How To Achieve a Flattering No-Mascara Makeup Look
December 27, 2024
Whether you interpret no-makeup makeup as completely foundation-free or envision it more as a softer take on your usual makeup look, it’s hard to deny the appeal of the soft girl trend. And the latest spin-off of the trend—the no-mascara look—proves that the pared-down approach to makeup isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
The no-mascara makeup look, as you can probably guess, involves forgoing mascara and accentuating the eyes only with eyeliner and eyeshadow. While skipping mascara may sound strange, especially if you have shorter or fairer lashes, the unexpected approach allows you to play up your eyes without looking too “done.”
Ahead, we’ll share everything you need to know about the no-mascara makeup trend and offer tips on defining your eyes without the popular lash-lengthening staple.
Why Go Mascara-Free?
A no-mascara look may not be for everyone, but it certainly has its perks—especially if you’re looking to simplify your makeup routine. For one, skipping mascara cuts down on the time you’d spend doing your makeup, allowing you to get out the door more quickly. It can also help make maintaining your makeup throughout the day a bit easier, as no mascara, naturally, means no under-eye mascara smudging or flaking.
No-mascara makeup is also surprisingly versatile. While natural lashes are an obvious choice for a minimalist makeup routine, doing a makeup look without mascara also gives you room to play around with bold eye makeup styles without feeling over the top.
How To Define Your Eyes Without Mascara
Mascara is far from being the only makeup product that can be used to emphasize your eyes. If you’re looking to define your eyes while keeping your lashes bare, here’s what we recommend doing.
1. Curl your lashes
If you have long but straight lashes, simply curling them may be enough to make your eyes look bigger and more open. The trick is to start at the base of your lashes and slowly work your way up to the tip, clamping each section for about five seconds to help prevent your fringe from falling flat.
2. Add depth with eyeshadow
Making the no-mascara makeup trend work is all about finding other ways of adding subtle depth to your eyes. Opting for soft or neutral shades to shape your eyes is the perfect way to stick to a minimal makeup look while adding definition. To avoid shadow fallout on your lashes, try using a cream eyeshadow to define your eyes. We’re fans of the IT Cosmetics Superhero No-Tug Waterproof Eyeshadow Sticks, available in 12 blendable, creaseproof shades.
3. Tightline your eyes
Tightlining is an eyeliner technique that can help subtly define your lash line and make your lashes appear fuller. To tightline your eyes, grab a waterproof pencil mascara, such as the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil, and trace your upper and lower waterlines (the thin strip of skin between your lashes and your eyeball). Use a dark brown or black shade for a more sultry look, or opt for an off-white liner to make your eyes appear bigger.
4. Brush up your brows
Mascara is often used to make the eyes look more awake, but you can get the same effect with a bit of brow gel. Use a clear or tinted brow gel, like the NYX Professional Makeup The Brow Glue Instant Brow Styler, to brush up your arches and hold them in place—this subtle tweak can help make your eyes appear more open, and in turn, make you look more alert (no mascara needed).
Makeup Tips For A Natural, No-Mascara Look
You can pair bare lashes with pretty much any makeup look, but if you’re in the mood for a minimalist makeup look for day, consider these tips:
- Opt for sheer foundation: Swap out your full-coverage foundation for a glowy skin tint or tinted moisturizer. These tend to offer sheerer coverage, making them ideal for pared-back, natural makeup looks.
- Add dimension with blush and highlighter: Pair your natural-looking foundation with subtle blush and highlighter to help accentuate your features. We suggest using liquid or cream formulas for a healthy, skin-like finish.
- Try a pink glossy lip: Opting for a no-makeup makeup look doesn’t mean you have to forgo your usual lipstick or gloss. But you will want to stick with a soft shade to help emphasize your lips without overpowering them. Try a pinkish-nude shade if you have fair skin or a slightly richer berry tone to complement deeper skin.
- Reach for a lash serum: If you’re having trouble deciding between mascara vs. no mascara, know that you don’t have to decide—not entirely. For a subtle mascara look without mascara, consider coating your lashes with a lash serum. We love the Maybelline Lash Sensational Boosting Eyelash Serum, which helps condition for a shiny, healthy look (and feel).
5 Ways To Wear Makeup Without Mascara
If you’re ready to try a bolder no-mascara look—maybe for a night out or a special event—take inspiration from the five striking looks below.
1. Bold red lip
Skip the statement eye and let your lips take center stage by painting your pout with a vibrant red lipstick. If you have a cooler skin tone, we suggest opting for a true blue-red, like the Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Maestro Velvet Liquid Lipstick in The Red. Richer berry tones and burgundies, meanwhile, flatter warm skin tones beautifully. Try the Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Intimatte Soft Matte Lipstick in Tout Doux.
2. Pastel eyeshadow
For a high-fashion, editorial makeup look that takes very little effort to pull off, swap your nude eyeshadow for a vibrant pastel hue. Pale greens, light blues, lavenders, and baby pinks all work well here—just be sure to keep the rest of your makeup relatively minimal to ensure your no-mascara eye makeup look pops.
3. Bold blush
Sweeping a bright, pigmented blush onto your cheeks is a great way to spice up an otherwise low-key makeup look. Make sure to pick a hue that complements your skin tone, and swipe it from your cheekbones up toward your temples for a fresh-faced flush.
4. Glittery lids
If you want to keep the focus on your eyes, glittery eyeshadow will ensure you stand out (in the best possible way). To create this party-ready look, use a shimmery cream eyeshadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Ice Sparkle, and color your lids from the lash line to the brow bone. Then, pat a glittery eyeshadow (we love the Valentino Beauty Dreamdust Glitter Eyeshadow in Sky Dust) onto the center of your lids for an extra luxe finish. Trust us—this sparkly no-mascara look is anything but bland.
5. Graphic eyeliner
A little bit of colorful eyeliner can go a long way in making your eyes pop. Plus, there’s no right or wrong way to create a graphic liner look, so you have plenty of wiggle room to explore your creativity. Just grab a colorful liner (or several) and draw graphic shapes along your lash line or on your lids to create a bold look, no mascara required.
