Apparently, millennials are not only refusing to age, but it is showing in our faces, too (see one of the many articles or TikTok’s about it). I think part of that is because we refuse to wear the caked on make up look that we so fondly remember our great and aunts and grandmothers rocking back in the day. And as someone who’s never been one to fuss over a full face of makeup, I am thankful for this – mostly – collective decision.
So I understand the struggle of finding products that complement your natural beauty without overwhelming your look. I’m all about the effortless, natural aesthetic—the kind of makeup that enhances your features without masking them. And let’s be real, as I get older, I am less willing to sacrifice time and my skin is less willing to put up with make up that just sits on top of my dry skin. Gimme that glowey glossy look, please. Unless you are monetizing it, who has the time or energy for a complicated beauty routine? That’s why I’m excited to share some game-changing makeup finds (I use daily) that are perfect for the modern millennial woman who values simplicity and versatility in her beauty routine. From easy-to-use products that provide just the right amount of coverage to subtle enhancements that transition seamlessly from day to night, let’s dive into the world of makeup that’s as low-maintenance as it is stunning…and also goes with every outfit. Here, as always, to un-complicate your life.
Moisturizing Sunscreen
I always always always put on sunscreen in the morning. I’ve lately been using Korean sunscreens, as they have a lighter finish, have better ingredients, and tend to stay potent all day. I’m a huge fan of the light and non-irritating or greasy Bioré, but I’ve also been using the gentle and worth the hype Beauty of Joseon, which I pick up at my local Korean Beauty store.
Multi-Purpose Oil
If you are unfamiliar, let me (so so excidedly) introduce you to I use the Floral Oil for a subtle perfume, but I use the Shimmer one when I’m showing a little skin, and I will rub the rest over my face before applying foundation. I notice that it adds a very subtle glow and leaves my skin feeling extra dewey. (A little goes a long way!)
Serum Foundation
I know this serum has a 40 SPF, which I do love, but I still put on sunscreen every morning. I just can’t guarantee that this SPF will last throughout the day. And I know my sunscreen will. And no harm in doubling (or tripling) up!
Contour
I’m a little late on the contouring trend, but oh how I’m glad I did not entirely miss the boat on this one. Especially as I’ve aged. Apply higher than you think on the cheek (it lifts the cheekbones) and under the jaw line and jowls. Don’t contour on the jaw line. Enhance the shadows. I have two recs for Contours. Westman Atelier’s is pricier. A true contour color with a cool undertone and never looks orange, it blends smooth.
Wet n Wild is a go to for me when I’m trying out a new make up technique for the first time and their Dual-Ended Contour Stick is a great entry point for a contouring newb. And at a much lower price point.
Cream Blush
Cream blush offers several advantages for creating a clean makeup look. Unlike powder blush, which can sometimes appear dry or powdery on the skin, cream blush blends seamlessly into the complexion, providing a natural and dewy finish. Its creamy texture allows for easy application and effortless blending, ensuring that the color melts seamlessly into the skin for a soft, diffused flush of color. Additionally, cream blushes often contain moisturizing ingredients that hydrate the skin, giving it a healthy and luminous appearance. This hydrating formula helps to maintain the skin’s natural radiance, contributing to a fresh and youthful complexion. Overall, the lightweight and buildable nature of cream blush makes it an excellent choice for achieving a clean and natural makeup look with a subtle hint of color.
I love that the Roen Cheeky Cream Blush offers a luxurious, silky-smooth formula that blends effortlessly for a natural flush (and doesn’t leave you with clown cheeks). Its suitable for all skin tones and formulated with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter, hydrating the skin while providing a radiant finish, making it a standout choice for a clean makeup look.
Beauty Blender
Don’t forget the beauty blender!! Its unique shape and material ensure seamless blending of foundation, concealer, and cream products, resulting in a smooth and even finish without streaks or patches (see previously mentioned clown cheeks).
Concealer
Most of the products I use are natural in order to provide that glossy look. However, I find that when it comes to concealer, I need something a little more robust.
I’ve found that Stila concealer stands out as an excellent choice for aging and sensitive skin due to its lightweight formula that offers full coverage without settling into fine lines or emphasizing texture. Infused with hydrating ingredients, it not only conceals imperfections but also helps to nourish and plump the delicate skin around the eyes. Its gentle formulation makes it suitable for those with sensitive skin, providing a comfortable wear throughout the day without causing irritation or dryness.
Mascara
Ilia’s mascara is truly a dream buy. Its gentle formula, free from harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients, ensures a comfortable wear without causing irritation or flakiness. With nourishing ingredients like shea butter and arginine, it lengthens and defines lashes – it’s the closest I’ve ever looked to having long luscious lashes, and mine are naturally blonde and short 🙁 Plus, Ilia’s buildable formula allows for customizable volume and intensity, making it a versatile staple for effortless, natural-looking lashes.
You’ll notice I don’t have an eye makeup rec on here. For clean makeup, I typically recommend avoiding heavy eye makup. I typically just go in with some concealer and a little bit of contour and call it a day to achieve a natural and youthful complexion.
Highlighter
Ok, I don’t like glitter. I don’ use it on my eyes anymore. And I certainly do not use it on my face. This isn’t that. This is a highlighter. RMS’s Living Luminizer will help you put those finishing touches on your radiant, dewy complexion. Formulated with nourishing organic ingredients like coconut oil and vitamin E, it hydrates and revitalizes the skin while providing a subtle luminosity that enhances natural beauty. Its creamy texture blends seamlessly, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and imparting a youthful glow that lasts throughout the day. Perfect for achieving that coveted lit-from-within look without emphasizing texture or imperfections, it’s a must-have for mature skin seeking a fresh and radiant finish.
