Last Updated on June 6, 2024 by Angela Vaz
There was a time when heavy makeup was the norm.
But in the last few years, I’ve honestly enjoyed seeing no-makeup makeup looks, the clean girl aesthetic, glass skin, etc.
Maybe you’ve experienced it too?
Have you been totally floored by a woman walking past that looks so natural?
You wonder how she does it, how she looks so flawless with almost no makeup and she quite literally makes heads turn!
It’s so refreshing to see people embrace themselves and not feel the need to apply layers and layers of foundation.
Note: I’ve struggled with acne for years and I’ve worn a lot of makeup over the years. But I’ve spent the last 2 years trying to work toward better skin and this is why I’m writing this post. This post is not meant to offend anyone who loves makeup. It’s simply offering an alternative.
I feel so confident in my own skin and it’s taken me a while to know what works and what doesn’t.
Now without further ado, let’s dive in!
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1. Maintain a healthy skincare routine
Instead of going out shopping and buying over 20 skincare products, do your research and focus on your skin problem specifically.
Don’t try to do it all at once – it won’t work and it’s not sustainable.
If you have acne, focus on fixing your acne first.
If you’re developing fine lines, and you want your skin to age slower, then get retinoids and moisturisers.
Get my drift?
And whatever you do, don’t ever forget to wear sunscreen – this is going help your skin slow down aging.
Everybody’s skin is different.
So do your research and stick to a routine that works for you.
Since I have acne, this is my skincare routine that works for me:
- Morning: Gentle cleanser, glycolic acid (helps with fading hyperpigmentation and smoothes skin), sunscreen
- Evening: Cleanser followed by Salicylic acid/Niacinamide (I alternate between both)
My skincare is super simple because I genuinely want to be consistent.
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
All my life, I ignored this phrase.
I drank water, but I wasn’t consistent.
My lips peeled (and hence got darker and pigmented), my skin looked like a mess and I was lethargic.
Water does more than just flush away your toxins, it actually helps your skin glow from within.
It keeps you in the pink of health.
Just compare a grape to a raisin – the moment the grape is dehydrated, it looks pruney and wrinkly.
The same thing happens to us when we don’t drink enough water.
Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day. You can also incorporate hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges into your diet.
It all adds up!
Additional Tip: Use a hydrating facial mist throughout the day to keep your skin refreshed and moisturized.
3. Exercise
If you’re not an active person, don’t fret.
I’ve been there.
I only recently started working out in late 2022 and I noticed the difference in my skin and body structure.
Everything got so much better.
Some of the benefits to moving your body everyday are:
- Sweat Detoxification: Sweating during exercise helps flush out toxins from your skin. This has actually reduced my acne, and sweating enables you to have clearer skin.
- Collagen Production: Physical activity stimulates collagen production, which can help maintain skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Muscle Toning: Strength training and other forms of exercise help tone muscles, giving your body a more sculpted and defined appearance.
- Natural Blush: The increased blood flow during exercise can give your skin a natural blush, making you look more radiant.
You’ll genuinely feel better when you move your body.
It actually counteracts tiredness and lethargy. I’m not kidding.
Do anything you love – whether it’s dancing to Youtube Videos (I do this), or lifting weights, or simply going for a walk.
Just focus on moving.
And instead of trying to do 100% all at once, just show up.
Show up everyday – being consistent is what is going to make the biggest difference!
4. Enhance your lashes
Long, curled lashes can open up your eyes and give you a more awake look.
Try these techniques:
- Eyelash Curler: Use an eyelash curler to give your lashes a lift.
- Lash Serums: Consider using an eyelash growth serum to enhance natural lashes over time. This is my favorite one.
- Natural Oils: Apply a small amount of coconut or castor oil to your lashes at night to nourish and promote growth.
Additional Tip: Brush your lashes with a clean spoolie to separate and enhance their natural look.
5. Take care of your lips
I’ve been working on my lip pigmentation for a long time – since I have unnaturally dark lips.
And here are some things that have worked for me and made my lips pinker:
- I’ve used this lip balm to lighten my lip pigmentation and make them look brighter.
- I use this gentle lip scrub to exfoliate my lips
- I also use this moisture and collagen booster for my lips to help keep them supple and soft
Additional Tip: Use a tinted lip balm to add a hint of color while keeping your lips hydrated.
6. Eat a balanced diet
I know, I know.
You’re tired of hearing people say “Eat your veggies.”
But veggies and fibres do help you look better.
They help you digest your food better and retain more nutrients. This makes your skin and hair glow.
When you are healthy, you actually look good.
And if you want to focus on looking good, you need to work from the inside-out.
Here are some things you can pay attention to regarding your diet:
- Vitamins and Antioxidants: Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which help protect your skin from damage and promote a healthy glow. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which maintains skin elasticity.
- Hydration: Foods with high water content, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and watermelon, help keep your skin hydrated, reducing dryness and dullness.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Flax seeds, walnuts, and other nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain the skin’s lipid barrier, keeping it supple and reducing inflammation that can lead to acne and redness.
- Zinc: This mineral, found in foods like pumpkin seeds and lentils, helps repair skin damage and keeps oil production in check, reducing the likelihood of acne.
Most importantly, avoid processed sugar.
Cutting out sodas, sweets and chocolates is hard, I know.
But the trick is to do it slowly.
For instance, instead of eating icecream after every meal, I switched to milk chocolate. Eventually, I started craving dark chocolate and I increased the strength.
Likewise, try to sweeten your meals naturally. For instance, if you eat oats, add bananas, berries or dark chocolate chips to it instead of sugar.
These small changes will start making a world of difference!
7. Be confident
I’m not kidding when I say that confidence changes your entire persona.
When you stand tall and are your extremely authentic self, you automatically become more attractive.
Your ability to speak well and communicate sharply also helps.
These are all small changes but they’re noteworthy.
I studied people because my partner would take me to a lot of parties. I studied how people talked and conversed and how people are magically drawn to confidence.
You can wear a sweatshirt and jeans and still woo a crowd if you’re confident and smile warmly.
Be kind, speak with confidence and note how people are drawn to you.
I hope this helps.
I went from an introvert who gamed all day to a people-person who has good friends.
Of course, it took years to get it right, but that’s why I feel it’s so important to pay attention to the little things.
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