I’ve worn makeup practically every day since I was a teenager. Do I like it? Sometimes! Do I want it to be at the top of my to-do list every. single. morning? Definitely not.
But the reality is that, in today’s world of Instagram filters, “looking the part”, and just wanting to be the most powerful, beautiful version of ourselves, many of us often feel like we have to wear at least some makeup in order to get out there and live our “best lives.”
It's not always fun. Sometimes, I would rather use those extra 20 minutes to hit the snooze button one more time. Sometimes, I’d like to be “photo ready” without the prep. And, just once, I’d like to look fresh-faced and rosy-cheeked without it coming with a hefty Sephora price tag.
Here’s how I made that dream a reality.
Makeup has seemed like a must-have for women for as long as I can remember. Any woman that doesn’t wear it to work, on a date, etc., seems to be perceived as decidedly “marching to the beat of her own drum,” extra free and confident or - worst case scenario - sloppy and unkempt.
That said, people are over this paradigm. There has been a decided shift toward keeping things as fresh-faced and as natural as possible. Part of that comes down to the “no makeup” makeup look that takes just as long - and involves just as many products - as a full glam.
But another part of it is a clear push toward cleaner beauty all around and a recognition of the fact that all that makeup really isn’t doing us any favors. Why is that?
On the flip side, skipping the makeup can come with a slew of benefits, including:
It all sounds great in theory, right? But it’s hard to live this way when we’re still battling with things like blemishes, under eye circles, fine lines, and dull, uneven skin tone. Then we get the dreaded, “Oh, are you feeling sick today?” or, “Honey, you look like you gotnorest!” - which we could all do without for the rest of our lives.
Find your routine and stick to it
Step 1? Find a skincare routine that your skin really responds to andstick to it consistently for at least 6 months. If you want to get this part right and maximize the benefits, you have to find the right mix of products that your skin responds to positively. Here’s a great starting point:
Start with all 7 steps and take it from there, paying attention to what works foryour skin now.
Learn more about the purpose and power of each step here.
And remember to look for green, clean products. If your skincare products contain the same parabens, sulfates, and irritants as your makeup, you’re not setting yourself up for success.
Add the right players for extra oomph
Certain ingredients do double duty, helping make your skin as radiant as possible.
That's everything that you need for killer skin. So hone in on what you need most and make sure that the products you add to your routine contain the right ingredients for your goals.
And don’t forget everything else
Remember, it’s not just about what you put on your skin, but also about what you putin your bodyas well.
With that in mind, try your best to stick to the following advice:
Eat Clean
Avoid ingredients known to cause congestion and inflammation - like alcohol, processed foods, and sugar. Instead, opt for:
If you can’t totally avoid the bad stuff, at least try to include some of these ingredients every day to balance out your diet.
Drink Lots of Water
Your skin is 64% water. Staying properly hydrated is good for your skin and your all-around health.
Exercise
Exercise gets your heart pumping, increases circulation, and helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the surface of the skin. It also helps carry away toxins and free radicals, purifying from within. And it reduces stress, which improves your sebum production.
Get Outside
A little sun and fresh air always helps! Even if it doesn’t directly impact your skin, spending some time outside and connecting with your environment can help decrease cortisol, produce vitamin D, and more.