Some Makeup Looks That Are Just a Delight (and Easy to Re-Create)

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(Image credit: @katiecung)

It's official: After a lot of time spent indoors over the last year and a half with no real reason to put on makeup, beautiful eyeshadows and vibrant lipsticks are making a comeback. Yes, summer 2021 is uniting both beauty aficionados and curious novices in a quest to dust off our makeup bags and have fun experimenting. Of course, a return to makeup doesn't need to be about adhering to society's old beauty standards either; rather, it's a time to explore our makeup routines on our own terms in an effort to find the things that bring us joy. After all, who wouldn’t want to learn some new application tips from Alexa Chung's makeup artist or try new cult products? In truth, finding fun yet easy makeup looks during this time can be a simple way to cultivate a little delight in your day. So ahead, we’ve spoken to 15 women about the easy makeup looks that are currently making them smile. And don’t fret—we promise they’ll be as enjoyable to try on yourself.

Doin' the Bare Minimum

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(Image credit: @sarahkretzu)

Doing your makeup doesn’t necessarily mean you have to have a full face. As Sarah Kretzu told us, "Glowing skin makes me feel good no matter what!” Investing in a product that leaves your skin dewy is the easiest way to make you look like you’re wearing a full face of makeup without actually doing so."

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(Image credit: @thestylishsoul)

Kretzu isn’t the only one who swears by a natural-inspired makeup look’s ability to boost your mood. As Allison told us, "This is my favourite at-home makeup look because it’s natural and simple yet makes you feel elevated and put-together.”

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(Image credit: @linnhniller)

Creating a bare-minimum, dewy look is one of the easiest makeup routines to adopt. As Linh Niller told us, "When it comes to easy everyday makeup, I focus on keeping the skin hydrated and glowing by using a facial oil and an SPF moisturiser.”

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(Image credit: @mercedesmalana)

No matter your makeup routine, it should always bring you joy. Mercedes Malana says, "Taking time for myself to put makeup on is a moment of self-care and almost therapy to me.” But she continued, "I love natural, effortless looks because my mum taught me less is more.”

Read My Lips

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

If you’re looking for an easy makeup look that’s a little bit bolder, look to our very own editor Anna LaPlaca. As she told us, "My makeup here is inspired by that quintessential French-girl look, which is effortless and romantic, and surprisingly easy to re-create. It's anchored by bold, fluffy brows, a classic red lip, and a subtle flick of winged eyeliner.”

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(Image credit: @itsmekellieb)

Our editors aren’t the only ones who swear by the power and leisure of applying a bold lip. Kellie Brown is also a fan. As she told us, "I love this look because it’s simple and easy to do but impactful. It’s fresh-faced and a bit of pow all at once.”

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(Image credit: @tylauren)

You don’t have to opt for a red lip though to pull off this easy makeup look. Look to Tyla-Lauren’s cute nude lip for inspiration. As she told us, "Nude lips are my automatic go-to because they always enhance a natural makeup look.” 

Crafty Cat Eyes

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(Image credit: @katiecung)

Perfecting your cat eye takes practice, but once you become a pro, it’s one of the easiest makeup looks. Don’t believe us? As Katie Cung told us, "This is my go-to flawless look; the crisp cat eye makes me feel super confident and like I can achieve anything!”

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(Image credit: @erin.kean)

Once you’ve mastered your cat eye and want to have a little fun, we suggest trying Erin Kean’s neon pink cat eye. As she told us, "I find bright colours always elevate my mood, whether it be a neon pink eyeliner or a bold red lip. Something about colour does wonders for your confidence.”

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(Image credit: @maaaaakyy)

If pink isn’t your colour, maybe this blue cat-eye look from Macarena Nieto is more your speed? As she told us, "It’s the simple things that bring joy,” and we couldn’t agree more. 

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(Image credit: @signecatseyes)

If you really love spending time playing with makeup, you’ll want to try this look from Anoushka. She told us, "Makeup is a way to be creative, especially when you have spare time to do it.” And frankly, it doesn’t get more creative than this filled-in cat eye. 

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(Image credit: @makeup_and_mimosas)

If you’re still not sold on this makeup look, let Fatima inspire you. As she told us, "If you’re looking to elevate your look, it’s always great to start with the eyes! I’ve been using my downtime to challenge myself creatively with what’s in my makeup bag and have been swooning over statement eyes; specifically colour liners.”

A Lil' Lid Action

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(Image credit: @himichelleli)

It doesn’t get more delightful or downright easy than applying a little colour to your lids. As Michelle Li agreed, "This is an easy makeup look that packs a big punch.”

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(Image credit: @thatsaleaf)

"When the mood strikes, I love experimenting with colours for my eye makeup,” Elif professed to us, and frankly, we back her on that statement. Experimenting with colourful eye shadow is one of the easiest ways to create a cute makeup look.

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(Image credit: @_tashbaker)

You don’t have to opt for a bold, bright colour to add some pizzazz to your eyelids. In fact, you can create the same bold makeup look that’s more versatile with a metallic eye shadow, like Tash Baker. In Baker’s words, "a pop of a metallic colour all over the eyelids is versatile as ever—it can be paired with a monochromatic look or to add a statement to a more neutral look.”

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(Image credit: @thestylecat)

Easy makeup inspiration can come from anywhere, and Jess Cheng is proof of that. As she confessed, "This green eye shadow look brings me joy because it is inspired by my favourite meme of Kermit the Frog falling off a building.” Memes inspiring makeup? Here for it. At the end of the day, where you choose to pull inspiration from is part of the fun. 

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated. 

Up next, 4 joyful eyeshadow looks to try right now.

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Who What Wear) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked on Who What Wear's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.