Like it or not, a lot of the beauty products that help us achieve our looks have chemicals. Some of these work to improve our skin’s health, and some have other purposes, such as color or scent. This doesn’t mean they all have harmful chemicals, but every now and then, there’s nothing like a fresh façade. But what if you want to achieve a fresh-faced look without appearing half asleep at school or work (who here has gotten the “you look tired” or “are you sick?” comments on days you’ve gone sans makeup? Yikes!)?
Here are ways you can test out the chemical free look without going all in: Chemical Free Beauty Tips Mix up a few DIY concoctions. You’ll need enough to cover your bases – like an oatmeal mask for a fresh faced look, DIY cucumber eye pads to widen and waken, a rinse for your tresses, etc. These may not replace your bronzer or lip color, but you’ll look so refreshed that people are sure to notice the au natural look – in a good way. Get out the dictionary. It never hurts to wisen up when it comes to product labels. Once you look into what you put on your face regularly, you’ll be armed with info so that the ball is in your court – you can decide what to use sparingly and what’s totally fine. On “skin break” days that you want to avoid harsh chemicals, you can pick and choose the products you want to layer on your skin. For example, if you want to go fragrance free, it’s helpful to know that ‘fragrance’ also turns up under the name ‘parfum’ on labels at times. A little research goes a long way. Focus on skin care. Perfecting a basic skincare routine is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy, youthful glow. Once you’ve properly cleansed, exfoliated and hydrated, all you need is – if anything – a little BB cream with SPF and you can skip the makeup, no questions asked. Consider the product-free parts of your routine. Grooming and styling is just as important to your beauty routine as applying product. You’d be surprised at how good a brow shaping or facial wax can be for your overall appearance, before you even put on foundation. Not to mention the instant boost of confidence. Even just getting out your handy eyelash curler makes a difference. It’s surprisingly easy to skip the mascara when you’ve got a good curl on your lashes – try my simple eyelash curler tricks for a polished look, naturally. Of course, there’s nothing like going bare-faced for a few days to refresh your look and truly take a break. It can be a bit scary if you’re used to daily makeup, which is why I put it on my list of beauty risks you have to take this year! Do you do anything on no or minimal makeup days? Share your tips!