6 ways to get flawless skin without using any makeup
It’s not as hard as you might think
For the overwhelming majority of us, foundation is the starting point in our makeup routines. And whether you opt for a lightweight, medium or full coverage formula, we all rely on our chosen foundations (or tinted moisturisers, BB or CC creams) to help us create a flawless and even base that’s ready to face the world.
However, if the recent runway shows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) are anything to go by, full coverage base makeup is out, and clean, fresh, makeup-free skin is in. But how do you go about achieving flawless skin without a scrap of makeup on? After all, we can’t all be blessed with model-worthy skin!
To help you on your quest, we’ve pulled together six simple tips that will leave you with flawless skin, sans makeup.
1
Change up your diet
While a balanced diet works wonders for keeping your body healthy, eating nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, nuts and fish can also significantly impact the quality of your skin. For instance, antioxidants found in watercress and even dark chocolate help protect your skin from free radical damage; vitamin C found in sweet potato works to boost collagen production and brighten skin’s overall tone; and the healthy fats present in oily fishes like salmon and mackerel can tackle skin inflammations associated with acne, eczema and psoriasis.
So, if your skin is misbehaving, take a look at what you’re eating. You might need to cut back on the processed and sugary foods and incorporate more of the above skin-loving ingredients into your diet.
2
Drink more water
According to beauty therapist and skin specialist for Mecca Cosmetica, Laura Berger, “almost every Australian skin is dehydrated, simply because of the climate and the prevalence of air conditioning and heating.” One of the easiest ways to rehydrate the skin is from the inside out. Not only will consuming the recommended two litres of water a day go a long way in keeping skin cells hydrated and flushing out any impurities and toxins in your system, drinking water can replenish skin tissue and increase its elasticity, making it appear more youthful and plump.
3
Get enough sleep
Not getting enough sleep causes a lot more issues than just dark circles and a bad mood. In fact, a lack of quality sleep can lead to an increase of stress hormones in the body, which can impact the severity of skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. Additionally, poor sleep increases the breakdown of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which leaves the skin looking dull and lacklustre.
4
Supercharge your skin care routine
You can’t expect to have good skin if you don’t look after it. That’s why it’s essential to find quality products that work for your specific issues. Do your research (or even better, have your skin diagnosed by a dermatologist) and establish what skin type you have – be it sensitive, dry, dehydrated, combination or oily – and choose ingredients and products that are going to work best for you.
Additionally, make sure to exfoliate your skin regularly (two to three times a week) to slough away dead cells that pile up on the surface of your skin. Regular exfoliation will also rid the skin of excess oils and unclog pores. If you’re looking for a quality exfoliant, we recommend Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Retexturising Pads.
5
Strategically apply primers
Once you’ve amended your diet, are sleeping better and have perfected your skin care routine, you can also look to skin care and makeup hybrids like primers to achieve a flawless-looking complexion.
Primers these days do a whole lot more than just prep the skin for makeup application. For instance, if you’re concerned about large pores, redness or a dull complexion, you’re guaranteed to find a primer that works to combat these.
“I recommend applying a calming primer like Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer, which will plump up the skin and produce an ethereal glow all over,” revealed Global Makeup Artist for Napoleon Perdis, Rajja Richani backstage at the Leo & Lin MBFWA show. “Then, apply a touch of an illuminating primer to the high points of the face to really brighten up the skin.”
6
Embrace face mists
Come 3pm your skin can start to look a little lackluster and may need a pick-me-up. To instantly refresh and hydrate your complexion, reach for a facial mist. Facial mists work to benefit the skin in numerous ways: they can restore the skin’s pH balance and soothe irritated skin and they help boost skin’s moisture levels, leaving it looking radiant and glowing. If you’re on the hunt for new facial mist, we suggest checking out Caudalie Beauty Elixir.
Want to learn more skin care tips and tricks to improve your complexion? Then find out the skin care changes you need to make in winter and the eight things women with great skin always do.
What’s your favourite way to boost radiance without makeup? Let us know in the comments below.
Main image credit: Getty
Kate started working for BEAUTYcrew in early 2016, first as a contributor, and was then named Beauty Writer in 2017. She loves picking the brains of the industry's top experts to get to the bottom of beauty's toughest questions. Bronze eyeshadow palettes are her weakness and she's forever on the hunt for the perfect nude nail polish to suit her fair skin. Her words can also be found in Men's Health magazine, and she now works in PR.
