Makeup trends come and go, and beauty routines often feel like a never-ending quest for perfection. One timeless look has always held a special place in my heart: the “no-makeup makeup.” For as long as I can remember, this is my go-to choice.
Is no-makeup makeup a trend?
Makeup is not just a routine; it’s a dynamic and expressive art form. How we apply makeup reflects our moods and emotions on any given day. It’s like painting a canvas with colors that mirror the shades of our inner world.
Winning a client or securing a project? That calls for a power look. A precisely applied red lipstick, strong brows, and confident winged eyeliner make me feel ready to conquer any professional challenge.
Periods can bring their own set of emotions. During these days, I opt for soothing and gentle makeup on the skin. A minimalistic approach focusing on skincare-infused products helps me feel at ease.
Makeup isn’t just about covering up; it’s about revealing the many facets of our personalities and emotions.
Our makeup routines are as unique as our personalities and lifestyles. They express who we are, what we value, and how we choose to navigate the world. My personality plays a significant role in how I approach makeup, and it’s often a dance between my love for the no-makeup makeup look and skincare and my inherent, well, laziness.
I am the human who cherishes those extra 30 minutes of sleep in the morning over the idea of meticulously applying layers of makeup. My preference for simplicity extends beyond my beauty routine; it reflects my overall approach to life. I believe in accepting the beauty of imperfections and allowing my authentic self to shine through.
I value efficiency and minimalism. I’m not fond of the idea of lugging around a large makeup bag filled with an extensive collection of products. For me, less is more, and I’ve carefully curated a selection of makeup essentials that can effortlessly transition from day to night.
Makeup isn’t just about appearance; it’s also about convenience. I cringe at the thought of doing my makeup in a car, at work, or anywhere other than the comfort of my own home. My makeup routine is an intimate ritual that I cherish, and it’s a time when I can truly connect with myself and my feminine energy and prepare for the day ahead.
Prioritizing skincare over makeup. Adapting to the UAE
If you ask me, everything begins with a skincare routine, and I consider my makeup routine just another one of my skincare routine steps. I’ve always believed that a healthy, radiant complexion is the best foundation for any no-makeup makeup look. This belief led me to prioritize skincare from an early age, investing my money, time, and energy into nurturing my skin.
My skin type: a combination of oily, sensitive, and acne-prone. I’ve come to appreciate the importance of letting my skin breathe. Rather than piling on layers of complexion products that clog pores and exacerbate oiliness, I’ve opted for a different approach. I’ve decided on the no-makeup makeup look as a way to enhance my natural beauty without compromising the health of my skin. After all, healthy skin is the canvas upon which no-make makeup works its magic.
During the few times when I decide to glam up, mascara is the most essential element of my makeup routine. I have beautiful, natural, thick, and long eyelashes, but adding a little bit of mascara highlights them and makes me feel like I am doing proper makeup. I make sure I have enough mascara stocks in the house, and at the moment, I am focusing on these brands:
✅ Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara
✅ Too Faced Better than Love Mascara
✅ Sweed Pro Lash Lift Mascara
✅ Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara
✅ Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes Mascara
Blushes are important, and Natasha Denona has the best blush duo, Blush Glow Duo and Bloom Highlighting Blush.
I also like Hourglass Luminous Flush Ambient and use lipsticks as blushes here and there.
Another faster, more convenient, practical, and environmentally friendly option is to use 2-in-1 products. Milk Makeup has amazing Lip+Cheek sticks I love; also, Nudestick has Lip+Cheek soft and creamy pencils, items that are a must-have no matter the makeup trend.
I don’t do eye palettes. I love a nice, clean eyelid every single day. But, should this Universe require me to wear colors on my eyelids, in case of emergency, it’s good to have Charlotte Tilbury eye palettes or singles in your makeup bag.
However, my favorites are the Westman Atelier Eye Pods Eye Shadow and by Terry Cream Eye Shadow pens.
