10 Minimal Makeup Tutorials That Are Fast and Easy to Recreate

March 31, 2023

By: Ariel Wodarcyk | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

When I’m doing my makeup, I sometimes struggle to find a look that’s fast and easy to recreate (which is a must, given how prone I am to running late) but still feels like I’m wearing makeup. There’s nothing wrong with a one-two punch of just mascara and concealer, but I’m usually going for a look that’s slightly more impactful than that. Lately, I’ve been saving countless minimal makeup tutorials on Instagram, and it’s been helping me a lot. When I’m thinking about how to do my makeup in the morning, a quick scroll through my saved folder usually gives me the spark of inspiration I need to create a look that makes me ready to take on the day.

Below, find 10 minimal makeup tutorials that are fast, easy to recreate and will flatter any skin tone and makeup taste.

10 Minimal Makeup Tutorials to Try Now

Three-Step Smoky Eyes

To complete this smoky eye, all you need is a dark cream shadow and a smudge brush — or your finger if you want to keep things even simpler. Here, creator Paula Ortiz uses the Giorgio Armani Beauty Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow in Leather, along with a classic winged eyeliner.

Rosy Cheeks

Sometimes a bold pink blush is all you need to sweeten your makeup look and kick it up a notch. For extra staying power, try layering a pigmented powder blush on top of a cream or liquid blush, as creator Toni Bravo does here.

White Waterline

For a wide-awake look regardless of your sleep schedule, try placing a bright white or nude pencil along your lower waterline. We like the NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Waterproof Eyeliner Stick in Pure White or Rose Gold.

Monotone Eyes

A coat of brown mascara and matching brown cat-eye subtly enhances any eye color without appearing overpowering. The YSL Beauty Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Brown brings the drama to the neutral makeup look.

Bright Inner Corner

Sometimes a pop of color is all you need to elevate your everyday makeup look. A rich cobalt shade, like the one makeup artist Jonet Williamson uses here, provides a stunning contrast against deep brown eyes.

Effortless Red Lips

For a modern take on a classic red lip, try pairing the lip color with a mostly bare face and subtly blurring out the edges, as creator Chelsea Bartley McEwen does here. This will give your lips a cool, just-kissed vibe that’s perfect for spring.

Smoky Winged Eye

Soft brown shadows and a smoked-out wing are the perfect mix of glamour and grunge. To complete the look with full, fluttery lashes using the Maybelline New York The Falsies Surreal Extensions Mascara.

Megawatt Skin

For skin that looks naturally candlelit and glowy, an illuminating primer and radiant foundation are a must. The Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation is our pick — it’s a breathable, medium-coverage formula that gives a satin finish on all skin types (it’s oil-free, so it won’t look shiny on oily skin!).

Faux Freckles

There are plenty of tutorials on how to achieve faux freckles, but this might be the easiest technique we’ve seen. Using a small eyeliner brush, apply dots of foundation or concealer to a makeup sponge, then lightly dab the sponge across your nose and cheeks. Lightly tap the freckles with your fingertip or a foundation brush to soften them. For the most natural freckled effect, use multiple shades of concealer or foundation that are slightly darker than your skin tone.

Photo: @cowboychels; Design: Juliana Campisi