Thick, long lashes have always played a large role in beauty regimens, which is why many may find the emergence of one of today’s newest trends —the “no mascara” makeup look — so shocking. However, this alternative is long overdue, based on the reality that there are always going to be some clients who have few or even no lashes at all, due to health issues such as thyroid conditions, infections, cancer treatments and more.
But what does a no mascara makeup application look like? With so many lash growth and enhancement serums, conditioners, extensions, lifts, falsies and coatings on the market and used in the spa, makeup application has always emphasized the eyes — with specific focus on the lashes. So what happens when mascara is taken out of the equation? Nothing makes a woman feel more naked, right? Fear not, the mascara free look is a legitimate new alternative in beauty, even for clients with healthy lashes — and it actually eliminates a few common makeup hassles.
Techniques for a Gorgeous No Mascara Look
Setting the mascara aside provides an opportunity to play up other features of the face. With the right technique, a no mascara makeup application can be bold and edgy.
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The Biggest of Brows
Bigger brows have been on the rise for the last few years. The bold brow could just be the new long lash. Brows tend to frame the eyes as lashes do, but when a bold brow is combined with a whole lotta lash, the face becomes a palette overly dominated by the eye area. Instead, skip the mascara and keep the brow game strong with a colored brow gel. Fine, feathery strokes create the illusion of additional hairs and leave the brows looking big and beautiful.
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Line ‘em Anyway
Who says that no mascara means no liner? I recommend doing just the opposite! One of the biggest secrets on the runway is creating a black smoky eye so dark and deep that no one even notices the models aren’t wearing mascara or lashes. To recreate this look, line the eye all over with a smudgy kohl pencil: lid, bottom lid, upper rim and water line. Blend with a small brush or q-tip for an eye catching sultry look.
This look can best be achieved by enhancing the liner with eye shadow. Never underestimate the power of a daring shape such as a wash of color all over the eye or a brightly colored wing!
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Amp up the Eye Color
One of the biggest summertime trends accompanying a no mascara makeup application is bold color on the eyes. Bright colors draw attention to the colored portion of the eye and create the illusion of more depth. Select the best color by revisiting the color wheel! Any color opposite the eye color complements them best:
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Pair it With a Bright Lip
The obvious alternative to playing up the eyes is livening up the lips! Bright colors on the lips can create the effect of being polished even with minimal or no makeup on the eyes. Keep it fun and playful by going for a more glossy, boldly colored lip rather than something matte. Any matte lip color can be made shiny with the addition of a gloss on top. For a long-wear application, simply apply a bright matte lipstick, blot, lightly dust with powder and repeat. Finally, top with a clear or lightly colored gloss for a smooch that won’t stop!
MESSES BE GONE!
Getting creative with makeup without mascara has the added advantage of eliminating certain common makeup problems. The Morning Butterfly Print No matter how hard we work at perfecting and blending eye shadow, sometimes all it takes is that final touch of mascara to ruin the entire eye makeup application. Eye makeup application without mascara eliminates the chance of eye shadow or liner being ruined by the “butterfly print” from freshly painted lashes post mascara application. The Mid-day Under Eye Smudge Effect In the heat of mid-summer (or year round if your client’s skin is oily), it is not uncommon for people to walk inside from the outdoors looking as though they’ve sobbed through a sad movie, spent the last hour in a steam room or been sucker punched in the eye. Not pretty! No mascara means no midday smudge, and hence a more refreshed looking face even at the end of the day.
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Pump up the Cheeks and Perfect That Skin
Cream cheek color is hot this year and a great addition to a no mascara makeup application. A cream or liquid blush is gorgeous on the skin and can create that sought after “ethereal glowing from within” look. Playing up the skin is the perfect way to create a no makeup look that best accompanies a naked lash. It is essential that the blush blends in perfectly with the skin. The best way to do this is to mix a small amount of cream or liquid blush into a foundation, tinted moisturizer or liquid highlighter, and apply with a synthetic brush. Finish the application by stippling with a sponge over the area, which blends all three products together seamlessly!
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Minimal Mascara
For clients who have some lashes and want to experiment with less mascara, start with a clear mascara for definition and to keep lash hairs in place (run it over brows to keep unruly hairs from straying as well). Another way to start slowly is to keep the rest of the makeup minimal at first, which makes it less apparent that mascara is missing from the equation.
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Treatment Room Lash Trends
Ironically — and despite the no mascara makeup trend, some of the biggest trends in the treatment room still revolve around lashes.
Lash lifting, tinting and extensions are all hot ticket services that create less need for mascara.
These protocols are the perfect enhancement to any mascara free look, and a great way to grow your income as an esthetics professional.
