7 Easy and Simple Makeup Looks I'm Copying Right Now

Makeup needn't be complicated, and sometimes, it's the simple makeup looks that work the hardest. Streamlining your makeup look not only saves time as you're rushing out the door but also can help it look more refined and understated. It’s the equivalent of removing an accessory when your outfit is looking a little OTT, right?

Having badgered makeup artists backstage at a number of fashion weeks and photo shoots, I've noticed they'll often highlight one feature on the face and keep everything else pared-back. It might be immaculately groomed eyebrows, a French-girl red lip with minimal eye makeup or perfectly glowing skin that takes centre stage (i.e., some no-makeup makeup trickery at work). These are the principles that keep your makeup looking modern and fresh.

With summer on the horizon, now is the perfect time to refresh your makeup. I caught up with expert makeup artist Lan Nguyen-Grealis on simple makeup looks that won't make you late in the morning.

1. French-Girl Lipstick

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(Image credit: @thevisuelofgrace)

A statement red lip looks effortless when done the French way, explains Nguyen-Grealis. "A good French lip can be achieved by pouting your lip and adding lipstick to the centre of the mouth, then blending by tapping gently outwards," she says. This look is less about creating a perfect lip and more so about diffusing the colour for a nonchalant look. Nguyen-Grealis recommends keeping the rest of your makeup simple for a modern look.

Get the look:

2. Bold Brows

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(Image credit: @isabellecoheen)

Brows can really frame the face, and filling in your eyebrows is a simple way to elevate your makeup look. Use an eyebrow spoolie to brush hairs upwards and outwards to open up your eyes. Then, use a brow pencil to fill in any sparse areas and set with an eyebrow gel to seal the deal. 

Get the look:

3. Smoked-Out Eye Shadow Wing

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(Image credit: @haileybieber)

Make like Hailey Bieber and opt for a smoked brown wing. Unlike black liquid eyeliner, this is much easier to do and more low-maintenance in comparison. Take an angled eye shadow brush and draw outwards from your outer corner, following your upper lash line. Add mascara and a neutral lip, and bam—you've got a polished look.

Get the look:

4. Cool Blush

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(Image credit: @marina_torres)

Blusher is one of the easiest ways to update your makeup look. "A good blush should brighten up the skin," explains Nguyen-Grealis. "Choosing the colour is easy. Pinch your skin slightly to get the blood to the surface, and match your blush to this colour for the most natural look. Bright colours can work well for tanned skin, deep red tones can work on dark skin, and cold blue tones can work on pale skin," she says.

Get the look:

5. Bright Eyeliner

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(Image credit: @isabel_hendrix)

Simple doesn't need to mean boring! With summer around the corner, why not experiment with a touch of colour on the eyes for a fun yet easy makeup look? Think minimal placement to keep the look fresh.

Get the look:

6. Dewy Skin

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(Image credit: @lanslondon
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When in doubt, a dewy makeup look will always be a winner. "Dewy skin starts with a good prep," says Nguyen-Grealis. "Mix moisturizer with a bit of highlighter for dewy skin. A balmy highlighter is great for the higher part of the cheekbones. Apply a little across the temples and centre of the nose, and finish with a spritz of face mist on top to give a fresh, dewy look."

Get the look:

7. Muted Pink Lips

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(Image credit: @nikki_makeup)

An easy way to look pulled together is with a muted pink lipstick. Matte lipstick looks modern and is long-wearing for busy days when you want to look polished. We love this pairing with winged eyeliner, too. It's one of our favourite pretty makeup looks.

Get the look:

Up next: Take Note—These Are the 6 Makeup Rules French Women Swear By

Eleanor Vousden
Beauty Editor, Who What Wear UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at beauty website Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections with written and styling work.Working as a beauty journalist since 2015 after graduating in fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion, she has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.Eleanor’s journalistic focus is to provide readers with honest and helpful beauty content. Through words, video and live broadcast, she has interviewed several celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and top dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson. She has a particular interest in finding solutions for acne and eczema, which she has experienced firsthand. She has also amassed a large collection of fragrances and can never say no to a new candle.When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty product or treatments, she’s on the seafront in her hometown of Brighton and Hove, where she lives with her partner and her miniature dachshund.