How to Look Good Without Makeup

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An easy-to-follow guide on showcasing your natural beauty

Co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD

Last Updated: September 30, 2024 Approved

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Many women and girls would love to forget the morning routine of carefully applying makeup and go fresh-faced instead. However, they may feel vulnerable and exposed without their makeup and are afraid of how they would look without it. If you are one of these people, then put down your mascara wand and start reading. This wikiHow will show you how you can both look and feel good, without a bit of makeup!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Getting Radiant, Healthy-Looking Skin

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1
Wash your face twice daily. Skincare is a key factor in looking good without makeup. Spend what time and money you would spend applying and purchasing makeup on skin care. First and foremost, find a good facial wash that's suited to your skin type and use it twice a day—once in the morning and once at night.^{[1]
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- Although it may be tempting to wash your face more than twice a day, this is not advisable. Over-washing can make your skin dry and irritable, causing it to look worse rather than better.^{[2]
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- Develop a skin regimen for your face. Whatever regimen you choose, stick to it, and always follow through. Repeat the regimen in the morning and at night.
2
Wear moisturizer daily. Every time you wash your face, you should follow it up with an application of facial moisturizer. Pick a quality daily moisturizer (preferably one with SPF in it) and apply it every day after washing. Opt for a slightly richer moisturizer to wear at night.^{[3]
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- Always choose a moisturizer that's suited to your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, go for something gentle and unscented. If you are prone to pimples, try something light and non-oily.
- Drier skin types should go for heavier moisturizers with soothing, nourishing ingredients like shea butter or aloe vera.
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3
Exfoliate once a week. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, leaving your face looking fresh and radiant. It can really help to give a healthy glow to your skin, which is a bonus when you're aiming to go makeup free. Find a skin wash with special exfoliating particles which you can use at least once a week, but as often as every 2 to 3 days, for best results.^{[4]
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- Alternatively, you can exfoliate using a clean washcloth soaked in warm water. Rub your face gently with the washcloth, in slow circular motions. This option is good for people with skin that is sensitive to the ingredients in any facial washes.
- Never scrub your face too hard with the exfoliator or use it too often. This will dry out your skin and leave it feeling irritated, which is the last thing you want.
4
Use toner. Toner is a skin care product that has often been overlooked but can do wonders when it comes to improving the appearance of your skin. Toner restores your skin's natural pH balance, along with many other benefits depending on the type of toner. Look for toners that are alcohol-free. These are less drying on the skin and help to even out skin tone.^{[5]
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- For instance, toners designed for oily or acne-prone skin can help to remove excess oil and tighten pores, while toners for dry skin can help to soothe irritation and lock in extra moisture.
- A toner appropriate for your skin type can be used everyday, after cleansing and before moisturizing.
5
Always remove your makeup. Even though this article is a guide on how to look good without makeup, chances are you will still want to wear it from time to time. This is absolutely fine, but just make sure that when you do wear makeup, you remember to take it off completely before bed. Makeup that is left on overnight can clog the pores and lead to pimples.^{[6]
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- Use a specific makeup removing product, like a foaming cleanser or cream to remove the makeup, rather than your regular face wash. Use a special eye makeup remover to clean off mascara, eyeshadow, and eyeliner.
6
Take care of any pimples. Pimples can be one of the main reasons that people are afraid to go bare-faced in the first place, so if you can get rid of those, you will feel a lot more confident about going makeup free. Make sure to follow a rigorous skincare regimen to avoid pores from becoming blocked and remove any excess bacteria from the surface of the skin. Use products targeted at oily or acne-prone skin and look for moisturizers, sunblocks and makeup that are non-comedogenic (non-pore blocking).^{[7]
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- Look for over-the-counter spot creams and gels which contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, both of which are extremely effective for clearing acne.
- If these measures do not seem to be working, consider seeing a dermatologist who can prescribe a stronger medicated cream or even a round of antibiotics or other oral medications.
7
Wear sunscreen always. You should wear sunscreen every day, even if it's cold, cloudy or snowy, as the UVA/UVB rays can still damage your skin. Sun damage will cause your skin to age prematurely, and in extreme cases can lead to skin cancer and other skin conditions.^{[8]
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- Aim to use SPF 30 or higher and, if possible, find a sunscreen which doubles up as a moisturizer. This will make sunscreen application easy to remember.
8
Stop touching your face. This is a habit many people are guilty of, which can seriously affect the quality of the skin. Picking at spots, rubbing your forehead, or simply resting your chin on your hand are all things which add oil and bacteria to the skin, causing it to break out and look greasy.^{[9]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source} The skin infection can be worse than the blemish itself in most cases.
- Rubbing at your face can also loosen the skin, causing premature wrinkles. Therefore, if you want to improve the appearance of your skin, make an effort to stop unnecessarily touching your face.
9
Take care of your skin from the inside out. Be sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night, and to drink plenty of water. Sleep gives your skin a chance to repair and restore itself, leaving you looking fresh and without dark circles beneath your eyes, while drinking water hydrates the skin and purifies it from the inside out, flushing out toxins and fueling the skin's metabolism.^{[10]
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- The exact amount of water you need varies by your individual needs. In general, men need 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids daily, while women need 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids daily. Note that about 20 percent of this daily intake will usually come from food; the other 80 percent comes from water and other drinks.^{[11]
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Selena Gomez, Founder, Rare Beauty

