9 Easy Steps for a Foundation-Free Makeup Routine

If you’ve never considered wearing makeup without foundation, then buckle up—because we’ve got a little secret to share. It’s a common misconception that wearing foundation is the only way to achieve a flawless, airbrushed complexion. However, it’s totally possible to give your skin a chance to breathe while simultaneously blurring the appearance of imperfections. Maybe you’re even curious about how to lighten up your product load in warmer months and need to know what to use instead of foundation in the summer. Whether you’re in the mood for a minimalist makeup routine, or you’re just embracing a more low-key, glowy look, we’re sharing a tutorial for how to do makeup without foundation.

50. What to Use Instead of Foundation

If the thought of leaving the house sans foundation sends you into panic mode, take a breath. There are actually many other makeup and skincare products that can help even out your skin tone without adding heavy or obvious coverage.

One way to wear makeup without foundation is to incorporate a tinted moisturizer into your routine.

Skin tints are another of our favorite alternatives to foundation makeup. These lightweight tinted formulas usually have a more watery or serum-like texture than foundation or tinted moisturizer, are easy to apply, and provide a natural-looking finish.

Yes, You Can Wear Makeup Without Foundation! Here’s How, in 9 Easy Steps

50. 9 Step No Foundation Makeup Look

Now that you’re armed with a little more info about the products that can take the place of foundation in your makeup routine, it’s time to learn how to apply makeup without foundation. We’ve put together a makeup tutorial without foundation to help you do just that.

Step 1: Start with skincare

Proper skin prep can help ensure your makeup goes on smoothly and evenly—which, we’re guessing, is what you’re after. Start by cleansing and moisturizing as usual, then apply sunscreen to help protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays.

Step 2: Prime your skin

After you’ve finished prepping your skin, smooth on a hydrating primer to promote a dewy, healthy-looking complexion. If you have oily or textured skin or prefer a more matte finish, consider reaching for a blurring primer instead.

Step 3: Apply tinted moisturizer or skin tint

As we mentioned earlier, yes—you can do makeup without foundation and still achieve a smooth, even-looking base. The key is to swap your foundation for a lighter product, such as a tinted moisturizer. This is the step in your no foundation makeup look that’ll help make your base look “finished.”

Step 4: Touch up with concealer

Using concealer without foundation is a great way to camouflage imperfections without looking obviously “done up.” For a natural-looking finish, we recommend using a hydrating, radiant-finish concealer rather than a matte one.

Step 5: Apply blush

While you don’t have to add blush, we think a subtle flush is the perfect way to add a touch of color to your no foundation look. Plus, blush can help complement your face shape when applied properly.

Step 6: Illuminate with highlighter

Next, get a little extra glow with a highlighter. Apply the highlighter to the high points of your face, including your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and along your brow bones, for a radiant, lit-from-within look. Be sure to blend it in well so there are no harsh edges or lines.

Step 7: Swipe on mascara

When you’re wearing makeup without foundation, emphasizing your eyelashes with a few swipes of mascara is a great way to tie your look together.

Step 8: Fill in your brows

To make your eyes pop and give your brows shape and dimension, don’t forget to fill in your brows.

Step 9: Finish off with lip balm or gloss

Don’t skip your lips! Adding a hint of color to the lips is the perfect way to complete your no foundation look.