7 Low-Effort Makeup Looks I’d Like to Copy and Paste From Instagram

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(Image credit: @allisonho)

It’s been a long time since I’ve worn makeup (aside from dabbing a little concealer under my eyes for early morning school drop-offs that is). With almost a year spent working and staying home, you would be right to assume that my makeup bag has started gathering cobwebs in the corner of my bathroom. As someone who never used to leave the house without wearing mascara and lipstick, I have rather missed my makeup!

While I predominantly turned my focus to skincare in 2020—which is certainly not a bad thing—this year I’m officially ready to liven up my visage with makeup again. Because the reality is a little makeup makes me feel strong, confident, and ready to tackle the day—even if it's just a simple look. In fact, easy, low-effort makeup looks are what I’m all about right now—something that makes me look and feel great without taking up too much time or effort.

Today I wanted to share some of the low-effort makeup looks I’ve been saving on Instagram that I’d like to copy for myself this year. From getting a little glow back to a pop of bold lip color, take a peek below to get inspired to reach for your make-up bag once again.

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Let It Glow
(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

As someone who loves a glowy complexion, the one item I can't wait to get back into rotation is a highlighter. Much like this look, I'll be dabbing a little onto my cheekbones and brow bones and finishing the luminous look with a subtle eye-liner flick. 

Shop the look:

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You're Making Me Blush
(Image credit: @allisonho)

I'm always amazed at how just a little rosy blush can liven up our complexion in an instant. I'll be opting for one with a creamier texture that's easy to glide on the skin for a more dewy look. Pair it with a berry lip tint and you have one beautiful, easy, low-maintenance look.

Shop the look:

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Even It Out
(Image credit: @chelsea_millerxoxo)

A good base works wonders to get your skin looking even and prevent redness or blotchiness. Use alongside an easy-to-blend concealer and finish the look with a pretty pink lipstick—an easy and effortless look will take no time to do.

Shop the look:

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Look Into My Eyes
(Image credit: @kristaperez)

If you're like me and don't feel yourself without mascara then this beauty look will likely draw your attention. Keep the rest of your complexion in a neutral palette and let your eyes pop with a volumizing mascara, brow enhancer, and eye liner if you want to take it a step further. 

Shop the look:

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Lips So Good
(Image credit: @tylynnguyen)

A subtle yet striking bold lip will instantly energize your look. Pair with a bronzer, soft eye shadow, and a little mascara for a simple, uncomplicated look.

Shop the look:

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Soft and Subtle
(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

French girls know a thing or two about effortless, low-key makeup and this soft matte look from Sabina Socol is ideal for achieving that no-makeup makeup look.

Shop the look:

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Statement-Making Simplicity
(Image credit: @spicy.mayo)

Sometimes all you need is a lip gloss and some bold eye shadow to reinvigorate your complexion. So simple yet it makes a bold statement.

Shop the look:

Up next, the 17 investment skincare products I'm buying in 2021.

Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for nearly a decade. Judith started on the Shop Who What Wear team, creating content and managing a team of merchandisers for the Who What Wear shopping app. She later crossed over to the editorial team, where she shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands in her shopping-focused stories and social takeovers. She has become one of the top affiliate earners during her six plus years at Who What Wear. Before working in fashion, Judith was a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) and shared her passion for travel and food. She studied at the prestigious London Academy of Dramatic Arts as well as Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York. She later studied fashion merchandising and design, which laid the foundation for her career in fashion.


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