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Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Want to ACTUALLY Nail the No-Makeup Makeup Look? We Asked an Expert for Her Top Tips (Plus How to Build a Capsule Makeup Collection AND the One Multi-Tasking Product You Need)

If you’re not blessed with a good makeup hand, then sometimes the idea of fancying up your face can be bloody overwhelming. So many of us Kiwi gals, however, absolutely froth the old ‘no-makeup makeup’ look – but it’s a lot harder than it actually sounds. So, we asked an expert – Revlon’s ANZ National Education Manager Nica Marcello – for her advice to getting a fabulous, natural face happening with minimal effort (and with products in your budget!)

Kia ora Nica! Ok so no-makeup makeup is a term that get bandied about a LOT – first off, what does it actually mean?

No-makeup makeup is a beauty trend that focuses on enhancing your natural features while maintaining the illusion of not wearing any makeup. The goal is to achieve a fresh, effortless, and natural look by subtly evening out your skin tone, highlighting your best features, and adding a healthy glow. It’s is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit various skin types and personal styles, making it a flexible approach that enhances natural beauty while accommodating individual preferences and needs. It is definitely a trend that will stand the test of time!

Nica Marcello showing of a veeeeery nice no makeup makeup look!

If you’re a minimal makeup girlie, what are the five basics you would recommend for a capsule collection, of sorts? 

Here’s what I’d go for:

A Tinted Moisturiser or BB Cream Purpose: Provides light coverage while hydrating the skin. Benefit: Evens out skin tone without feeling heavy. 

Concealer Purpose: Covers blemishes, dark circles, and any areas needing extra coverage. Benefit: Helps achieve a flawless complexion with minimal product.

Mascara Purpose: Defines and enhances lashes. Benefit: Opens up the eyes and adds a subtle touch of glamour.

Cream Blush Purpose: Adds a natural flush to the cheeks. Benefit: Blends seamlessly into the skin for a fresh, dewy look.

Tinted Lip Balm Purpose: Provides hydration and a hint of colour to the lips. Benefit: Keeps lips looking healthy and adds a natural pop of colour.

Let’s chat about the base – these days we have so much more choice than just a blanket layer of foundation. What are some of your tips and tricks for a flawless, barely-there natural base? 

Here’s some easy steps:

Moisturise and Prime.

Tinted Moisturiser for light coverage.

Spot Conceal where needed.

Blend with a damp sponge.

Cream Blush/Highlighter for glow.

Light Powder and Mascara.

Who do you think is a good example of someone who does a no-makeup makeup look well?

Hailey Bieber! She frequently opts for a natural, radiant appearance that enhances her features without looking overly done. Her makeup typically includes sheer foundation, subtle eye makeup, a touch of blush, and a nude lip, creating a fresh and effortless look.

What do you think is the most important step of the whole look?

The most important step of the no-makeup makeup look is skin preparation. Ensuring your skin is well-hydrated and primed creates a smooth, healthy canvas for the rest of your makeup. This step helps achieve that natural, radiant glow and allows the sheer makeup products to blend seamlessly.

Is it about looking like you’re wearing nothing at all, or more about enhancing your best natural features?

It’s more about enhancing your best natural features. The no-makeup makeup look aims to subtly highlight your natural beauty, making you look fresh and radiant without appearing heavily made-up. It’s about using minimal products to even out your skin tone, add a healthy glow, and define your features in a way that looks effortless and natural.

How do you do brows without them looking too ‘done’, but also defined?

Use a light hand with a brow product that matches your natural colour. Fill in sparse areas with feathery strokes. Blend with a spoolie to soften lines. Set with brow gel to keep them in place.

Let’s chat product recommendations! What’s your take?

The Revlon Illuminance Glow Filter is a must-have, here’s why: Natural Radiance – It  provides a subtle, healthy glow that enhances your natural beauty without looking heavy or artificial. Versatility – You can use it alone, as a primer, mixed with foundation, or as a highlighter, making it perfect for various applications. Skin-Caring – It not only adds luminosity but also cares for your skin, ensuring you look fresh and radiant all day. 

The Revlon All In Tubing Mascara is perfect for the no-makeup makeup look because: Natural Definition – It enhances your lashes without clumping, giving them a naturally defined look. Lightweight Feel – The tubing formula feels light on your lashes, making them look effortlessly beautiful. Long-Lasting – It stays put all day without smudging, ensuring your lashes look great from morning to night. Bonus it comes off effortlessly with warm water!

Can you suggest any multi-use products that’ll help to achieve this look easier?

The Revlon Illuminance Serum Concealer can be used in multiple ways: Conceal – Cover dark circles, blemishes, and redness. Highlight – Apply to high points of your face for a subtle glow. Prime Eyelids – Use as an eyeshadow primer. Contour – Use a darker shade to define features. This versatile product streamlines your routine for a natural, flawless finish. It has the added skincare benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E, so you are also looking after your skin.

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