The conversation about foundation-free makeup looks is not entirely new. But as more influential personalities and enthusiasts join the chat, we can’t help but wonder if it is actually time to forgo foundation
“Don’t use foundation so the skin can breathe and be seen,” celebrity makeup artist Justin Soriano once said when asked about the best beauty lesson he learned from Heart Evangelista. It’s undeniable that the interview convinced fans to forgo the popular base makeup. After all, the advice came from the global fashion icon herself. But it wasn’t until Nadine Lustre’s “get ready with me” video that confirmed what many have known for a while: foundation is no longer essential, but rather optional.
However, it’s not the first time that an influential personality made a stand for the foundation-free movement. “Going foundation-free has transformed my skin,” Michelle Phan, one of the digital sphere’s first beauty vloggers, tweeted in 2017. But who can blame her? The main benefit of the less-is-more look is it also allows the skin to breathe. Above all, it is a great way to start embracing one’s bare complexion on its own.
The case of foundation-free makeup
It’s a given that the conversation about foundation-free makeup has always been ubiquitous in the beauty sphere. But beautytok is determined to change the game. Threads such as #NoFoundationMakeup garnered 41.3 million views, while #FoundationFreeSkin collected 3.7 million views. And while the movement might appeal as a short-term trend, it’s undeniable that nothing can ever be as timeless as loving the skin that you are in.
Many beauty content creators are taking an active role in the foundation-free action. Haley Kim, for one, has dedicated an entire channel for foundation-free makeup tutorials.”It took [me] one to two years to be okay with my own natural complexion,” she shared in a video. But as time went on, she began to embrace her features. “Sometimes, on a special occasion, I can boost my self-confidence by wearing full makeup, but also, I can gain self-confidence when I go foundation-free.”
A look into a foundation-free makeup routine
On beautytok, enthusiasts like Christie X presented her foundation-free routine for acne-prone skin. A delve into her video unveils an easy routine to accomplish the look. In her video, which has around more than 100,000 views, began by applying her trusted primer to smoothen the skin. Once set, she color-corrected and brightened dull areas. Christie proceeded with concealing her trouble areas and used a blending brush for the product to melt into her skin seamlessly. Lastly, she completed the look with a dab of a rose-brown blush to add a hint of color to her complexion.
@christxiee ♬ you look lonely – jimbotheboy
Meanwhile, content creators like May Akhtar prove that the foundation-free movement is not limited to the clean girl aesthetic—it can also be integrated into editorial looks. In her tutorial with about 206.5 thousand views, she played around with a shimmered eyeshadow palette to create futuristic eye makeup. It’s the perfect format for anyone who wants to delve into creative looks. To balance it out, May opted for a swipe of a flattering brown shade.
Our point of view
It’s only fair to give credit where credit is due. Foundation is a reliable product when used well. But let’s be real—being overly dependent on it can cause an unhealthy relationship with the skin to the point wherein we can no longer appreciate its beauty on its own. The rise of the foundation-free movement proves that makeup can look good with or without coverage. Perhaps it’s the sign of the times or the height of the no makeup look, but one thing is for sure: there is a sneaky optimism in seeing more beauty fans embracing their skin unapologetically.
Featured Image: HEART EVANGELISTA (via Instagram)
