How to look GORGEOUS without make-up (perfect for us busy mums!)

Trine Jensen-Burke

Ah, sure we all love lipsticks and glittered eyelids as much as the next 19-year-old beauty blogger, but there is a lot to be said for feeling fresh and pretty with little or no make-up at all too.

Haven’t dared to go bare yet? Here are our best tips on how to lighten up on blush and bronzer, and let your pretty face shine all on its own: (Just think of all that time you will save!)

1. Sleep

There is no coincident that it is called beauty sleep. During the night the cells in your skin renew themselves at a much faster pace (giving you a younger, fresher appearance) and is part of the reason why you should never go to bed still wearing make-up. It is also a bloody good reason to go to bed early tonight!

2. Work out

Get your blood pumping in the morning with a light jog, workout or yoga. Everyone looks healthier and more alert with that rosy post-workout glow. Best of all? It is completely FREE.

3. Re-use tea bags

When you make your morning cup of (black tea), don’t toss the bags. Just plop them in the freezer for about five minutes to cool. Then place them over your eyes as you lie down for a little relaxing moment, and voila; watch your peepers transform from sleepy and puffy to bright and shiny.

4. Keep your brows in order

Well-shaped brows can give you a polished and groomed look in an instant. It is well worth forking out to have them threaded regularly, but if this is not an option, a DIY solution will work just fine too. Just make sure to not be tempted into over-plucking!

5. Exfoliate

For glowing skin you need to be religious about exfoliating weekly. Try using an exfoliating brush that will leave your skin extra clean, smooth and radiant.

6. Moisturize

Never skimp om moisturizer for your face, and pick one that is crammed with active ingredients nourishing your skin all the way through. Use a cream with brightening properties for a smooth, glowing complexion.

7. Don’t leave the house without sunscreen

Sun damage is the No. 1 cause of wrinkles, uneven skin tone and even skin cancer, so be sure to slap on a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. Check that it has an SPF of at least 30.

8. Curl Your Lashes

Long and curly eyelashes will open up your eyes even without any mascara, and to achieve that perfect curl, you need a good eyelash curler.

9. Give yourself a pinch

For rosy cheeks sans any blusher, just pinch or pat your cheeks to get your get that circulation flowing. Unfortunately, the rosiness won’t last all day as with blush, so you will have to repeat.