September 21, 2023
By: Ariel Wodarcyk | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
There’s no shortage of deeply intricate makeup tutorials on social media, from masterful smoky eyes to graphic eyeliner that looks like it belongs in a modern art museum — we know this because we can watch those tutorials for hours. But what about the looks that are quick and easy to achieve but still look interesting and impactful? We rounded up 25 simple makeup looks to inspire you, below. Whether you’re short on time but still want your makeup to look its best, or you’re just itching to step out of your beauty comfort zone, there’s something for everyone.
25 Simple Makeup Looks You Need to Try in 2023
Glowy Skin and Red Lips
A no-makeup makeup look can be instantly transformed by a red lip. Here, content creator Schae B uses the Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Power Longwear Satin Lipstick in 404 Tempting for a classic berry-red pout.
“Bleached” Brows
Yes, it’s possible to achieve white-blonde eyebrows without using actual bleach. Follow these faux-brow bleaching tutorials to get a similar look to Jael Dorotan.
All Matte Makeup
Doing your makeup in an all-matte finish is a quick and easy way to make your look more cohesive. Nude lips and a subtle smoky eye are a nod to the ’90s. If you’re looking for a new nude lipstick, we recommend the Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Drama Matte Lipstick.
Hazy Smoky Eye
If you haven’t quite mastered an all-black smoky eye, fear not — you can still achieve an edgy look by using pale gray and mauve shades that are softer and easier to blend. Try using the NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Color Palette in Cool Neutrals for a hazy, diffused finish.
Pop of Color
At a loss for how to switch up your no-makeup makeup routine? Try highlighting your inner corners with a bright color — we love using the Maybelline New York TattooStudio Sharpenable Gel Pencil in the shade Citrus Charge. Finish off the look with a shiny lip gloss in a neutral or clear shade, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump in 600 Mirror.
Monochromatic Makeup
Try tapping a multipurpose cream on your lips and cheeks for a sun-kissed, monochromatic look. We recommend the YSL Beauty Nu Lip & Cheek Balm Tint in Pinch, a warm peach.
Freckles (Real or Faux!)
Now’s the time to break out your eyebrow pencil and dot on some faux freckles (or embrace your natural ones if you have them!).
Laminated Brows
It’s easier (and cheaper!) than you might think to fake the look of laminated brows at home. Just pair a strong-hold brow wax, like the NYX Professional Makeup The Brow Glue Instant Styler, with your favorite eyebrow pencil, and flick those brow hairs skywards.
Triple Wings
This triple-wing liner is a fun and inventive way to switch up your basic cat-eye. If you’re new to creating graphic liner, makeup artist Jonet Williamson suggests sketching out the shape you want to create with eyeshadow first.
Brown Lips
A cocoa-colored lip with dark brown lip liner is a classic combination. The best thing about this lip is its versatility — pair it with neutral eye makeup and false lashes for a soft glam look, or wear it as a complement to a warm smoky eye.
Sultry Wings
These graphic wings are a little harder to achieve than some of the looks on this list, but with a little practice perfecting the best cat eye for your eye shape, we’re confident you can nail it. For a bold, precise line that lasts all day, reach for the Lancôme Idôle Liner.
Wash of Color
A single colorful shadow blended out through the lid and crease is a simple way to make your eye makeup stand out. We love using the shades from the NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Color Palette in Brights. If you prefer cream eyeshadow, reach for the Giorgio Armani Beauty Eye Tint Liquid Eyeshadow.
White Eyeliner
Make graphic eyeliner easy by adding a streak of white liner above your lid and in the inner corner, as Shuang Bright does here. To carve out the shape of your eyeliner and make it a little sharper, use a cotton swab dipped in micellar water or a thin brush and concealer.
Lifted Blush
Your cheekbones will pop thanks to this lifted blush technique. Start by swirling a cream blush, on the apples of your cheeks, then extend the color up towards your temples and browbones. To make the color last all day, top it with a powder blush.
Sleepy Eye Makeup
Embrace sleepy, downturned eyes with this cool black eyeliner trend. It’s super easy to recreate with any smudgy black pencil — we like the Maybelline New York Line Express Sharpenable Wood Pencil Eyeliner because it comes with a built-in smudger and costs less than $10.
Stained Lips
A rosy lip liner and matching stain offer a long-lasting flush of color. Paired with natural-looking mascara, brown liner and glowing skin, the effect looks effortless and pretty.
Floating Liner
Add a line in a half-moon shape right above your lid for an easy take on editorial makeup. Keep the look minimal with a nude lip, or go graphic and bold with red lipstick.
Berry Lips
“I’m Cold” makeup, aka hyper-blushed cheeks, glowy lids and just-bitten lips, has taken TikTok by storm. Emulate the look yourself with lots of blush and a berry-pink lipstick topped with a lacquer-like clear gloss, like the NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss in Sugar Glass.
Glossy Lids
A shiny layer of clear gloss slicked across your lids elevates a simple makeup look. Try using a thicker gloss for a longer-lasting look — we have pro tips and product recommendations for creating an easy glossy eye here.
Elongated Liner
Elongate the inner corners of your eyes with a thin stripe of liquid eyeliner. Make sure to leave the middle of the lid exposed to let the inner and outer corner wings take center stage. To get the line as crisp as possible, we like to use the NYX Professional Makeup Vivid Matte Liquid Liner.
Latte Makeup
Latte makeup has been trending for a few weeks now and it’s the perfect approach to warm-toned makeup for fall. To get the look, pair your basic, everyday makeup routine with a soft smoky eye using shades of bronze and tan.
Matte Red Lip
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a matte red lip. Keep the rest of your makeup relatively simple and let your striking lip color steal the spotlight.
Layered Lashes
Layering two different mascaras for a uniquely tailored lash look, also known as mascara co*cktailing, is a simple way to switch up your typical makeup vibe. In this video, makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes paires the Lancôme Définicils High-Definition Mascara with the Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara.
Dewy Skin
When we think about simple, minimalist makeup, we think of a dewy complexion. Dewy, luminous skin is the key to pulling off a no-makeup-makeup look.
Statement Blush
Statement blush is a high-impact beauty trend that even the most inexperienced makeup beginners can DIY at home. All you need to do is choose an ultra-pigmented blush in a bright color and buff a generous amount onto your cheekbones, blending up towards your temples. The Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Blush works well — opt for the shade Ecstasy.
Photo: @mazullah, Design: Juliana Campisi
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