So, how does one pull off the “no-makeup” look? We’ve seen Bobbi Brown come out with an entire line, JonesRoadBeauty, dedicated to the low-makeup lifestyle, with her Miracle Balm that comes in rosy and bronzy shades to lift the complexion and add some glow. Gwyneth Paltrow appears to have recently borrowed the concept with the Goop Colorblur Glow Balms, which she says are for makeup minimalists “a little Jane Birkin, a little East Coast summer ease.” And reader, in a moment of weakness at 5:30 a.m. this morning, I looked at Gwyneth’s skin routine (which is a four-part symphony of Goop face care products, and which would cost as much as my grocery bill this month to buy).

But we wanted to dig deeper into this question, per The Zoomerist mandate, so I reached out to Toronto makeup and skin care guru Victoria Radford, founder of Radford Beauty studio and product line. “I think the natural look has made a comeback because people are craving authenticity,” says Radford. “It’s about embracing your true, unfiltered self and saying goodbye to the days of meticulously curated perfection.” She believes it’s connected to the return of minimalism in fashion. “It’s a movement that encourages us to get back to basics, to celebrate simplicity, and to prioritize authenticity over excessive embellishment.” 

Achieving the no- or low-makeup look, she says, is “not about trying to change your age; it’s about embracing and respecting your skin’s natural journey.” It’s not about appearing younger or older, she says, it’s about being content and self-assured in your own skin. “Focus on skin health and subtle, skin-loving makeup products that let your true self shine through, you will radiate ageless beauty.”

Sure, but how does one do this? I’m a personal fan of Radford’s products (the studio is near my old gym in Yorkville Village), and they are great value for the price. 

For “a well-groomed yet natural look,” Radford recommends Tone, her toner as the essential piece of the skin care puzzle. “This potent, yet gentle, gel promotes skin cell turnover and exfoliates away dead skin cells.” Because no one ever glowed through dead skin cells, guys! She says Tone ($38 at radfordbeauty.com) is a three-times a week step, so you aren’t signing on for extensive steps here.

Radford developed her version of a skin care-makeup hybrid called Glow ($45), which she calls “my secret weapon” of a power illuminator, with niacinamide and ginseng. “It also has light-reflecting particles that provide a natural (not glittery) shimmer.” The shade is made to be universally flattering to create a mirror-like effect and smooth your complexion. If you want more coverage, she suggests a tinted moisturizer, such as her Tint ($50) product, which is sheer and buildable. 

Eye patch masks are Hollywood’s secret weapon, and I have taken to using these from loads of different brands, even when I’m alone at my farm with the chickens, because depuffing is a satisfying feeling. 

As for brows, after years of the huge and furry brow look, things are going back to a more individual look, says Radford as we discussed Pam’s natural ’90s thinner brows. “We’ve seen trends come and go, haven’t we? Thin brows, bushy brows, bleached brows, they’ve all had their moment.”

Now, however, “It’s all about doing what feels right for you.” Just don’t try too hard to make your brows something they’re not, she says. “Doing that you just end up looking overdone.” All you need is one sweep of clear brow gel to look polished and put together. 

Radford’s last tip is one I am considering taking up myself, too: even if you don’t wear mascara, take a moment to curl your eyelashes! It’s a big lift for a small effort. Radford’s Curl unit ($28) “lifts, separates and defines each individual lash,” no mascara needed!

Always asking questions,

—Leanne Delap