Minimalist makeup: The ultimate guide

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Minimalist makeup is one of the hottest trends of 2023. So, what does minimalist makeup consist of, exactly? It basically means keeping your makeup bag clutter-free. As a result, you only need the edited essentials to create your go-to makeup look and the products you invest in should be purposeful, multi-use products that are formulated to enhance your natural features. In the case of minimalist makeup, less is more.

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“For me, a minimalist makeup routine is a great way to edit down the makeup bag,” says makeup artist and Stila’s Global Beauty Director and Head of Artistry, Charlie Riddle. “These products should really be your desert island products that allow you to create an easy look within 10 minutes or less.” 

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Below are Riddle’s go-to steps and some curated top picks (featuring some of my personal favourites) for an easy, edited routine that’s super chic and simple. This is minimalist makeup at its finest.

Blurring vs. full coverage

Minimalist makeup is all about looking fresh-faced. According to Riddle, this trend involves blurring the skin and not caking it with full-coverage products, allowing your natural skin to shine through. As a result, Riddle gravitates towards using the Stila Blurring and Smoothing Primer ($47) with just a touch of concealer for an all-over no makeup look. Simply finish off with some brightening concealer — such as my personal favourite, the Too Faced Smoothing Concealer ($34) — under the eyes and over any texture or skin concerns. Now, your blurred base is good to go! 

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Waterline for the win 

Giving the waterline of your eyes extra attention is a simple and easy way to add definition to the eye area. As a result, Riddle states that “Waterline and ultra-thin liner are having such a huge moment right now because it defines the eyes and lashes without looking like you have a lot of eye makeup on.” Riddle’s go-to’s are the Stila Microtip Liners ($29) — which are a top-seller from the brand- but I’m also loving the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner ($11.39) for a super precise look.

Crushing on cream blush

“Adding cream blush just wakes up the skin and instantly feels healthy and brings life back into the skin,” says Riddle. Style icon and minimalist trendsetter, Sofia Richie-Grainge, loves mixing and matching the Nudestix Nudies Matte Cream Blushes ($39), which are perfect for adding a healthy flush of colour to the cheeks.

Volumizing mascara

“For me, mascara should always be a staple product in an edited-down routine,” says Riddle. Personally, I love mascara as a simple way to make your eyes pop, so if you’re looking for some fan-favourite go-tos when it comes to volumizing mascara, check out the viral L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara ($13.29) or the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Mascara ($12.15).  

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It girl lips

Riddle loves topping off the minimalist makeup look with some lip oil. Lip oils are an easy product to apply and go, allowing for simple touch-ups throughout the day. Stila’s Heaven’s Dew Gel Lip Oil ($24) is a must for any minimalist makeup routine and Riddle especially loves that this product looks so gorgeous on the lips. Plus, the formula is ultra-hydrating and comfortable. Personally, if you’re looking for a lip product that has a little more pigment, check out the Rare Beauty Lip Oils ($26), which are specially designed with a gel-to-oil formula that starts off glossy and leaves behind a slight tint of colour. 

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