How to Look Hot Without Make Up

Co-authored by Erica Coates

Last Updated: December 7, 2022 Approved

Deciding to put down the eyeliner is a big decision that may make you feel uneasy. However, it’s important to remember that you can look absolutely beautiful without makeup by taking care of your skin, maintaining your health, and having a positive attitude.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Caring for Your Skin

1
Determine your skin type. When taking care of your skin, it is important to consider what kind of skin type you have so that you can do everything you can to take care of it properly. Different types of skin include: normal, dry, oily, and sensitive. Keep in mind that you can have certain spots of skin that are oilier than others, and that your skin type can change. To figure out what kind of skin you have, consider the main characteristics of each type of skin:^{[1]
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- People with normal skin have small pores, few imperfections (like pimples or blotchiness), relatively insensitive skin, and a shining complexion.
- People with dry skin have tiny pores that are very hard to see, red patches or blotches on different parts of their skin, a rough complexion, and lines that are more easy to see than on people with other skin types. People with dry skin often deal with flaky or irritated skin.
- People with oily skin have very large pores, a shiny complexion, and generally have a few imperfections (like pimples) on the oiliest parts of their skin.
- Sensitive skin means that your skin is often irritated, itchy, red, or dry and cracked.
2
Clean your face at least twice a day. Taking care of your skin is a large part of looking great without makeup. Wash your face with a facial wash that is suited for your skin type. In general, try to wash your face once in the morning, and once at night. You should also try to wash your face after you have sweated a lot, such as when you exercise.
- Keep in mind that over-washing your face can make your skin dry and irritated.
- If you are having trouble finding a face wash that works well for you, set up an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss your skin type and facial washes that will nourish your skin.
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3
Get rid of any red or puffy skin when you first wake up. Once you have washed your face, look at your skin for a moment. If parts of your face are looking puffy from sleep, or red, consider rubbing an ice cube on the area. The coldness of the ice cube can help to constrict the blood vessels, making your face less red and puffy.
4
Wear moisturizer daily. Every time you wash your face, follow it up with an application of facial moisturizer. Pick a quality daily moisturizer (preferably one with SPF in it) and apply it every day after washing. Opt for a slightly richer moisturizer to wear at night.
- Again, remember to choose a moisturizer that's suited to your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, go for something gentle and unscented. If you are prone to pimples, try something light that specifically says it is not oily.
- Drier skin types should go for heavier moisturizers with soothing, nourishing ingredients like shea butter or aloe vera. You can also try using honey as a moisturizer.
5
Exfoliate your skin once a week. Exfoliating your skin involves scrubbing away dead skin cells so that your face looks fresh and radiant. This is particularly helpful if you are going makeup free, as exfoliating your skin can help to give it a glow that you would otherwise create with bronzer and foundation. Look for facial washes that have exfoliating particles in them.
- Alternatively, you can exfoliate your skin using a clean washcloth soaked in warm water. Rub your face gently with the washcloth, in slow circular motions. This option is good for people with sensitive skin.
- Never scrub your face too hard with the exfoliator or use it too often. Doing this may dry out your skin and leave it feeling irritated.
6
Try using toner. Toner is a skin care product that has often been overlooked, but can do wonders when it comes to improving the appearance of your skin. Toner restores your skin's natural pH balance, which in turn can make your skin look even and radiant. Look for toners that are alcohol-free—these will generally dry your skin out less and can help to even out your skin tone.
- Toners that are designed for oily or acne-prone skin can help to remove excess oil and tighten pores, while toners for dry skin can help to soothe irritation and lock in extra moisture.
- Most toners can be used everyday, after cleansing and before moisturizing.
7
Try all-natural skin care techniques. If you would rather not purchase chemical-based facial wash products, you can try natural products that may help to give you face a fresh look. Try using aloe vera soap or neem soap to clean your face naturally.
- You can also create a natural face mask by combining turmeric, two teaspoons of lemon juice, honey, milk, tomato puree, and half a cup of besan flour (which is also known as chic pea flour). Apply the mask to your skin, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash it off.
8
Remove your makeup whenever you do wear it. Even though this article is a guide on how to look good without make up, chances are you will still want to get dolled up and wear makeup from time to time. This is absolutely fine, but just make sure that when you do wear makeup, you remember to take it off completely before bed. Make-up that is left on overnight can clog the pores and lead to pimples.
- Use a specific makeup removing product, like a foaming cleanser or cream to remove the make-up, rather than your regular face wash. Use a special eye makeup remover to clean off mascara, eyeshadow and eyeliner.
9
Take care of any pimples. The thought of going barefaced while also having pimples can be a scary one. Because of this, getting rid of the pimples can help to give you the confidence to give up your makeup. The previous steps will all help to clear up pimples and other blemishes you may have. Try to use washes and moisturizers that are targeted at oily or acne-prone skin, and look for other products, like sunblocks, that will not block up your pores (this is referred to as being non comedogenic).
- Look for over-the-counter spot creams and gels which contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, both of which are extremely effective when it comes to getting rid of acne.
- If you are having troubles clearing up your skin, seek the help of a dermatologist. Your dermatologist may be able to recommend medical creams and cleansers, or antibiotics that may help to remove any remaining blemishes.
10
Wear sunscreen whenever you go outside. You should try to wear sunscreen every day, even if it's cold, cloudy or snowy, as the UVA/UVB rays can still damage your skin. Sun damage may cause your skin to age prematurely, and in extreme cases can lead to skin cancer and other skin conditions.
- Try to use SPF 30 or higher and, if possible, find a sunscreen which doubles up as a moisturizer. This will make sunscreen application easy to remember as it can become a part of your morning regimen.
11
Stop touching your face. This is a habit many people are guilty of, which can seriously affect the quality of the skin. Picking at spots, rubbing your forehead, or simply resting your chin on your hand are all things that can add oil and bacteria to your skin, causing it to break out and look greasy.
- Also keep in mind that rubbing at your face can loosen the skin, causing premature wrinkles.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Practicing Good Hygiene