I also like playing with some luminous highlighters, and I now use Pai Skincare The Impossible Glow Highlighting Drops and Roen Beauty ROGLOW skin stick.
Announce obsession: lip care – lipsticks, lip gloss, balms, butters, treatments, masks, pencils, everything. For the safety of my hubby, myself, and all humankind, I must have it all when it comes to lip care.
I don’t remember any other product that blew my mind, like Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, Clarins Natural Lip Perfector, Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme, and Charlotte Tilbury Pilow Talk, after the first application.
New acquisitions, since living in the UAE: a good creamy lipstick will provide a glossy look and the illusion of full lips, and HUDA Beauty cream lipstick is a must-have. Also, I’m in love with bareMinerals Hydra Smoothing Lipstick, and VIEVE Lip Dew glossy lip oil, and I am impressed by Victoria Beckham Posh Lipstick.
In addition to my lip care products, in my mini everyday makeup bag, I have been carrying with me for more than ten years the Eucerin Dermo Pure Cover Stick. I feel this stick is my secret weapon. It perfectly blends in my skin, covers and treats the pimples throughout the day, and makes dark spots disappear.
Living in the UAE, I’ve learned that makeup routines are not just about personal preference; the climate also influences them, and makeup feels like a burden, causing it to melt or slide off before the end of the day, especially during the summer scorching heat and high humidity levels.
I used to apply foundation and concealer four times a month; since living in the UAE, I have completely removed the foundation and concealer from my makeup routine. REN Skincare Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream does an amazing job; it is useless to add anything else.
Remember, sunscreen lotion and moisturizers create an ideal makeup base. I’m hooked on Supergoop Glow Screen as a stand-alone foundation, and I am applying it as the final step in my skincare routine. This approach promotes a flawless, no-makeup makeup appearance and grants my skin the freedom to breathe while saving me valuable time and money in the long term.
Rabbits don’t need mascara
There is power in our conscious makeup choices. 🙏🏻
This is an ever-evolving beauty industry. Makeup choices hold the potential to make a meaningful impact on the world. Our makeup choices are an opportunity to align our beauty routine with our values and beliefs. That’s where conscious makeup comes into play.
Conscious makeup is a deliberate choice to support brands prioritizing ethical and sustainable practices. It’s about opting for vegan, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly products. Conscious makeup isn’t a trend; it’s a responsibility.
Makeup should never come at the cost of innocent lives. In an era of technological advancements, such practices have no excuse.
Look beyond the packaging and pigmentation. Discover brands that align with your values and champion cruelty-free testing and eco-friendly packaging. The brands we chose are a testament to the power of consumers. Our demand for ethical makeup options can drive positive change within the industry.
Conscious makeup isn’t just about what we put on our faces but our impact as conscious consumers. It’s about setting a standard and holding brands accountable for their choices.
To wrap it up
Whether you’re a single mum juggling a busy schedule, a party enthusiast who loves experimenting with bold looks, or someone who prefers the beauty of “au naturel,” your personality and lifestyle are key influencers in your makeup routine. Makeup is a versatile tool that adapts to our ever-changing lives, emotions, and needs. It reflects our inner selves, our values, and our artistic inclinations. It’s an art form that empowers us to express ourselves in diverse ways, whether you choose a vibrant red lip for a night out or a minimalist, dewy look for a day at the beach.
For me, it’s about simplicity, authenticity, and the joy of accepting my true self, one makeup-free morning at a time. It’s about conscious choices that align with my values. It’s about celebrating the beauty of natural, healthy skin.
Moving to the UAE added a unique twist to my no-makeup makeup experience. The climate and lifestyle in the Middle East encouraged me to simplify my routine further, highlighting skincare and the no-makeup makeup look. It’s not just another testament to how our environment can shape our beauty choices.
The Founder
If you are an expat in the Middle East facing skin concerns and want to share your story, send us a message at [email protected]
*Disclosure: I received no compensation for this review. This is solely based on my personal experience and assessment.
