Ah, the never-ending pursuit of the perfect “no-makeup makeup” look. If you still don’t know what that is, it is as it sounds: makeup that looks natural and unfussy, as though you have nothing on your face at all (even though you do). Glowing skin, slightly flushed cheeks, soft lips and nothing more. People are always finding ways to perfect the look, and it seems like 3.1 Phillip Lim may have nailed it this season.

The no-makeup makeup look is a runway favourite because of how easily it goes with everything, no matter the palette, print or texture. 3.1 Phillip Lim’s recent collection at New York Fashion Week, a tribute to feminine strength, spoke of easy, comfortable silhouettes and effortless pairings, so the show’s no-makeup makeup look and perfectly tousled bedheads were really the perfect fit.

“My inspiration for the look was to capture the natural glow and radiance of all women,” says Francelle Daly, National Makeup Artist at NARS. Taking the skin from pale – morning skin, we’ve all been there – to healthy isn’t just about slapping on foundation and calling it a day. Daly starts with some skincare, namely the NARSskin Aqua Gel Luminous Oil-Free Moisturiser and Total Replenishing Eye Cream.

Next, the brows. So important in the no-makeup makeup look. Without that hint of added colour in our brows, we basically look like ghosts. Daly fills and sculpts the eyebrows with the Brow Perfector and some Brow Gel.

Foundation is skipped. Instead, the Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser and Stick Concealer are used to create light and natural-looking coverage. Daly uses the Multiple in Copacabana to highlight and give the skin that covetable glow before setting everything with the Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder.

There is no colour on the eyelids at all. The phrase of the day is “au naturale”. Well, au naturale-ish. Eyelashes are emphasised and lengthened with the Audacious Mascara and nothing more. Finally, the lips. To achieve that healthy nude-pink, Daly mixes the Precision Lip Liners in the new Haylong Bay and Camargue. Unfortunately, both shades are only coming out in the fall, so she recommends the Audacious Lipstick in Barbara and Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte in the meantime.

Nailed it? Yeah, we certainly think so. What are your “no-makeup makeup” essentials?