Not all beauty hacks are created equal, but Achieng Agutu, the Sports Illustrated 2024 Rookie, digital creator, and host of “INFLUENCED on Prime Video”, delivers the best ones. Achieng is a true beauty and style muse known for her unapologetic confidence and radiant glow. She captivates minds with every step, from gracing magazine covers to walking runways and sharing empowering messages that inspire her audience.
Now, she’s letting us in on her ultimate beauty hack: the no-makeup makeup look. It’s quick, foolproof, and the secret to achieving that effortless glow while exuding pure confidence. With her tried-and-true products and expert tips, Achieng’s routine is a guide to mastering easy, everyday beauty.
Here’s how she works her magic.
Start with affirmations (and skincare)
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Before diving into her routine, Achieng does something we could all learn from: she motivates herself. Standing in front of her mirror, she recites affirmations like “I’m iconic”, “I’m beautiful”, “I’m that girl”. It’s a daily reminder that beauty starts with how you see yourself. With her skincare already prepped off-camera, she’s ready to get to work.
Step 1: A double-duty primer
Achieng swears by the Fenty milky toner, a skincare product she uses as a primer. “It keeps your makeup locked in all day,” she shares, and honestly, who are we to argue? This little hack makes her skin look flawless and hydrated.
Next, she reaches for the Milk Hydro Grip primer. Though she’s almost out of it, she insists it’s worth every drop. It’s her secret weapon for a smooth, stress-free base.
Step 2: Concealer over foundation
For her no-makeup makeup look, Achieng skips foundation entirely and opts for the Lancôme serum concealer. “It’s skincare disguised as makeup,” she says, praising its lightweight, second-skin feel.
Here’s how she uses it:
- A lighter shade under her eyes, chin, forehead, and just above her lips.
- A darker shade along the outer edges of her face for contour.
Using a brush, she blends the concealer seamlessly, giving her face definition without feeling heavy.
Step 3: Blush before powder
For blush, Achieng turns to the One/Size Cheek Clapper. “This is the blush for dark-skinned women,” she proclaims. The proof? You can already see the end of the blush pan – it’s that good.
Her tip: Apply blush before setting your under-eyes. This keeps the colour vibrant and natural-looking.
Step 4: Sunscreen as the glow maker
Sunscreen isn’t just about protection for Achieng; it’s also about radiance. She loves how applying sunscreen makes her skin glisten, adding a healthy glow to her look.
Step 5: Set it softly
To set her under-eyes, Achieng uses the One/Size ultimate setting powder in Ultra Pink. “It’s perfect for dark skin,” she says, “and it gives you that soft, feminine finish.” She applies a small amount, gently pressing it in and blending it down toward her blush.
Step 6: Brows made easy
Admitting that brows are her biggest struggle, Achieng keeps it simple with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze gel. She brushes her brows upward for a laminated, model-like look and calls it a day.
Step 7: Mascara for drama
With no lash extensions in sight, Achieng relies on WYN Beauty’s mascara to define her lashes. The result? Full, fluttery lashes that complete the eye look.
Step 8: Set and seal
Achieng brings it all together with two setting sprays:
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless setting spray – to lock in the glow.
- One/Size On ‘Til Dawn setting spray – for ultimate longevity and no transfer, even in humid weather.
Step 9: Lips that last
To finish up the look, she applies the Slick Salve lip balm from Topicals. It’s equal parts treatment and gloss, keeps her lips hydrated and glossy all day.
Step 10: The final touch – fragrance
Before stepping out, Achieng adds her signature fragrance. “If you smell good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you’re unstoppable,” she says, tying her entire beauty hack back to confidence.
A word of encouragement
Achieng leaves us with this gem: “Experiment. Try new things. That’s how you’ll find what works for you.” Whether you’re new to makeup or a seasoned pro, her routine proves that less can truly be more.
In under ten steps, Achieng has achieved a glowing, polished look that feels like her but elevated. Her no-makeup makeup hack isn’t just about the products; it’s about embracing yourself, flaws and all. So, grab your tools, recite your affirmations, and channel your inner confidence queen – you’ve got this!
