Master the Classics: Timeless Makeup Looks

In beauty, trends may come and go—hello cherry cola lips, but there are a few fundamentals that are always relevant and on-point. Timeless, effortless, and endlessly wearable, think quintessentially classic shades that always deliver. 

Characterized by that less-is-more approach, whether it’s a chic smokey eye, gentle wash of neutral eyeshadow, a neutral lip, or a no-makeup-makeup look, the beauty classics are all about understated elegance and quiet confidence. 

“This is where curating your own lineup of iconic shades in multitasking mineral formulations will help you truly master the beauty classics,” shares Janeena Ramsey, Glo Artistry Lead. 

Defining Classic Makeup

A signature move of classic makeup is a soft definition of features, focusing on balance and poise. You can start off subtle and build up to a more statement look depending on the occasion and preference, but taking a soft approach makes a great jumping off point. 

“Think gently fluffed, defined eyebrows, soft, buildable washes of color on lids, cheeks, and lips, glossed finishes to add that effortless polished effect,” says Janeena. 

Finishing touches could be layering in darker and lighter hues on lids to build out a smokey eye, mascara to define and accentuate lashes, placing blush a little higher to create a lifted look. “The beauty of the classics is that everyone will have their own take on them, so it’s all about creating looks that feel best suited to you.”

How To Do a Classic Makeup Look

To give you a little inspo, Janeena has created an easy everyday look that’s perfect for day or evening elegance.

 

 

“As with any look, it all begins with the best skin prep,” adds Janeena. “We start with our skincare to support and nourish skin’s health, then we add our complexion products from there. Depending on your skin’s needs, ensure you prep with a primer—hydrating, blurring, illuminating, or mattifying, this will set your makeup look up for success, with a smooth canvas, and extending the weartime of whatever look you create.”

Get the Look

To help you become a pro with classic makeup, here's our favorite product lineup.

Eyes: 

Apply Essential Eye Base in Organza or your favorite shade to the eyelids with the wand applicator, then blend with clean fingertips or the Dual Fiber Eye Brush. 

For a subtle, bronzed glowing eye look, swatch a generous amount of Cream Stay Shadow Stick in Keepsake onto lids and lower lash line, then blend. 

Add in your highlighting to inner corners and brow bone with Cream Stay Shadow Stick in Beam. 

For a bronzed and smokey effect, after applying your eye base, blend Cream Stay Shadow Stick in Echo onto lids, crease and lower lash line, then top with Keepsake and blend. 

Cheeks:

Sweep Blush in Sheer Petal onto cheeks for a shimmered bronzy-plum glow. 

Lips:

Line and fill lips with Cream Glaze Lip Crayon in Woodrose for high-shine dimension and creamy mid-toned, mauve nude lip color.

Keep your crayon’s precision on point by having the Glo Crayon Sharpener on hand to maintain that perfect lip definition.

“Of course, this is just one look using this product mix. There are so many variations you can create with this lineup,” adds Janeena. “Play with blush positioning, mix-and-match the eye colors or go solo with one, pop a little lip crayon onto cheeks, but most of all have fun exploring different effects.” 

The Classic Smokey Eye

While we love that less-is-more look, there’s nothing more classic than a smokey eye. More neutral for day or more amped up for evening, start with a neutral base like Essential Eye Base, then go into the crease with a medium-toned eyeshadow shade such as Echo. 

Tight-line along upper lash line with a darker eye pencil or eyeshadow and smoke it out with a brush. Add some highlighting with a lighter shadow such as Beam or a highlighter, and place along the brow bone, and inner corners of eye. 

Finish with your favorite mascara to complete the look. 

The Classic Lip

The key to classic makeup is all about balance, so if you’ve gone for a smokey eye, you’ll want a neutral lip, if you have a bolder classic lip like a red lip, you’ll want a neutral eye. “The guiding principle of the classics is not looking too “done”,” adds Janeena. 

“No matter what lip look you’re going for, always prep your lips with a little exfoliation to remove any dry skin—use a dab of your favorite scrub for this. Then add a nourishing oil or lip balm for conditioning.”

For a neutral lip, start by lining lips with a liner—we love Natural for this, to create that gentle definition. “Layer on your favorite neutral lip crayon—it could be matte or glazed depending on your preference.” 

If you’re going for a more statement lip, a classic red like Suede Matte Lip Crayon in Crimson or a burgundy like Port are two of our boldest classics. “Do the same lip prep as you would for your neutral lip to avoid the color attaching to any dry skin. Try adding your favorite primer to lips too to help the grip of your lip color. Then pick a complementary colored lip liner and define your lip shape. Fill in with Crimson or Port and then set with a little setting spray or powder. If you want them to appear glossy rather than matte, just add a touch of Barrier Balm.”