How to Apply Makeup Without a Mirror

By now, you’ve probably mastered popular makeup techniques including everything from tightlining to baking. But when it comes to applying makeup without a mirror—well, that’s a totally different ballgame. Whether you’re rushing out the door, traveling without a reflection in sight, or don’t have access to a mirror for another reason, we understand that makeup application without a mirror is no easy feat. That being said, even the best of us should have this useful skill in our arsenal—you never know when you may find yourself mirrorless and in desperate need of a last-minute makeup look! Luckily, with the right tips and tricks, learning how to apply makeup without a mirror doesn’t have to seem like seven years’ worth of bad luck. Take note of our top eight mirrorless makeup recommendations below.

MIRRORLESS MAKEUP TIP #1: USE A BB CREAM

When it comes to your face makeup, ditch foundation and opt for a BB cream instead. While this won’t give you full coverage by any means, you can use a BB cream to help even out your skin tone without the worry of harsh lines from less-than-seamless blending thanks to its sheer coverage. Give the L’Oréal Paris Magic by Studio Secrets Skin Beautifier BB Cream a try, which hydrates, primes, perfects, and corrects while instantly transforming to your perfect shade for a flawless, bare skin finish.

MIRRORLESS MAKEUP TIP #2: OR A FACE POWDER

If you don’t have a BB cream on hand, a face powder can also be used to easily even out your skin tone sans mirror. Dip a fluffy powder brush in a loose powder, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder, and dust it all over your complexion. This translucent powder blurs lines and pores for a smooth finish while providing all-day shine control for a matte look that lasts.

MIRRORLESS MAKEUP TIP #3: OPT FOR CREAM BLUSH

When adding color to your cheeks, a cream blush will be your best friend. You can use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear Blush Shaping Sticks to do so. Simply smile, dab a bit of cream blush onto the apples of your cheeks, then blend the color out with your fingers. Easy, right?

MIRRORLESS MAKEUP TIP #4: AND CREAM EYE SHADOW

To add color to your lids sans mirror, a cream or liquid eye shadow is a must. Grab a little bit of your shade of choice (we recommend sticking with a lighter hue) on your finger, then smooth the pigment onto your lid.

MIRRORLESS MAKEUP TIP #5: GROOM YOUR BROWS—BUT DON’T FILL THEM IN

While we love the look of defined eyebrows, filling in your brows without a mirror isn’t something we recommend. Rather, groom your brows and keep your hairs in place by brushing on a clear brow mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Boost & Set Brow Mascara in Clear.

MIRRORLESS MAKEUP TIP #6: LET YOUR LASHES DO THE WORK

Applying mascara without a mirror is surely intimidating, but we promise it isn’t as hard as it looks! Simply hold the wand in front of your eyes, then blink several times, allowing your lashes to coat themselves. This will eliminate any potential mishaps if you try to wiggle your mascara wand up and down your fringe as you normally would.

MIRRORLESS MAKEUP TIP #7: CHOOSE A SHEER LIP SHADE

Red lipstick will always be a classic—but it’s certainly not a lip color we recommend applying without a mirror. Rather, stick with a sheer lip color that doesn’t require ultra-precise application. The L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Plump and Shine Lipstick, Sheer Lipstick will give your pout a subtle flush of color—plus a visibly plumped look.

MIRRORLESS MAKEUP TIP #8: EMBRACE AN ALL-OVER GLOW

If you want to give your complexion an all-over glow—not to mention help your impromptu makeup look last longer—spritz on the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Shake & Glow Dew Mist. Finish off your makeup look by locking in a natural, dewy glow that lasts.

Next up: Learn how to apply makeup without makeup brushes or blenders! Here’s How to Apply Makeup with Your Hands.