Makeup is something that many of us rely upon on a daily basis. A 2012 study found that half of all women are dependent on makeup in order to go about their daily business, and it’s no secret that the industry has grown hugely in recent years. What used to be a small collection of powders, creams, and liquids available cheap in your local drugstore is now an industry worth millions of dollars.

Everyone from the Kardashians to Kat Von D has been bringing out makeup lines, and the rise of superstar beauty bloggers has meant that high caliber makeup is something that’s not just reserved for the runway. At the same time, however, this phenomenon can also leave many of us feeling insecure. With modern-day makeup being as expensive as it is, not everyone can afford to keep up with the trends and get hold of the best new product. Additionally, a lot of us lead incredibly busy lives – with either work, parenthood or a combination of the two – that doesn’t exactly allow for an hour of preening ourselves in front of the mirror in the morning. Plus, going barefaced may just be something you want to do for the sake of it. After all, there’s no rule that demands that women need to wear makeup in order to be either confident or successful – going without it can often be liberating and put a lot of things into perspective! But all the same, it can sometimes be a little daunting.

One way to get over your fear of going without makeup is by making sure that your natural radiance is what shines out. With that on your side, you might not even feel the need to wear makeup ever again! Here are a few tips to help you embrace your natural beauty so you can feel confident no matter what you have on your face.

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Flawless skin

Okay, so we know what you’re thinking: how on earth are you supposed to get flawless skin without the use of makeup? Sure, makeup can indeed hide a multitude of sins, and it can indeed be a great option for people who are insecure about their skin. But sometimes, overpowering your skin with makeup can make any aesthetic ailments you have (such as acne) much worse. So, how exactly do you get amazing skin without slathering it in a high-coverage foundation? The first thing to remember is to avoid spending too much time in direct sunlight, especially without any sunscreen on. Opt for a moisturizer with SPF included – that way you can apply it in the morning and not have to worry about it for the rest of the day. Also, create a skin routine that works for you and stick to it! It can be easy to fall off the wagon with regards to your skin regimen, but you will see a huge difference just from cleansing morning and night! The last thing is a classic and is probably the most important thing you can do for your skin, and that is to drink lots of water. Bring a large bottle to work with you and mark the hours of the day on it – that way, you’ll be able to track how much you have drunk.

 

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A Hollywood smile

Ever wondered why so many big-name celebrities manage to look so dazzling even when they’re ‘off duty’? Well, it’s probably something to do with the fact that they have access to great dental healthcare. However, this doesn’t just need to be something reserved for the rich and famous – there are plenty of treatments you can do in the comfort of your home that give you similar results. If you’re struggling with where to begin, why not read a review of the best teeth whitening kits? Some of these kits claim to be able to lighten teeth by a number of shades, which will give you that extra boost of confidence when you’re going makeup-free. Plus, keeping on top of your everyday dental hygiene is a must, as poor hygiene in this area can lead to more serious issues such as gum disease. Brush and floss every morning and night, and use an alcohol-free mouthwash for extra freshness.

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Show stopping hair

When you find yourself going without makeup, it can sometimes make you feel paranoid – as though everyone is looking at you. The reality is, of course, that it’s pretty unlikely that they are. You might think that you look bad without makeup, but the likelihood of anyone else having this opinion is pretty slim. That being said, if you are not used to going barefaced, it can sometimes help to have something else going on to distract from your lack of makeup and to make you feel a bit more confident. One easy way to achieve this is to have fabulous hair. For some of us, our hair is our crowning glory, and preening it is a great way to enhance our natural beauty. Don’t choose a style that is too lacquered or rigid. While there’s nothing wrong with a little bit of hairspray or mousse to hold your look in place, you want your hair to be free and flowing – it’s much more feminine this way. Treat your hair every week or so to a conditioning mask, so it stays healthy and glossy, and blow dry it once washed. You don’t need to visit the salon to get a perfect blow-dry – just get yourself a round barrel brush and use your hairdryer on the highest setting. Finish with a light serum to hold in any moisture and a mist of hairspray, and you should be good to go! With these kinds of assets by your side, you won’t be thinking about your lack of makeup one bit, and you’ll feel much more confident as a result.