Whether you’ve heard it referred to as the ‘no-makeup’ makeup look, the naked look or the nude look, the natural beauty trend is quickly becoming a firm favourite among beauty aesthetes and brides alike. A huge shift from the ultra-glam visages of the social elite – think Kim Kardashian and her signature contour – more people are ditching their brushes, bronzers and beauty blenders in favour of their fingers and a few lightweight products.

If we think about it, this was always the natural next step; enacting what we often see in regard to trends, in that they open up the opposite end of the market. Over the last few years we’ve seen mom jeans compete with skinny jeans, long locks cut off in favour of edgier bobs and pixie cuts, and while we live in a diverse and dynamic beauty economy with an inexhaustible amount of products on the market, there will always be a return to the basics.

A natural complexion – or the illusion of one – is the accessory of choice this season, so much so that women have been seen to draw on pigmentation like freckles and beauty marks in aid of adding more character to their features, while others are simply letting their ‘imperfections’ shine. More than anything, though, this trend is a shift towards body positivity; it’s women saying ‘this is me’ – and really, why wouldn’t you want to look and feel like yourself on one of the most special days of your life?

Read ahead as we explore ways to achieve a ‘no-makeup’ makeup look on your wedding day.

The Skin I’m In

Nothing says bridal beauty quite like that ‘lit-fromwithin’ glow. If you’re looking to attain this style of finish, it’s important to begin with a good base – and that starts with skincare.

When developing a skincare routine, many people don’t realise that when and how you apply your products matters. A good rule of thumb is to use lightweight products first, before layering heavier products such as moisturisers, sunscreens and serums. Begin by cleansing to remove any makeup or pollution that you may have been exposed to throughout the day; then, exfoliate to purify and remove dead skin cells.

Sheet masks work wonders to rehydrate dry, tired skin as they can penetrate the epidermis to deliver high potency ingredients much faster than creams, gels and clays, which can often leave skin feeling fragile. Seal in any leftover residue from the sheet mask with your eye cream, moisturiser, serum and face oil. If completing this routine in the morning, don’t forget to slap on some sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher to prevent sun damage, fine lines and premature aging.

Cheek To Cheek

Once your skincare routine is complete, it’s time to prime. Using a primer is the easiest way to ensure a smooth and pliable base. As such, your primer should be tailored to your skin type; a poor-filling primer will blur large pores, while an illuminating primer will increase shine.

When it comes to coverage, limiting your application of the right product will ensure that you enhance your features, rather than creating new ones! Try mixing some moisturiser in with your foundation or use something lightweight like a cc or bb cream. Or, ditch the foundation altogether and use concealer in the spots that you need it, such as under the eyes or in the creases of your nose.

To add healthy colour to your cheeks, using a cream-based blush will often look more natural than a powder option, as it will easily blend into any product you may already have on your face. Try putting a touch on the centre of your nose, as this is where the sun naturally hits.

As you are trying to create a natural look, contouring isn’t required. However, if you’re going to add this step into your routine, keep the colours soft and only one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone, rather than the typical three or four. It’s also essential to select the right highlighter – something shiny rather than shimmery. We advise to steer clear of gold pigments, as they can appear harsh and age the skin. Apply your highlighter to your cheekbones, nose and cupids bow to achieve a sun-kissed glow.