DB Approved: My Go-To Minimal Makeup Routine
I love the kind of makeup that enhances my natural features without feeling heavy —something that makes me look refreshed, glowy, and like I’ve had eight hours of sleep (even when I haven’t). A minimal makeup routine is my absolute go-to for most days. It’s quick, effortless, and leaves me feeling put together without overdoing it. Below, I’m sharing the exact products I use for my minimal makeup routine and how I apply them to get that fresh-faced glow that’s DB approved.
1. Base: Four Foundations for Any Mood
When it comes to my base, I like options depending on the level of coverage I’m going for and how my skin feels that day. I keep it simple, and it’s all about letting my skin shine through.
• Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer: This is a go-to for sheer, breathable coverage. It evens out my skin tone but still lets my natural glow shine through. It also has SPF, which is a must for me on busy days when I’m in a rush but still want to protect my skin.
• Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint: I love this product for days when I want that “your skin but better” effect. It blurs imperfections ever so slightly while still feeling weightless.
• Ilia Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint: This one is my pick for a super-dewy, fresh-faced look. It has SPF 40 and hyaluronic acid, so it feels like skincare and makeup combined—a real multi-tasker.
• Huda Beauty Easy Blur: When I want a bit more coverage, especially for evenings, this foundation gives me a soft blur effect that hides any redness or uneven texture without looking cakey.
I apply whichever foundation I’m feeling that day with my fingertips for a natural, skin-like finish or use a damp beauty sponge if I want it extra sheer and well blended.
2. Concealer: Bright-Eyed and Fresh
I alternate between two different concealers depending on the coverage I need:
• Victoria Beckham x Augustinus Bader The Concealer Pen: This is my go to for quick, lightweight concealing. It has skincare ingredients that hydrate under my eyes, which I love. It’s perfect for covering darkness without looking heavy.
• Tom Ford Traceless Concealer Stick: On days when I need a bit more coverage—perhaps after a late night—this concealer stick does the trick. It’s creamy, blends seamlessly, and has that barely-there finish.
I use a light hand with concealer, focusing on the inner corners of my eyes, around my nose, and any spots that need a bit of brightening.
3. Bronzer & Contour: Soft Definition
Bronzer and contour are where the magic happens when it comes to adding dimension to a minimal makeup look. I have a few favorites for sculpting and giving my skin that healthy glow.
• Milk Makeup Sculpt Stick in Baked: This is ideal for when I want a natural contour. It’s easy to blend, and I love how creamy it is—perfect for adding a subtle sculpt without any harsh lines.
• Glossier Cloud Paint in Sweep: For a touch of warmth, this cream bronzer gives me a sun-kissed look. I use my fingertips to pat it in for that effortless glow. • Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzer: This bronzer is my absolute must-have when I want to look naturally tanned. It adds warmth without any shimmer, and it’s perfect for a true no-makeup makeup look.
• Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick: On days when I want a little more definition, this contour stick gives me just the right amount of shadow. It’s buildable and blends beautifully into the skin.
4. Brows: Naturally Framed
I like my brows to look fluffy and natural, and for that, I rely on two staples:
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Gel: This gel keeps my brows in place all day, giving them that feathery, laminated look.
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Dark Brown: I use this pencil to fill in any sparse areas. It’s precise, so I can easily mimic brow hairs for a natural effect.
5. Eyes: Easy Definition
For my eyes, I like to keep it simple but defined. My minimal makeup routine usually involves:
• Lisa Eldridge Kitten Lash Mascara: This mascara is perfect for everyday wear. It adds volume and length without clumping, giving me defined lashes that open up my eyes without looking overdone.
• Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder: I dust a bit of this powder across my eyelids. It gives just enough definition to make my eyes pop without looking like I’m wearing eyeshadow. It’s all about adding soft depth that blends perfectly with my contour.
“Whether I’m off to a meeting, running errands, or meeting friends for brunch, this routine is my secret weapon for feeling my best without spending hours in front of the mirror.”
6. Blush: A Healthy Flush
A bit of blush is essential for a minimal, fresh-faced look. I rotate between two depending on my mood:
• Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush in Scene: This blush gives a beautifully natural flush to my cheeks, with a silky, buildable texture that melts seamlessly
into my skin. I love how it leaves a soft, lit-from-within look that doesn’t look overly made up but rather enhances my natural complexion.
• Saie Dew Blush in Cutie: This cream blush gives me that dewy, youthful glow. It’s my pick when I want my skin to look extra hydrated and healthy. I tap it onto the apples of my cheeks and blend it up towards my temples for that lifted effect.
7. Highlighter: The Dewy Finish
For that glowing-from-within look, I can’t skip highlighter:
• Chanel Baume Essentiel in Transparent: This is my go-to for a natural, dewy highlight. I love how it gives my skin a lit-from-within glow without any shimmer or glitter. I tap it onto my cheekbones, the bridge of my nose, and my cupid’s bow for a radiant finish.
8. Lips: Subtle and Nourished
To complete my minimal makeup look, I keep my lips soft and hydrated with a hint of color:
• Lisa Eldridge Sculpt and Shade Lip Pencil in 02: I use this lip pencil to softly define my lips, adding a touch of contour that looks natural and blends beautifully.
• Prada Beauty Lip Balm: For hydration and a hint of shine, this lip balm is perfect. It keeps my lips feeling nourished without feeling sticky—just the right amount of moisture to make my lips look healthy and plump.
The Takeaway: Embrace Your Natural Glow
This minimal makeup routine is all about enhancing my natural features without masking them. It’s quick, effective, and makes me feel polished and radiant. Whether I’m off to a meeting, running errands, or meeting friends for brunch, this routine is my secret weapon for feeling my best without spending hours in front of the mirror.
I hope this inspires you to create your own version of a minimal makeup look—one that feels effortless and celebrates your natural beauty.
Stay Glowy and Effortless,
Donna Bartoli
Lifestyle is where personal expression meets well-being—whether it’s the books we read, the spaces we create, or the clothes we wear. For more inspiration on crafting a lifestyle that aligns with your wellness journey, visit the Lifestyle page or follow me on Instagram for daily tips on living beautifully. Together, let’s design a life that feels as good as it looks.
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