The No-Makeup Lip Combo Everyone’s Wearing Right Now

What Is No-Makeup Makeup?

While no-makeup makeup still involves applying makeup (often a full face), the outcome is “enhancing natural features and looking like a polished version of yourself,” explains D’AMELIO COSMETICS founder Lauren D’Amelio Ventre. “It’s supposed to look like you’re wearing no makeup, but it usually entails lightweight makeup like skin tints, concealer, cream blush, brow gel, and lip tint topped with a clear gloss.”

Los Angeles-based makeup artist Hannah Jaclyn agrees, adding that the skin should look hydrated with a “barely there blur of any imperfections.”

What Makes Up a No-Makeup Lip Combo?

When it comes to no-makeup lip combos in particular, much like the overall look, you can see hints of pigment, but it should “bring out your natural lip color with a lip tint or a clear gloss,” D’Amelio says, adding that Hailey Bieber and Zendaya perfectly exemplify the look. “You want shades that are close to your natural lip color or slightly enhanced versions of it, typically within the same undertone family.” 

Jaclyn pushes for a “diffused lip liner and sheer, ‘my-lips-but-better’ tint,” she says. 

The popular K-beauty lip tints epitomize that light flush of color that enhances a natural lip shade while still making lips look naturally untouched. Or even the cult favorite BENEFIT COSMETICS Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain is a great place to start, when combined with a neutral lip liner.

COLOURPOP, for example, offers a wide range of budget-friendly, blurring lip combos that apply effortlessly into the skin. For lighter tones, we recommend Cool BFF and In A Haze. For deeper tones, we suggest CTRL and Cloudy Hour. Generally, the KOSAS Hotliner Hyaluronic Acid Contouring Lip Liners are nourishing, easily blendable formulas that match a variety of natural skin tones. 

D’Amelio is a big fan of the WONDERSKIN Wonder Blading All-Day Lip Stains, which come in a variety of shades. “This topped with a gloss or balm is perfect for everyday,” she says. “I also love how it’s waterproof and suitable for long wear.”

How to Apply No-Makeup Lips

1. Exfoliate Your Lips

A lip exfoliator or scrub, like the FENTY BEAUTY Pro Kiss'r Lip-Loving Scrubstick, for example, will “get rid of dead skin and ensure you have a hydrated base,” explains D’Amelio.

2. Apply and Diffuse Lip Liner

Jaclyn reaches for a chubbier lip liner to softly line the lips, followed by a brush or finger to diffuse the line. When it comes to thicker lip liners designed for blurring, we’re big on the RHODE Peptide Lip Shape Contouring Lip Shapers. And as mentioned above, D’Amelio often lines the lips with a stain.

3. Apply a Sheer Lip Product

For this final step, both pros opt for something sheer (a gloss or balm). The combination of this step with a diffused liner will create an enhanced natural look on the lips that also looks healthy and hydrated. Jaclyn recommends the JOUER COSMETICS Essential Shine Balms, while D’Amelio opts for the DIOR ADDICT Lip Glow Oil “because it enhances the lips while still feeling lightweight and wearable for everyday.”

Final Thoughts

No-makeup lip combos aren’t just for casual days running errands. These more laidback lip looks can help balance out a more dramatic eye and complexion look (think red carpets or other general events). Or they can amplify a more subtle look altogether. There’s really no right or wrong time for a your-lips-but-better finish. Think hydrated, kissable lips with a pop of color.