Brow Gel
I feel like I’ve been on a five year hunt for the perfect brow gel, and I think I found it? Kosas’s Brow Gel meets all my minimal effort needs. Infused with nourishing ingredients like castor oil and panthenol, it not only shapes and defines brows but also promotes healthier, fuller-looking brows over time. As part of Kosas’s commitment to clean beauty, this product is formulated without harsh chemicals, making it ideal for sensitive skin and anyone prioritizing natural ingredients. The wand applicator is easy to use – I rarely have to clean up around the brows after – and I always end up with a polished and natural appearance to go with the rest of my glossy look.
Brow Pen
Oh, hello again, Kosas! Of course I also recommend using Kosas’s teeny tiny tipped brow pen to fill in any empty spaces in the brows (I may have many) that the brow brush just won’t cover. Believe me, I’ve tried, but no brush is going to fill in that area I overplucked in the early aughts.
Powder Bronzer
If you are going for clean without using a lot of other makeup, don’t skip the bronzer. A bronzer can add warmth and dimension to the complexion, mimicking a natural sun-kissed glow. It can also help to contour and define facial features, such as the cheekbones, jawline, and temples, creating the illusion of depth and structure. Additionally, bronzer can be used to balance out the skin tone, particularly to add color to areas that may appear dull or washed out. Bronzer is doing so much work as a versatile makeup product that can enhance the overall appearance of the face, providing that healthy and radiant complexion we are trying to achieve.
Powder Blush
I know I just waxed on and on about go beneficial cream products are for aging skin. However, sometimes, I do add on powder blush afterwards. I do this for several reasons. Layering powder blush over cream blush can provide several benefits. Firstly, it helps to set the cream products in place, extending their longevity throughout the day. Additionally, the combination of cream and powder textures adds dimension to the makeup look, creating a more natural and blended appearance. Powder products also contribute to mattifying the skin, reducing excess shine and oiliness, while enhancing the overall finish of the makeup. You can definitely still use the powder and achieve a dewy look. Just don’t overdo it!
Lip Liner or Stain
Lip liners and stains are doing so much work to keep our lips in color all day. This one by Eve Perez is particularly fantastic as its creamy formula effortlessly glides onto the skin (so important for our sensitive lips), providing a sheer and buildable coverage that blends seamlessly for a natural finish. Secondly, its versatile design allows for easy application on the cheeks, lips, and eyes, making it a convenient all-in-one product for minimalist makeup routines. And with ingredients like cocoa butter and coconut oil, you know your lips will stay hydrated and healthy throughout the day, enhancing your natural beauty.
Lip Plumping Gloss
As lip filler is not a solution for everyone (the needles and prices are scary), thank the lipstick gods for the invention of lip plumping glosses. They are an excellent choice for quick makeup routines, offering volume and dimension instantly, enhancing overall appearance without the need for additional products.
This one by Rituel de Fille offers a lightweight and non-sticky formula that applies smoothly and evenly, requiring minimal effort for a polished look. Additionally, its nourishing ingredients like botanical oils provide hydration and softness, ensuring that your lips feel comfortable and moisturized throughout the day. Overall, Lip plumping gloss is the perfect solution for achieving a beautiful and effortless makeup look in record time.
Pressed Powder
Again, it seems antithetical to achieving a dewy skin look, but pressed powder is there for you if you need to set certain areas of the face, like the T-zone, to control shine and maintain a balanced complexion. Pressing a small amount of powder onto areas prone to excess oiliness can prevent makeup from sliding or creasing throughout the day, ensuring a more polished appearance. And lightly dusting powder over cream or liquid products can help to blend them seamlessly and enhance their longevity, allowing the skin to maintain a fresh and luminous glow.
Makeup Remover (Honorable Mention)
Makeup removing towels are the unsung hero in the realm of skincare, especially for those with sensitive skin yearning for a gentle yet effective cleansing experience. With their plush textures, these magical towels effortlessly whisk away the day’s makeup, grime, and impurities with unparalleled ease. What’s truly remarkable is their ability to achieve this feat without the need for harsh chemicals or vigorous rubbing, ensuring that delicate skin is treated with the utmost care and respect. And did I mention, they are resusable after a mere wash? These genius towels leave behind nothing but a clean, refreshed canvas ready to embrace the serenity of a peaceful slumber because you know you are leaving zero mascara stains on your pillow. For those seeking the epitome of makeup removal ease, get thee some game-changing Makeup removing towels.
In the pursuit of a dewy, clean makeup look tailored for aging, sensitive skin, the journey often begins with a quest for products that not only enhance natural beauty but also prioritize skin health and comfort. From luminous cream blushes to nourishing lip plump oils and everything in between, each product mentioned in this guide is a testament to the transformative power of makeup that cares. Embracing the delicate balance between efficacy and gentleness, these skincare-infused formulations go beyond mere cosmetics, offering a sanctuary for mature, sensitive complexions to flourish. As we bid adieu to harsh chemicals and welcome a new era of clean, dewy beauty, let us revel in the radiant glow of confidence that comes from nurturing our skin with the love and respect it deserves. With the right products in hand, our skin doesn’t have to hide behind layers of moisture-sucking makeup and can continue to radiate luminosity and vitality for years to come.