If you’re as into the beauty world as I am then you have noticed that a lot of celebrities are going without makeup lately. Singer Alicia Keys spoke out and said she is going without makeup from now on and even Kim Kardashian sat front row at the SS17 Balenciaga show completely bare faced. It’s so great to see confident women with their platforms going against the norm. Even though I do not wear makeup everyday or even feel like I need to when I go out, it’s still encouraging that other women feel the same way I do. However, a part of me was also thinking that it may be easier for these women because they can afford to see the best dermatologists regularly and splurge on really effective skincare products. But I don’t want this to be an excuse for the rest of us. I think there are other things we can do to make ourselves more comfortable with being without makeup. Below are some of the ways I make sure I always feel my best makeup free.

Invest In A Clarisonic Cleansing Brush

Washing my face with a cleansing brush is my favorite way to freshen up my skin. I try to use my Clarisonic as often as possible to keep my skin smooth and pimple free. If I do happen to have a breakout, I find that it removes it within a few days without leaving dark spots or acne scars. I definitely think the Clarisonic is worth the $100-200 investment. However, if it’s not in your budget try to find a good exfoliating mask or scrub that will give your skin a deep clean when you need it.

Use Sheet Masks

The most inexpensive and mess free way to instantly better looking skin are sheet masks. Sephora sells several from other brands and also from their own collection. Whatever your skin type or concern is, there is a sheet mask out there for you that will improve and nourish your skin. The best part about them is you don’t need to wash them off. Lay the mask on your face for 15-20 minutes in the morning and remove when you’re about to leave. The excess product can be rubbed into your skin. I like to use the eye masks to correct under eye puffiness and shadows.

Always Carry Facial Sprays

Whether I’m makeup free or full faced, I always keep a facial spray on hand. Throughout the day, especially in the winter, my skin becomes drier and even develops flaky patches. I find that these always come through when I need to refresh my face. If you’re oily, you can find one that is more mattifying like the Urban Decay All Nighter Spray. Most people use it to set their makeup in place but it also works on clean skin. I like the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Mist whenever I need more hydration and a glow.

Groom Your Eyebrows

I could be having the worst skincare day, but If I’ve just gotten my eyebrows done it instantly makes me feel better about my look. They say eyebrows are the most important part of your face and I totally agree. I try to keep up on this regularly, so when I do have to run out of the house without makeup I feel much more confident and like myself. Sometimes I like to swipe on a coat of clear brow gel to hold the hairs in place throughout the day. This is also a good tip if you have sparse eyebrows and need something to add a little fullness.

Hi again! I’m back with a new beauty post and this time I’m sharing my tips for lengthening your lashes to their fullest potential. Some people are blessed with full and long lashes that only need mascara to look amazing. If that person is you then you are so lucky because short and unruly lashes are the worst! I can’t even explain how frustrating it is to apply the most even and perfectly shaped winged eyeliner only for your lashes to camouflaged by the liner and appear shorter – ugh! Of course, you can apply false lashes in this situation but sometimes you don’t have time for it or don’t want to wear them on a daily basis. This is a problem that I ran into all the time until I learned how to get the most out of my lashes. Now, sometimes strangers come up to me and ask if my eyelashes are real. Like, what? I always think they are kidding every time. Here are the techniques and products I use to maximize my natural lashes.

Start With Translucent Powder

When its a “no makeup” makeup kind of day and I’m not wearing any eyeshadow, I swipe a very small amount of translucent powder with a fluffy blending brush onto my lashes. This gives them thickness and acts like a primer. If I was doing a full face makeup routine, I would skip this step as some of the eyeshadow falls onto my lashes anyway and it works the same way.

Always Use Mascara Primer

It surprises me that a lot of people don’t use mascara primer. Hello, if you need a primer for your face, eyes and lips then you definitely need one for your lashes. I use the Lancome Cils Booster XL. The first time I used it I had no idea my lashes could be so long. My eyelashes are also very curly so this was able to straighten them out a bit and make them more uniform. I also find that my mascara applies much smoother, even when I am working with an older or drier formula. I don’t even have an issue with clumping when I use this.

Layer That Mascara

The right technique for applying mascara is also important to get the most volume and length. If you’re working on your right eye the mascara wand should be pointing towards your nose. When moving to your left eye, either use your left hand or turn your right hand inwards so the tip of the mascara is pointing toward your nose again. The tip of the mascara wand is always for the lashes that are the shortest and near the inner corners of your eyes. I also love to twirl the mascara wand backwards as I comb it through the topside of my lashes. This will automatically curl your lashes or enhance the curl you already have. Apply a maximum of two layers using these techniques and you should already see a major difference.

– Favorite Drugstore Mascara Options (Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies, Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black)
– Favorite High End Mascara Options (Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara, Makeup Forever Smokey Lash, Lancome Definicils Lengthening and Defining Mascara)

Tightline The Upper Waterline

I like to add black eyeshadow or gel eyeliner to the upper waterline of my eyes. This fills in any gaps showing skin that are between the lashes and makes the lash line look much fuller. This isn’t a necessary trick but try it and see if it makes a different for you too.

Remove Any Clumps

Lastly, wait until the mascara dries completly before trying to remove any clumps. Then use the comb side of a double sided eyebrow brush to gently comb through your lashes and separate them. An eyebrow spoolie brush would also work. You can find these brushes at almost every drugstore.

Take a look at the photo gallery below for all the products I mentioned. Thanks for reading!