100% Pencil Makeup Trend: Effortless, Natural Beauty with Sticks and Pencils

View the 20-photo slideshow. Who says you need a full arsenal of brushes and products for flawless makeup? Taylor Frankel, co-founder of Nudestix (available at Sephora), shows that a handful of quality pencils and sticks is all it takes. Dive into the rising "Pencil Makeup" trend.

We all know kohl and lip pencils, but their family has grown. Pencils now come in diverse formats and textures—from foundations and highlighters to eyebrow pencils, jumbo eyeshadows, and stick blushes. Except for mascara, you can create a quick, polished look using pencils alone.

The Advantages of Pencil Makeup

Taylor Frankel champions the pencil as the ultimate beauty essential. Ditch the powder palettes, tube collections, and brush clutter—her "pencil addiction" is contagious.

"Women need just two things for makeup: great pencils and their fingers," she explains. "Pencils offer precision and ease, while fingers blend and diffuse for custom results. Sticks are portable perfection—ideal for travel or quick touch-ups between meetings. Many are multifunctional, working on cheeks, lips, and eyes."

Mastering Different Makeup Pencils

Pencils won't dry out or grease skin, making them ideal for sensitive or problematic complexions.

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Start with lip or eyelid pencils—they're intuitive. Apply directly, then blend with fingers for foolproof results.

For lips, outline or fill entirely. Pencils let you define contours then shade generously. Per Taylor Frankel: Trace the cupid's bow first, outline the rest, fill inward, and avoid overloading corners.

For eyes, vary thickness and intensity with matte or shimmer shades. Precision pigments without heaviness.

On complexion, pencils deliver natural coverage versus heavy foundations—perfect for sheer fans, less so for full coverage seekers. They redefine your makeup routine.

Nudestix: 100% Pencil Makeup for a Natural Glow

Brands are jumping on pencils: illuminating, contouring, blush sticks. Innovators like Nudestix offer complete pencil collections in varied sizes, shapes, and shades for all skill levels.

Since 2014, Taylor Frankel, her sister Ally, and mother Jenny have pioneered pencil-only routines in nude tones, embracing the "no-makeup" vibe.

Expect elegant, handbag-ready designs. Prices: Jumbo lip/eyelid pencils at €19; all-over face sticks at €24.

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