“Resting Rich Face” Is the New No-Makeup Makeup Look

There’s no better compliment than, “Your skin looks so good.” That kind of praise is often associated with glowy, hydrated, and—most importantly—healthy skin. The desire for luminous, fresh-looking skin has undeniably influenced makeup trends, prompting the release of countless skin-like foundations, tinted moisturizers, and featherlight brow gels.

Between brands like Saie, Merit, and Glossier—and pop culture moments like Alicia Keys’ rejection of heavy makeup or Hailey Bieber’s glazed donut skin era—the pursuit of natural-but-radiant skin has basically become a personality trait. And now, that aesthetic has a new name: “resting rich face.”

While I’m usually against giving every existing fad a quirky new moniker, I have to admit—this one’s kind of…fun. So head to your bathroom or take a seat at your vanity, because ahead, we’re breaking down what resting rich face actually means—and how to pull it off.

What Is Resting Rich Face Makeup?

While the name is new, the idea has been a part of makeup culture for decades—with a slight twist. In addition to looking soft, effortless, and well-rested, resting rich face is a no-makeup makeup look that resembles the glow of someone who just had a facial, with nods to glass skin—just not as dramatic or doll-like. Goldsmith says she coined the term after noticing her “old money” Austin clients wanted to appear understated. “The goal is for people to say, ‘You look amazing,’ not, ‘Your makeup looks amazing.'”

Napoli, however, offers a more critical cultural read. Napoli suggests the trend can come off “elitist” and shares DNA with the clean-girl aesthetic—another look that sparked conversation about who gets celebrated for minimal makeup and sleek simplicity. To Napoli, resting rich face “conveys access to time, treatment, and complexions that don’t need visible, performative, or flashy products.”

Napoli describes it as makeup that prioritizes “function and performance over aesthetic, fashion, and charm,” adding that the look can give followers “a feeling of conformity, while holding itself above and away from the trends and the conversation we share in beauty.”

Still, Napoli acknowledges there’s something valuable in the technique itself. “It emphasizes conscious, deliberate choices in product and placement for a minimalist approach. There’s no six-step eyeshadow palette or contour kit, and I think that’s sensible and practical.”

Why Is It Trending?

Ogbevoen—whose content often speaks to Black women navigating natural, skin-forward beauty—echoes similar sentiments to Napoli, noting that resting rich face is appealing “because it feels like an approachable and easy makeup routine—you don’t feel like you need 30 steps and the perfect technique.”

It’s less about looking “done” and more about elevating your natural appearance in an effortless way. “People love seeing a look that feels wearable, elevated, and achievable at the same time,” she adds. There’s also a rising obsession with aura—appearing confident, polished, and unbothered in a subtle way. Think Princess Diana, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, Zoë Kravitz, Zendaya—women whose style communicated ease and assurance without theatrics. “My goal has always been to highlight my natural features and feel like myself,” Ogbevoen says.

How to Wear It

Because resting rich face is a pared-down glam look, the routine starts with skin. Exfoliation and hydration are the foundation: Napoli says, “Hydration, exfoliation, and texture management are all necessary.” Goldsmith recommends oil-based cleansers with jojoba oil and antioxidants like prickly pear extract and bakuchiol, as well as gentle water-based cleansers. Napoli adds that regular facials can help maintain your skin’s glow.

Once your skin is hydrated and primed, move on to bronzer. Goldsmith suggests using a liquid bronzer and wiping off excess product to keep the finish sheer. For placement, she says to “keep the bronzer much higher than you are used to.” Blend with a buff brush—Napoli notes that this tool helps create a true second-skin finish. Then layer a blush over the bronzer, sticking with cream and wax formulas.

Follow with an under-eye brightener and a touch of concealer. After that, you can apply an eyeshadow stick, a little mascara at the root, and a gloss or tinted balm. Use a brow gel or wax to add soft structure.

While this look is minimalist, foundation is still an option. You just need to use it differently. “Foundation can do a lot to even out textured skin, hyperpigmentation, and breakouts,” Goldsmith explains. She recommends applying it with a flat-topped brush in circular motions (both directions), especially over areas where pores are more visible. Once your base is set, you can layer the other resting rich face elements right on top.