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We keep talking about minimal summer makeup looks and how they are effortless because it's generally just skin coupled with some blush and gloss. Turns out, that's barely the case because behind this barely there makeup is a carefully constructed routine.

Today, minimal makeup isn't just about less is more; it's about making it look like it's minimal, but it needs work. And if you are wondering how to ace it? We've got you covered.

What work goes into that effortless face: The base

I've always been curious about how 'no-makeup makeup' looks are nothing but a full face of makeup that gives an illusion of being barely there, and if nothing, it is a paradox. Sure, it looks natural, and for some people, it is natural, but for most of them, it's simply about doing good skin prep and using the right products.

Opting for lighter bases instead of full-coverage options, for example, is one way to get your base right. From skin tints to tinted moisturisers and sunscreens, there's a wide variety of options out there. Often, people either use light concealer or skip the base and use just some concealer to give that naturally looking skin.

Here are some products you can use:

1. Make Up For Ever Super Boost Skin Tint 

The Make Up For Ever skin tint is truly one of the finest for when you are looking to have that my skin but better look, and there's no way that anyone will end up disliking it. It isn't drying, it has just the right amount of tint, and the best part? It doesn't look worn off by the end of the day, so you won't have to worry.

2. FENTY SKIN Hydra Vizor Huez Tinted Moisturizer Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen 

If you are looking for something short-term but want to also make sure your face looks hydrated enough, this one might just be exactly what you need, because it is truly one of the finer products from Fenty Beauty. The way it sets your base while looking like there's barely any makeup on, it does the job well.

3. MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Gel Tint

It's one of my second-most-used tints, and while some might wonder about the pricing point, the fact is, if it does well for your skin, it is a great buy. And boy, is it a summer-friendly texture, because you don't feel like there's product on your skin, and that's a purpose well served and a job well done.

The art is in the layering: The steps that follow

On some days, your makeup looks flawless, and on others, it looks patchy, and the key difference? It's how you've applied the products. That's also the case when it comes to doing minimal makeup right, because you've got to pick products that don't sit on the skin, and instead, look for the ones that just melt away. Think cream and liquid products that blend right, and less powder.

Of course, it's also so much about the placement because it's what can make all the difference. For example, blush on the cheekbones for that lift, clean brows to help you get that face framing right, and a touch-up of mascara. You can skip the highlighter, but if you do use it, just a hint is good enough because the key is subtle. The idea is to make sure that everything works well together, and nothing stands out, yet the makeup does.

Here are some products you can use:

1. rhode pocket blush

Blushes like the one from Rhode work best because of their formula, and while there isn't a close dupe available in India, there are enough options. Cream and liquid blushes will never fail you, period.

2. CLINIQUE Almost Lipstick

For the lips, you can choose between tints and balms, or even a hint of lipstick, but this is one of the best options out there. Other picks can also include lip stains or markers (like those from Huda Beauty), because they last longer and help you reduce the number of touch-ups in general.

3. Kylie Cosmetics Kylash Volume Mascara

Tira Beauty

The number of compliments I've received for my non-existent eyelashes when I've put this on is a little too many. If you want something that's not too expensive but comes from a reputable brand at the same time, then this is your pick.

The touch-ups: Not about perfection

Interestingly, when it comes to minimal makeup for summers, you know that there's only going to be so long that the makeup is going to wear, because there's not enough powder to hold it together. The blush faces, the gloss needs to be reapplied, and the skin looks dewier, and well, in this case, it's about the aesthetics and not a flaw.

The touch-ups are just about refreshing the makeup and not about fixing it altogether. Use a blotting sheet or a hint of tint or some balm, and you are back to looking soft and subtle. And well, this is the kind of makeup that truly works best, doesn't it?

Here are some products you can use:

1. LANEIGE Neo Essential Blurring Finish Powder

Nykaa

This blurring finish powder is your way out to making sure you look just fresh enough when it's time for a touch-up, and yet, you don't have to go through every step all over again. It's a lifesaver for all summer looks, TBH.

And that's all about minimal summer beauty, and the guide to acing it without having to try too hard. So the next time you do a no-makeup makeup look for summer, remember, it's not about making it look invisible, it's simply about making it look seamless, and that's a job well done!

Lead and social images credit: Nykaa, Instagram/aliaabhatt, Instagram/janhvikapoor, Rhode