Less is More: how to achieve natural makeup that lasts all day

The face is the starting point of any look; in this case, the goal is to even out the complexion while allowing the skin to breathe and remain recognizable.

A well-chosen and well-applied base is one that is invisible and allows the skin to show through, without hiding it. Let's see how to create a natural (or nude) face make-up look.

Finish, coverage, and color: the triad of naturalness

When you're looking for a foundation for a nude makeup look, the temptation is to go for low coverage. However, it's important to know that true naturalness doesn't depend on just one parameter: it's the balance between three elements—finish, coverage, and color—that makes the difference.

• The finish is the visual effect the foundation leaves on the skin once dry. A matte finish eliminates shine and evens out the complexion, and is the ideal choice for oily or combination skin seeking a velvety effect. A satin finish provides a healthy and natural look, with a slight reflection that is never excessive. A glow finish gives the skin a delicate radiance, perfect for dry or dull complexions that need light to appear vital again.

• Coverage indicates how well the foundation can diminish imperfections. For a natural makeup look, less is more, but be careful: this doesn't necessarily mean opting for low coverage. Light coverage barely evens out skin tone and is ideal for those with already even skin or who are new to foundation. Medium coverage is the most common choice for a successful natural makeup look because it minimizes imperfections without completely erasing them, allowing the skin to retain its three-dimensionality. Buildable coverage is the real trump card: it allows you to apply the product zone by zone, light where the skin is already even and more present where truly needed.

• Color is the third element. A perfect natural makeup base in terms of finish and coverage loses all its potential if the shade isn't right, and we'll come back to this shortly.

The concept to keep in mind is that the naturalness of a base always comes from the balance between all three of these factors: a luminous foundation with buildable coverage can be much more natural than a low-coverage one with a matte finish that doesn't suit your skin.

How to find the right shade

In natural makeup, shade is everything, and choosing the wrong color is the most common mistake: a foundation that is too light creates an obvious mask-like effect, while one that is too dark immediately gives away the makeup even from a distance.

A little professional tip? To find the right color, always test it on your jawline or neck, never on your wrist which has different pigmentation from your face, and observe it in natural light before deciding. If you're unsure, use the online foundation shade test, our Shade Finder, to guide you towards the ideal shade and play it safe.

When applying foundation, don't forget your jawline, neck, and ears: blending well in these areas avoids a cakey face effect. For a complete application guide, you can read more in our article on how to apply foundation.

If you want to simplify your routine by combining foundation application with a highly moisturizing treatment, the best solution for you is Nudissimo Serum Satin Foundation SPF30. It has a fluid and light texture, buildable medium coverage, and a natural satin finish that suits all skin types.

Furthermore, it contains ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, guarantees over +55% hydration*, and includes SPF30 which protects against UV rays (UVB and UVA) responsible for premature aging and hyperpigmentation. To get the most out of it, also apply it to your neck and décolleté.

Our Nudissimo line by Diego includes two other foundations, each designed for different needs. The Nudissimo Glow has a luminous finish with light coverage, ideal for dry or combination skin seeking radiance. The Nudissimo Matt, on the other hand, has a matte finish with light coverage, perfect for oily or combination skin that wants a velvety effect.

Want to discover all the options? You can find the complete collection of Diego Dalla Palma foundations here on the website.

Concealer and face powder: use sparingly

When it comes to light makeup, there's a general rule: the less product you use, the better. That's why concealer should only be applied where it's truly needed, on dark circles and specific blemishes, not all over your face.

Face powder should be used as a setting product to mattify areas that tend to get oily during the day, such as the forehead, nose, chin, or even other areas of the face. If you have combination skin and want to contrast oiliness, it's definitely advisable to use face powder instead of a foundation with a glow-satin finish. Apply it with a soft brush and a light hand.

If you're unsure which brushes to use for each step, you'll find all the tips in our article on which makeup brushes to use and why they are essential.

Natural eye makeup? Here are some tips

When it comes to the eyes, the goal changes shape but not substance: it's always about enhancing without overpowering. An open, bright, and defined natural eye makeup look can be achieved with very few products used correctly.

Eyeshadow and mascara: the base

For a simple eye makeup look, you can start with eyeshadow. Apply a nude shade close to your skin tone all over the mobile lid as a base, then blend a slightly darker shade into the crease to add depth to your gaze.

Diego Dalla Palma eye palettes offer pre-designed nude combinations that are harmonious and easy to work with, even for those who don't have much experience with eyeshadows.

Mascara is the product that alone transforms a gaze: just one or two coats from the root outwards, focusing on the outer lashes to open up the eye.

If you want to add a final touch of definition, a soft-textured pencil drawn on the upper lash line or slightly blended below is enough to achieve a simple eye makeup look. You can find the complete selection of Diego Dalla Palma eye pencils on the website, and if you want to learn more about techniques, you can read our guide on how to apply eye makeup with style and personality.

Complete with a natural lip makeup look

A natural makeup look for the lips is achieved by applying makeup to the lips with the right color, close to the natural tone of the mouth, slightly intensified.

It's the so-called my lips but better effect and is achieved by starting with good preparation. Exfoliating and moisturizing the lips before applying any product is not an optional step: smooth lips hold color better and the final result is much more even and long-lasting.

Continue with lip pencil, choosing a shade of the same tone or half a tone darker than the lipstick. From the Cupid's bow, blend outwards with short strokes, always bringing the color inwards to avoid sharp edges that would make the makeup look artificial.

The Diego Dalla Palma lip pencil collection offers a range of nudes designed specifically for this type of defined and flawless natural lip makeup. You can complete the look with a nude lipstick or a clear gloss: both add color or shine without ever weighing down the lips.
The choice between the two depends on the effect you're looking for and your mood for the day, and everything you need to know to create the perfect lip combo can be found in the article dedicated to how to apply lip pencil and choose the perfect lip combo.

Natural beauty isn't improvised, it's built

Natural makeup isn't about doing less, it's about doing the right things, with the right products for your skin and a light touch that lets your true self shine through. Prepared skin, a carefully chosen base, a few precise touches on the eyes and lips: these elements are enough to create makeup that enhances without concealing, that lasts without feeling heavy, and that is worn with the same naturalness as bare skin. Because authentic beauty isn't hidden, it's celebrated.