Learn to appreciate your natural beauty. "Makeup is something to have fun with, but not something you need. I used to think I needed to wear makeup to feel pretty, and I can definitely say that has changed as I've gotten older."

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Be Well Groomed

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1
Pluck or wax your eyebrows. Keep your eyebrows looking tidy by removing any stray hairs. Having perfectly shaped brows can do wonders for your face by framing your eyes, therefore making them the center of attention. Well-manicured eyebrows can be very striking and add definition to your features without the need for makeup.^{[12]
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- If you're nervous about plucking and aren't sure which eyebrow shape would best suit your face, go to a beautician to have them plucked or waxed for the first time.
- Once that's done, you will be able to maintain your new shape at home with a pair of good, quality tweezers. Always pluck one hair at a time, and pluck from the bottom of the brow rather than the top.
2
Shampoo your hair several times a week. It is important to wash your hair frequently to prevent the hair and skin from becoming very greasy and dirty. However, unless you have extremely oily hair, it is probably unnecessary to wash your hair every single day—every 2 or 3 days is generally fine for most people.^{[13]
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PubMed Central
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- Instead of fixating on the number of days between washes, look to your hair and scalp for signs. If your hair is scalp is itching or if your hair is visibly weighed down with oil, it's time for a washing.^{[15]
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- Keep your hair nicely conditioned, using a grape-sized dollop of conditioner applied to your roots and pony-tail area daily. For extra shine, smoothness, and softness, rinse with cool water.
- Tie your hair in a low ponytail at night to prevent any grease from your hair getting onto your face.
3
Curl your eyelashes. Long, curling eyelashes can make you feel very feminine, but you don't need lashings of mascara to achieve this look. All you need to do is invest in an eyelash curler—a contraption that may look scary, but is actually painless and easy to use.
- The eyelash curler clamps around your eyelashes and is held in place for 10 to 20 seconds, leaving your lashes curled and your eyes looking wider.
- You can also make your eyelashes appear thicker and darker by applying a coat of Vaseline to your lashes, then combining them through with an eyelash brush.
4
Keep lips looking smooth. Smooth, full lips are much more attractive than dry, cracked ones, so make sure to look after yours using a combination of exfoliation and moisturization. Exfoliate your lips by gently rubbing a dampened toothbrush against them, then hydrate with your favorite lip balm.^{[16]
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- Protect lips from extreme weather conditions by wearing a lip balm with an SPF in the sun, or a protective chapstick in the winter.
5
Brighten your eyes. A great trick that can brighten up your eyes and give an overall impression of health and alertness is to use some redness-reducing eye drops. These are readily available at your local pharmacy and are a quick and easy way to improve your totally cute and so far sexy appearance.
- While this is is an option for occasional use, such as an important interview, do not use eye drops on a regular basis. Doing so can cause your eyes to become more dilated and bloodshot, and the preservatives found in these eye drops can be toxic when used frequently.^{[17]
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One simple thing that can give the appearance of beauty and health is a little rosy color in the cheeks. This can be achieved through frequent exercise and time spent outdoors in the fresh air. However, a quick fix is to gently pinch or slap the cheeks, giving them a little color.
7
Pay attention to dental hygiene. A white, healthy smile can work wonders for your overall appearance, so make sure you give your teeth the care and attention they deserve. Brush a least twice a day, for a minimum of two minutes, using gentle circular motions. Focus on each tooth individually and don't neglect the hard to reach teeth at the back.^{[18]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

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- It is just as important to floss daily as it is to brush. Flossing removes built-up bacteria, food particles and plaque from between the teeth, thus preventing cavities from forming.^{[19]
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- Also remember to brush your tongue with the toothbrush and use a mouthwash to prevent bad breath.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Focus On Your Overall Appearance

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Smile. Smiling brightens up your face and allows your inner beauty to shine through. It gives the impression of happiness and confidence, while also making you more attractive to others. Smiling more often will help you to look your best, regardless of whether you're wearing makeup or not.^{[20]
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2
Get a healthy tan. A healthy glow can transform your appearance, making your skin appear more radiant and your complexion smoother and more even-toned. If you can achieve a tan naturally, while also wearing protection, that's great. However, tanning beds and other options like these are expensive and occasionally cause skin cancer, so try a spray-on tan (good quality—you don't want to look fake) or for your face, bronzer for an extra little sun-kissed glow.^{[21]
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World Health Organization
Health information and news provided by the World Health Organization

