The Only Steps You Need To Master Minimalist Makeup.
A peek into my routine and how makeup shapes my identity.
My Beauty Journey: From Insecurity to Confidence
The beauty industry is booming, especially in the 21st century, but despite its rapid growth, I’ve often felt left out of the conversation. As a brown girl, I’ve always struggled to find makeup tutorials that truly resonated with me. Most videos I came across featured Asian or white creators, or they focused on makeup styles that didn’t align with my age, lifestyle, or the reasons I wear makeup. Makeup is an art form that spans centuries. Just look at Ancient Egypt, where women used kohl to line their eyes and eyebrows, a simple practice which is a close ancient equivalent to modern-day eyeliner. Or even alta made from red dye, used in Ancient India to decorate the hands and feet of women.
For years, my best friend and I would experiment with makeup on each other, but she was always more skilled than I was. I genuinely wanted to improve, but I held back, fearing judgment. There’s a stigma around wearing makeup to school—something I, too, used to think about before I started wearing it more regularly. However, over time, my perspective shifted. I now believe that makeup, when done in a way that enhances and elevates your natural beauty, is something to embrace. At first, I wore makeup out of insecurity, staring at my face and feeling self-conscious. But today, I wear it with confidence. The act of putting on makeup has become a ritual for me, one that brings meaning and fun to my mornings.
So, here’s a quick, 10-minute makeup routine that works for me, a no-fuss, "no-makeup" makeup look that’s perfect for school or a casual day out with friends!
Why I Love the ‘No-Makeup’ Makeup Look
Quick and Easy: Ideal for those busy mornings when you don’t have much time.
Minimal Products: You don’t need a lot to create a polished, natural look.
Timeless: This look never goes out of style—it’s classic and versatile for any occasion.
Step-by-Step: My 10-Minute Makeup Routine
1. Prep Your Skin
Before anything else, your base is everything. Skincare is essential for a smooth makeup application. I start with a cleanser, toner, hydrating serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. This preps my skin, leaving it feeling soft, slightly sticky, and bouncy—perfect for makeup to adhere to. A well-prepped face ensures that your makeup will apply evenly and stay put all day long.
2. Vaseline for Hydrated Lips
I always apply a thin layer of Vaseline (or any petroleum jelly) to my lips to lock in moisture. This ensures they stay soft and hydrated, ready for the lip products to come.
3. Foundation
Next, I use L’Oreal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation and apply it with a brush. I gently dab the foundation in, using a stippling motion to achieve an even, natural finish. If you’re looking for lighter coverage, a BB cream is a great alternative.
4. Concealer
To brighten up my eyes, I use L’Oreal Infallible Longwear Shaping Stick Foundation in a lighter shade under my eyes. To create a seamless look, I apply a slightly darker foundation along my hairline and the top of my forehead to ensure everything blends naturally. You can also apply this to your cheekbones to subtly sculpt and add dimension to your face.
5. Lip Balm
Once my lips are prepped with Vaseline, I wipe it off and apply a tinted lip balm. I prefer shades that are close to my natural lip color—something pink, red, or purple. I apply it mainly to the center of my lips for a subtle, stained effect that blends naturally with my lip color. I absolutely love using my own homemade lip products (which I will be launching for sale soon) and feel these are always the best for a more natrual look.
6. Lip Gloss for a Plump, Hydrated Look
For the finishing touch, I add a clear or lightly tinted lip gloss. Naked Truth DB Luminous Lip Gloss or Lanolip 101 Ointment are my go-tos. I apply it lightly to the center of my lips to add shine and volume. Avoid pressing your lips together right after applying; instead, clean up the edges with your finger or a tissue for a clean finish. Keep a lip balm and gloss in your bag to reapply throughout the day if you are at work or school.
7. Curl Your Lashes (Trust Me on This One)
This step makes a huge difference! Curling your eyelashes opens up your eyes and gives you a feminine, doe-eyed effect that makes your eyes appear larger. It’s one of those small steps that can have a big impact. Your eyes are the first thing people notice, so why not make them stand out?
8. Optional Step: Highlighter
For a more defined and cute look, you can add highlighter on your nose.
Final Thoughts: Makeup as Confidence
What started as an insecurity has now become a form of expression. Makeup, for me, is no longer just about covering up—it’s about feeling empowered and confident in my own skin. This 10-minute routine has become my go-to because it’s quick, easy, and enhances my natural beauty. Whether it’s for school, a day out with friends, or just to feel good, I hope this routine helps you feel just as confident as I do.
Makeup is not just a tool; it’s a personal experience. If it elevates your confidence, then that’s all that matters.
