5 Soft Makeup Looks

For those days and occasions when a bright, bold makeup look just doesn’t feel right, try one of these five soft makeup looks. With just enough color and coverage, such as light pastel eye shadow and rose gold eyeliner, a softer makeup look can bring out and enhance your natural features in a beautiful way. The best part: These looks are easy and quick to achieve, and we’re showing you how. Read on to learn about five of our favorite soft makeup looks—each of which is sure to wow.

SOFT MAKEUP LOOK #1: BLUSHING BEAUTY

Blush often gets a bad rap, but don’t ever underestimate its power to turn heads and add a little oomph to your look. Dusting on just the right amount—and shade—of blush onto the tops of your cheekbones looks absolutely gorgeous, and it’s perfect for your everyday makeup look. Here’s how to make it happen: After you’ve applied your base layer of L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight, grab the second to largest makeup brush in your set—that’s the one you should use to apply your blush. Next, dip your brush into the L'Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Fruit-Scented Blush Makeup in Bashful and tap off any excess. Suck in your cheeks and apply a bit of blush onto your upper cheekbones.

Editor’s note: If you’ve got a long day or evening ahead, use a cream blush formula, like one of the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear Blush Shaping Sticks (which are also convenient for when you're on the go), instead. Whichever option you choose, it’s also a good idea to follow up your blush application by blending with the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender.

SOFT MAKEUP LOOK #2: GORGEOUS ROSE GOLD

Rose gold is one trendy makeup shade that won’t be going out of style anytime soon. Why, you ask? Because it’s simply gorgeous! One great way to rock rose gold is with a soft eye makeup look that can easily transition from day to night. First things first, use the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage to cover up any under-eye bags and other imperfections, and while you’re at it, apply a base layer of concealer over your eyelids, too. This will act as a sort of primer for your eyeshadow, which will help it stay on longer and will also brighten up your entire eye area.

Moving on to eye makeup, swipe the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Eye Shadow in Endless Pearl all over your upper lid, then use Amber Rush on the outer corner of your upper lid. Finally, line your upper and lower lash lines with the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Liquid Eyeliner in Rose Gold and give your lashes a quick coat of mascara using the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara in Blackest Black.

SOFT MAKEUP LOOK #3: SUBTLE NUDE LIPS

If you haven’t heard, a nude makeup look is anything but boring—especially a nude lipstick. When done right, a nude lip color can give off the perfect amount of edge and softness at the same time. The only tricky part is picking the right nude shade for your skin tone—you don’t want to appear completely washed out and you want the color to show up against your skin. Fortunately for you, we’ve got an entire line of nude lipsticks for you to choose from. If you have fair skin, reach for the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Ultra Matte Highly Pigmented Nude Lipstick in Full-Blown Fawn. If you have medium-toned or tan skin, try the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Ultra Matte Highly Pigmented Nude Lipstick in Ultra Nude. For those with dark skin, opt for the L'Oréal Paris Color Riche Ultra Matte Highly Pigmented Nude Lipstick in Utmost Taupe.

SOFT MAKEUP LOOK #4: A TOUCH OF SHIMMER

If you haven’t already added highlighter to your makeup arsenal, now is most definitely the time! Not only will it add dimension to your complexion by highlighting the high points of your face (upper cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow), the subtle glow that it adds is the perfect way to complete any soft makeup look. Once you’ve applied your foundation and a bit of blush, reach for the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear Highlighter Shaping Stick in Slay-In-Rose, then dab a bit above your blush.  Next, grab the L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter Palette in Moonkissed and apply the light pink shade (from the upper right corner of the palette) onto your brow bone and cupid’s bow.

Editor’s note: Don’t go overboard with your highlighter; a light layer should do. While lots of glow is on-trend, you’re going for a softer look.

SOFT MAKEUP LOOK #5: NUDE EYELINER ALL THE WAY

Never underestimate the power of nude eyeliner: It’ll make your eyes appear brighter, even after a night without sleep. Seriously, give it a try. First, apply a two-toned, brown eye shadow onto your upper lid using two brown shades from the L'Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Scented Eyeshadow Palette. Then, to make your eyes really pop, pencil a thin line of the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Nude into the inner corner of your eye and right beneath your brow bone.

Next up: How to Layer Your Mascara