How to Achieve the No-Makeup Makeup Look This Summer

There’s something magical about a fresh, glowing face in the summer. Minimal effort (well it will look like minimal effort), maximum radiance—that’s the energy. Enter the no-makeup makeup look: effortless makeup that lets your real skin shine while adding just that little bit of polish, to create the perfect summertime vibe.

Whether you're heading to brunch, the beach, or just grabbing a slurpee, this look is all about keeping things light, breathable, and barely there. So let's walk through the steps on how to nail the no-makeup makeup look for summer—from skin prep to product picks and a few brush recommendations that make all the difference.

Before we even think about makeup, we’ve got to talk skin. The no-makeup look starts with healthy, hydrated skin. That means skincare is your first step-and arguably the most important one- but healthy, hydrated skin doesn’t happen overnight so make sure you have a solid skin care routine year round.

Hydrated skin is key to any flawless makeup base, so a solid moisturizer is key, a quick tip to get your skin looking plump is to over hydrate your skin and then blot off any excess moisture right before you apply your foundation. It’s always better to have a little extra glow then to try and apply foundation to dry, dehydrated skin. If you are looking for a full breakdown of how to get your skin in its best pre makeup base condition check out Nyla’s blog, The Art of Skin Prep. And if you’re after a little extra glow, you can add a luminous primer or even mix your favourite liquid highlighter into your foundation; this gives your base a soft sheen that will be a perfect makeup base to get that summertime glow.

Remember a well-prepped base doesn’t just improve the wear of your products—it makes your makeup almost invisible. And that’s the goal here.

Full-coverage foundation can sit this one out. For summer, your skin deserves something lighter, fresher, and more breathable. Reach for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream that delivers just enough coverage to even things out, without masking your natural texture.

Instead of a full-face application, spot-treat where needed. A touch around the nose, a bit under the eyes, and any redness you’d like to tone down—that’s it. A soft buffing brush like the Smith 131 Multi Task Buffing Brush makes this step seamless. It blends product into your skin instead of letting it sit on top, giving you that “are they wearing makeup?” effect.

Powder products can easily settle into fine lines or look dry in summer heat. Cream-based formulas, on the other hand, melt into the skin and give you that second-skin finish.

Pick one feature to play up, a cream blush swept across the cheeks and nose gives a warm natural flush that feels totally effortless. If you want to go further, you can add a hint of bronzer or a brush of cream highlighter on the high points of your face.

The Smith #122 Highlighter Brush and #103 Filbert Face Brush are perfect for working with these textures—blending softly without disturbing what’s underneath.

Eyes and brows don’t need much here—just enough to frame the face and bring some definition. Instead of a full shadow look, try a single cream shadow on the lid or smudged along the lash line. We never like to skip mascara but will leave the false lashes at home for this look.

Brows benefit from a good brush-up with tinted gel, hello #214 Spoolie Brush, to add a little polish. If you want more structure, a brow powder and the Smith #211 Brow Brush can help fill in any sparse areas while keeping things natural.

Use the Smith #247 Flat Round Crease Brush for your cream shadows and the #220 Eyeshadow Finishing Brush for any lash line smudging.

Summer lips should feel like skincare—hydrating, easy, and low-fuss. Instead of overwhelming with pigment, go for products that enhance your natural tone. A tinted balm or a slick of lip oil is usually enough. For a subtle matching moment, use your cream blush and press it into your lips to add a soft tint. 

When it comes to nailing the no-makeup makeup look, high-quality brushes are your secret weapon. They help blend lightweight textures seamlessly into the skin, giving you a finish so smooth, you can’t even tell where the makeup ends and your skin begins. Besides the brushes we have recommended above these brushes will come in handy:

• A dense-yet-soft foundation brush like the Smith #115 helps sheer out product without leaving streaks.

• The Smith #118 is perfect for blending cream blush or bronzer with precision.

• Use the Smith #302 Lip Brush if you’re layering tinted products and want more control without harsh edges.

Brushes let you blend softly, avoid over-application, and maintain that effortless finish.

By now, the pattern is clear: keep it light, blend with intention, and avoid layering on more than necessary. The no-makeup makeup look isn’t about skipping makeup entirely—it’s about making it look like you did.

Here are a few extra tips to help you master it:

• Let your skin breathe. If you don’t need product in certain areas, skip it.

• Focus on glow, not shine. Dewy skin is great, but blot away excess oil if needed.

• Don’t forget the neck—blend down for a seamless finish.

Smithfolio makeup casesThe no-makeup makeup look is the definition of summer beauty: easy, effortless, and all about enhancing what you’ve already got. With the right prep, products, and a few well chosen brushes, you can pull off a fresh-faced glow that feels like no makeup at all.

Whether you're heading to work, a patio, or simply enjoying the sun, this look delivers a polished yet natural finish. And when you're ready to elevate your application tools, we've got you covered.

Ready to start building your no-makeup makeup kit? Explore our best-selling brushes and Smithfolio makeup cases to keep everything in place, whether you’re at home or on the go.