When You Embrace The 'No-Makeup' Look You May Need To Overhaul Your Style—Here's Why
In case you haven't heard, no makeup is the new makeup. From the celebs who dared to wear no makeup on the red carpet and looked good doing it to those who only want to fake it with the "no-makeup" makeup look, going barefaced is the beauty trend of the moment. Charline Zeroual, personal stylist and founder of the Sustainable Wardrobe Stylist, is totally into it. "As a French woman, I'm a big believer in embracing our natural beauty and features rather than covering them up," she exclusively told Women.com. However, "when you stop wearing makeup, you may want to reconsider how you put your outfits together," she continued.
One way to do that is with accessories. "In fashion, accessories bring visual interest, create focal points, polish an outfit, and tie everything together," Zeroual pointed out. "Makeup plays a similar role." Without makeup to create that interest, leaning harder on accessorization balances your look. "Jewelry, scarves, bags, belts, and even socks can bring personality and visual interest to an outfit," she went on. "Experiment with different accessories and play with proportions." That doesn't mean you have to become queen of the statement necklace if that's not your style. "Sometimes, a simple pair of earrings or a beautiful scarf is all you need to create a focal point and bring an outfit together," Zeroual explained.
Work with what you've got: color, texture, layers, and hair
Another way to bring interest to a no-makeup style is through colorful, diverse materials. "Just as makeup adds color and dimension to your face, clothing can bring those elements into your overall look," Charline Zeroual exclusively told Women.com. She advises women to identify which colors flatter your skin tone and then select three colors for your outfit: a dominant shade, a complementary secondary color, and a contrasting accent tone. "Textures are equally important," she adds. "Explore cashmere, velvet, corduroy, and other interesting fabrics."
Don't forget the power of layers, either. "Layering is one of the easiest ways to add visual interest to an outfit," Zeroual says. "Think of a white T-shirt peeking out from under a sweater or a button-down shirt layered beneath a jacket. These small details create contrast, dimension, and a more thoughtfully styled appearance." What a great excuse to try out classic fashion combos that always look great together for fall.
Finally, if you're just now dipping your toes in the makeup-free waters, you might not realize what an impact hairstyle can have on your overall appearance. "Experiment with different cuts, colors, highlights, and hairstyles," Zeroual recommended. "Hair accessories, hats, and beanies are also great ways to add personality and interest." What's most important, however, is to remember that you don't have to wear makeup or dress up constantly to look put together. "It's about showing up for yourself and making an effort in a way that feels authentic to you," Zeroual maintained.