'Lived in' makeup is our new fave skin-first beauty trend—here's how to nail the glowy, low-maintenance vibe

Have you ever glimpsed your reflection at like 2pm, and thought to yourself, "damn, why does my makeup look better than it did this morning?" We can't explain it, but it's a thing and right now, TikTokers are trying to recreate that 'lived in' makeup vibe.

If you're not so familiar with this beauty phenomenon, allow us to try and explain it another way. The idea is very glowy-looking skin but naturally so, like how it looks post your skincare routine, with a few makeup elements (like mascara) thrown in. OR, when your fave non-comedogenic foundations has 'settled' into your skin a few hours after application, seamlessly melting to reveal a little bit of shine, but still giving you that added coverage and overall fresh look.

It's supposed to be wearable and carefree and from the looks of these TikTok videos, it's sooo chic and we want in on the action...

What is 'lived in' makeup?

The term 'lived in makeup' already had 500k views to its hashtag, with beauty enthusiasts replicating that au-natural look.

As user @bellaakrys says: "There's something about 'lived in' makeup, like effortless—it looks comfy," before dubbing the likes Kate Moss, 'queen' of the glowy look.

@vanessanicolestern also calls it the perfect summer look, adding: "The no powder, you can see the pores but in the best way possible."

Think tinted moisturizers and creme blushes and bronzers that melt in for that skin-first effect—and still look great after a few hours of wear—even if your lippie, let's say, has been blotted out slightly. Basically, we're embracing the shine in 2023 and letting our pores breathe!

Personally, we think the 'sheer' eyeshadow trend is a great example of this look in action, because it's imperfect but looks comfy and soft. It's also very akin to the premise of 'French girl' makeup, the idea of enhancing your features, with low-key products, for a put-together but also nonchalant vibe.

MIL's 'Lived-in' makeup picks

e.l.f Halo Glow Liquid Filter

RRP: $14

Enriched with squalane and hyaluronic acid, this makeup-skincare hybrid glow booster has been crowned the ultimate Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter dupe by TikTok. It triples as both a highlighter, primer and sheer foundation (you can also mix it with your fave foundation for an extra dose of glow).

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi™ Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops with Peptides

RRP: $38

This bronzy serum is a cult favorite on TikTok right now for the radiant, sunkissed glow that it delivers to the skin, while also simultaneously tackling dark spots, fine lines and dullness.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum

RRP: $35

These niacinamide drops are perfect for a 'lived in' feel! This serum is multi-use; you can either wear them as a standalone serum, as a makeup primer, a glassy highlighter and can even be mixed with your base makeup for a sheer finish.

Hourglass Veil™ Hydrating Skin Tint Foundation

RRP: $49

This cruelty-free skin tint is lightweight and offers a sheer, dewy coverage that lasts all day and right now TikTok is obsessed.

Tower 28 BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush

RRP: $20

This blush and lip balm is another natural makeup must-have, as it creates the most natural-looking blush to your cheeks and subtly tints your lips. It's also a staple in Hailey Bieber's makeup routine and is available in nine shades!

MAKEUP BY MARIO SoftSculpt® Shaping Stick

RRP: $30

For a soft, sculpted look, a cream bronzer like this one from Makeup By Mario is a must. This one in particular blends seamlessly and delivers a natural, matte finish.

To recreate this trend, we'd recommend opting for multi-purpose makeup products—like the e.l.f Halo Glow Filter—skin tints and liquid highlighters that allow your skin to shine through. Steer clear of full-coverage foundations and powders or bold and heavy lip or eye looks, subtlety is key.

A good moisturizer will also go a long way to helping your foundation settle into the skin, whilst also giving that gleaming, radiant finish.