I have to be honest - the no-makeup makeup trend [1] initially got my back up. There's nothing more jarring than watching people with seemingly perfect skin, filters and fillers take to social media to encourage minimal makeup [2].
Because for the uninitiated, the no-makeup makeup trend doesn't actually involve no makeup . . . it actually means applying minimal makeup so that you look like you're not wearing make up. Tutorials will show that the no-makeup makeup trend prides itself on using a lightweight, concealer-only base, with the belief that it provides more coverage without looking or feeling heavy.
Influencers like Steph Hui [3], Samantha Harvey [4] and Elise Morgan [5] have tried and loved the concealer-only base. But, as someone with scarring, hyperpigmentation [6] and textured skin, the idea of stripping back my makeup base to a measly concealer wasn't one I thought would be for me.
@makeupbytammi [7] Full face using concealer only! Concealer is @rimmellondon multitasker🙌🏾 (I totally forgot to film the end transition clip of my finished look😆 but we move) #concealer [8] #makeuphacks [9] #makeuptrend [10] #DidYouYawn [11]
♬ This Is Why - Paramore [12]
However, I'm all about optimising my time, and figured that spending a good chunk of my morning on makeup when I could be getting a few extra minutes of sleep was something I was no longer prepared to do. That said, I also don't want to go makeup-free on my office days, so last week I decided to try the concealer-only base for myself. And while I can't say I instantly embraced it, I'm glad I've tried it, because now I don't see myself going back to foundation any time soon.
How I Tested the Concealer-Only Base
I chose to try this experiment on an office day, as I wanted to see how my base would last with travel, British weather, and a day of meetings, eating and working. I was out from 8am until 10pm, and the results weren't half as bad as I thought they'd be.
How I Applied My Concealer-Only Base
I usually use a skin tint or a lightweight foundation, rotating between the Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint [13] (£27) and SAIE's Glowy Super Skin Foundation [14] (£34). With just enough coverage and a blurring yet glowy effect, over the years I've come to love these products and they make me feel confident in my skin. Finding a concealer that would match this coverage and finish wasn't going to be easy - and in my mind it felt like it might be impossible. But I was soon proved wrong.
Instead, on the test day, I prepped my skin with my usual skincare routine, before using the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer [16] (£10), focusing on the areas that I'd be applying my concealer, the SAIE Hydrabeam Sheer Brightening Under Eye Concealer [17] (£21) - under my eyes, chin, and my T-Zone. I blended with a beauty blender which I dampened with the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Vitamin C [18] (£24.20). I continued with the rest of my makeup routine, using the Morphe 2 Sun and Done Smooth-Gliding Bronzer Stick [19] (£12), SAIE's Dew Blush [20] (£20) and the Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Instant Blotting and Setting Powder [21] (£25), topped with a spritz of the Urban setting spray.
After completing my makeup, it felt . . . incomplete and unsurprisingly light. Not reaching for a foundation after applying my concealer felt wrong to be honest, I was so used to my usual makeup routine, but it saved so much time, and I managed to leave early enough to get coffee for my commute, so that's a huge tick for me.
How My Concealer-Only Base Looked at 10am
Yes, I felt like my makeup was unfinished, but after taking a selfie, I looked airbrushed and glowy - love that! My base survived the morning commute, across the Overground and two packed Underground tubes, and by this point I reckon the 'glow' is a most likely thin layer of sweat, but my makeup hasn't moved at all. A powder top-up would be great but I wanted to see how far I can push it and really trial if I'd be happy with just a concealer base.
How My Concealer Only Base Looked at 3pm
By the late afternoon I was glad my blush had lasted, there's still a natural flush to my cheeks which nicely contrasts with my ever-lasting bright under eyes - a huge thanks to my concealer. My T-Zone went on an oil-frenzy but that's no surprise from my combination skin.
I had been keeping my head down all morning, scared that my makeup had melted off, leaving me looking haggard, but I was pleasantly surprised.
How My Concealer-Only Base Looked at 10pm
I made it home by 10pm after a full day of work and a big dinner with some friends, consisting of calamari, pizza, fruity cocktails and frequent gulps of water, so I wasn't expecting my makeup to have lasted this long, or at all. While I can't say there's much concealer left, I don't look as haggard as I usually would.
By the end of the day, my foundation has a tendency to accentuate my smile lines, feel heavy and muddy in my pores and fade to a grey shade after hours of re-applying powder, but I faced none of that. I didn't feel grubby or desperate to wash my face, I still felt as fresh as I did in the morning, which is a nice change.
Final Verdict
Did I feel self-conscious with a limited base? Absolutely! I was dying to liberally apply the concealer all over my face. I practically hid the acne scarring on my cheeks behind my hair, and I think a few dots of product to conceal those wouldn't have hurt. But it was the idea of letting my skin breathe that really won me over.
The concealer-only base was a liberating experience that I don't think I'll give up, especially as we head into spring and summer. Don't get me wrong, a decent concealer and a gripping primer is a must, and made a huge difference to how long my look lasted. But I was complimented for how natural, clear and glowy my skin looked, more than I have ever been when wearing a full face of makeup.
Although I would've rolled my eyes at it before, I kind of like the no makeup-makeup trend now. I made it my own and trying it out encouraged me to be realistic and face the true look of my skin. What I loved was that the concealer gently and subtly enhanced my complexion it so I don't look like I spent the night before crying myself to sleep over Netflix's One Day [22] . . . I digress.
Don't let the flawless-skinned celebrities and influencers make you think trying out the concealer-only base isn't for you. Because actually, it's about being comfortable in your own skin and using makeup to enhance your natural beauty, not hide it.
Lauren Gordon [23] is the editorial coordinator at POPSUGAR UK, where she creates lifestyle and identity content. Lauren has a degree in journalism from University of the Arts London and previously worked as a showbiz and TV reporter at The Mirror US. Lauren specialises in pop culture, hair and beauty, focusing on trends, sharing in-depth tutorials, and highlighting hidden gems in the beauty industry.