The quote “Less is more” is often attributed to architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886-1997), who’s architectural designs were rooted in simplicity and functionality. Others trace the concept back to ancient Greece or an 1855 monologue by poet Robert Browning. One thing is clear: the notion of less is more equates to minimalistic thinking, like minimal makeup and the no makeup look trend. If you’re intrigued by minimal makeup—and clean beauty—here’s how to hop onboard.

What is the no makeup look trend?

The no makeup makeup trend truly embraces the concept of less is more. Those who love the no makeup look trend (Gen Z-ers are big fans) ascribe to beauty routines and products that enhance one’s natural beauty. They want to look like the healthiest possible version of themselves but keep makeup to a minimum, preferring subtle enhancements to the bold. No kohl eyeliner, crazy falsies, or bright red lips here!

It's worth noting that some people work both angles—no makeup some days and high-glam for special events. Evidenced by their social media profiles, some notable celebrities and style makers who love minimal makeup days include: Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kylie Jenner, Demi Moore, Ariana Grande, Drew Barrymore, Gigi Hadid, Gal Gadot, and Megan Thee Stallion, among others.

What is considered no makeup?

No makeup doesn’t necessarily mean NO makeup. Proponents of simple makeup looks use a light hand when applying makeup. They may use products to even out skin imperfections (think light concealer or tinted moisturizer), muted bronzers to give them a healthy glow and contour, or a nude lip gloss for a healthy-looking pout.

Again, it’s all about using a light hand and enhancing beauty, not exaggerating it. Other no makeup makeup options include:

•  Super hydrating moisturizers and lip butters for naturally supple skin
• Neutral brow gel or powder to tame and subtly define brows
• Barely-there blush for a natural flush
• Subtle eyeliner and mascara to make eyes pop
• Highlighter sticks and creams to, well, highlight your best features

How to do the no makeup look sustainably, with a minimal makeup kit

At Izzy Beauty, we’re huge fans of simple makeup looks, especially when you take a sustainable approach to the beauty products you use. We’ve even created an award-winning line-up of zero waste beauty products that make it easy to achieve a no makeup look, while mitigating the negative impact on the environment associated with traditional beauty products.

Step 1: Prep your skin with a luscious moisturizer and lip butter.

Izzy’s Dew Bomb Glowy Hydrating Milk is ideal, if you want to set the stage for a minimal makeup look. Heck, it’s so luscious, just add some glossy lip butter and you can stop right there to max out on your minimalism! Formulated from a concentrated dose of triple-layer hyaluronic acid, calming geranium, and nourishing argan oil, this moisturizing face serum visibly diminishes inflammation, irritation, and breakouts.

Even better, it’s sustainable! Just purchase the starter kit, then refill the cute little jar with our zero waste Dew Bomb refills.

Step 2: Go for a natural glow on your cheeks and lips.

You’ll want to select a cheek and lip color that takes your natural skin tone up a warm and tiny notch. Our delightfully rosy Zero Waste Cheek + Lip Hue is perfect for all skin tones—and it’s a twofer … one product for two jobs! You’ll love the creamy texture because it melts into the skin, producing a soft wash of barely-there color.

Encased in a stainless steel tube that is endlessly refillable, this cruelty-free, vegan friendly, and Carbon Neutral® product has minimal impact on the environment.

Step 3: It’s all about the eyes when you enhance lashes and brows.

Izzy’s beloved, best seller Zero Waste Mascara gives you a buildable lash product that takes you from minimal makeup (one coat) to date night (add more coats and go!). Next, reach for our clear Zero Waste Brow Gel for day and choose your favorite shade for night—it thickens, shapes, and holds in a single swipe.

Both products come with our endlessly refillable stainless steel tubes, so you can breathe easy with your guilt-free minimal makeup look.

Step 4: Accentuate the positive with highlighter.

Picture it now, literally, because when you add a dab of our Zero Waste Highlighter to the facial features you love most—it’s selfie time! We describe our highlighter as effortless radiance because it’s the perfect partner for a tinted moisturizer or neutral foundation. Just dab a little highlighter on any spot you want to stand out, like cheek bones, the bridge of your nose, cupid’s bow, or chin. Pop a little highlighter near the inner corner of your eyes, and watch your eyes light up.

And you guessed it, we also use our sustainable, endlessly refillable, stainless steel tubes for Izzy’s Zero Waste Highlighter. Yay!

We make minimal makeup easy with the Zero Waste Izzy Edit Kit

What if you could get Izzy Zero Waste mascara, brow gel, lip butter, cheek + lip hue, and highlighter in one handy and delectable kit? You can! The Izzy Edit is our ultimate collection of clean, high-performance beauty essentials. Whether you want to go minimalistic or get glammed up for a night out with your besties, there’s no better place to start than the Izzy Edit.

Want to learn more about all of the sustainable, minimal makeup products Izzy has to offer? Shop our award-winning zero waste beauty products today!