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- Look for facial moisturizers which will slowly build up a natural-looking tan and leave you looking sun-kissed, no matter the weather.
3
Dress well. Feeling good without makeup will rely on how confident you feel about the rest of your appearance. Every girl knows that a killer outfit can make her feel like she can take on the world, so use the time that you would normally spend on making up your face on planning the perfect outfit.
- Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and that fit you perfectly. Don't try too hard to fit in with the latest trends or squeeze yourself into tight fitting clothes. You'll look your best when you feel your best.
4
Style your hair. Make sure that your hair looks clean and neat at all times. It just gives you one less thing to worry about. Try a new haircut, like adding layers or bangs or even taking the leap with a pixie cut. Experiment with different styles: straighten your hair, curl it, put it in a bun or plait—use your imagination!
- Bad hair days can be covered up with a fashionable scarf or beret—or simply use a little dry shampoo to de-grease hair and add volume.
5
Eat well. Looking and feeling healthy has a lot to do with what you put into your body. Skin, especially, can be affected by a poor diet and healthy skin is essential to looking good without makeup. Try to cut out as many greasy, fatty, sugary foods as possible and load up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats instead.^{[22]
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- Remember to drink plenty of water to flush out your system, keep skin looking healthy and prevent you from feeling bloated. When thirsty, opt for a cool and refreshing glass of water with fruits or try to consume more fruits and vegetables full of water content, such as watermelon and cucumber. Avoid sugary drinks and your skin will thank you!
- Take a vitamin supplement if you feel you are not getting all of your daily requirements from your diet alone. Vitamins A, C and E are all particularly beneficial for the skin.
Whitney Bowe, Integrative Dermatology Expert

Eat a healthy diet that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to nourish the skin from the inside out. Get enough sleep to allow the skin to repair and regenerate. Manage stress levels, as stress can lead to inflammation and other skin issues.
True beauty shines from within, so stop believing that you need your mascara to feel confident and start believing in you. Stand up tall, with your shoulders back and your chin up. Make eye contact with people and smile frequently. Remember that makeup is simply a tool used to emphasize certain features—your natural beauty has been there all along.

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Do you have any tips on how I can be more confident?

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Always look your best. Make sure your hair is clean, you smell nice and have good smelling breath. Be around people you are comfortable with, you are more confident in an understanding group. And lastly, "Fake it till you make it" -- do whatever your heart tells you!

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How do I get rid of dark circles under the eyes without makeup?

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Wash your eyes with cold water, or chill a metal spoon in the fridge and hold it against your eye for a few minutes.

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My 2 incisor teeth are too big. I had braces but that couldn't reduce my teeth size. I don't feel confident with my smile. What should I do?

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Rock your smile!! You already had braces and you said it yourself, they couldn't change the size. The only option is to love yourself. Most likely this minor flaw is much more obvious to you than it is to anyone else, so try not to be so insecure.

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Make sure that you take care of your hair. Trim it every few months, as the ends will split otherwise and lead to rough hair.

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You can get rid of dark circles under your eyes if you struggle with sleep by placing either ice cubes or a damp cold towel against your eyes for roughly 25 seconds. You can also use slices of cucumber and relax with them on your eyes for a few minutes.

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Using a chilled eye cream is a wonderful way to provide yourself self-care in this region. Enhancing your eyes just by simply taking care of the delicate under eye skin will definitely give you a brighter and more youthful appearance without makeup. Using an ice roller around your eyes can make all the difference.

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It can be really difficult to go out for the first time in a while without wearing makeup. You may feel vulnerable and exposed. The best thing to do is start wearing no makeup around family and close friends. This can increase your confidence and get you used to going out without makeup. Most of the time, you only think you’re not pretty without makeup because you are so used to seeing yourself with it.
Change your pillow case and towel at least every other time you use them! Pillows accumulate oil and dead skin cells, and towels can be a breeding ground for bacteria when wet. Also, a silk pillow case will stop rubbing your skin and hair which can help prevent wrinkles and other types of damage done to the hair and skin.
Keep in mind that some types of acne can be hormonal or genetic, and all the grooming and clean diets in the world won't fix it. You can still look just as good with acne, and there's no one way to be beautiful.

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Warnings

Always remember that if any of the skin moisturizer products you use lead to an allergic reaction, stop using them right away, and look for other ones.

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Always remember to wear a moisturizer that has a SPF of "at least" 15, or just use plain sunblock.

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