louis Vuitton, expanding the House’s vision…

Enfnts Terribles