1
Take showers regularly. Keeping your body clean is a necessary part of being attractive. Walking around with dirt on your arms and greasy hair may project an image other than the hotness you are going for. In general, try to take a shower once a day, and wash yourself with a body soap that is specifically tailored for your skin type.
- If you have dry or sensitive skin, use warm water rather than hot water, as hot water can irritate your skin and cause it to become even more dry.
2
Wash your hair every other day. While it is important to wash your body regularly, you should try to limit yourself to washing your hair every other day at the most. While it is important to wash your hair frequently to prevent your hair and skin from becoming greasy, unless you have extremely oily hair, it is probably unnecessary to wash your hair every day. When you wash your hair everyday, your hair can become dried out and will feel brittle to the touch.
- Use a shampoo and conditioner that are suited to your type of hair. In general, try to use a grape-sized dollop of conditioner when you wash your hair.
- Some people find that rinsing their hair with cool water can help to make their hair shinier and softer.
3
Pluck or wax your eyebrows. Keep your eyebrows looking tidy by removing any stray hairs. Having perfectly shaped brows can do wonders for your face by framing your eyes, therefore making them the center of attention, even without makeup. Well manicured eyebrows can be very striking and add definition to your features. Pluck from the bottom of the brow, close to its root, rather than trying to pull it out from the top of the hair.
- If you're nervous about plucking and aren't sure which eyebrow shape would best suit your face, go to a beautician to have them plucked or waxed for the first time. Ask your beautician about maintaining your eyebrow shape at home and invest in a good pair of tweezers.
4
Combat body odors. While taking showers regularly will definitely help you to smell good, it is still important to try to vanquish body odors such as those that might develop under your armpits. Invest in a quality deodorant and consider purchasing some perfume that you can carry around with you to help your smell stay fresh and lovely.
5
Pay attention to dental hygiene. A white, healthy smile can work wonders for your overall appearance, so make sure you give your teeth the care and attention they deserve. Brush your teeth least twice a day, for a minimum of two minutes, using gentle circular motions. Focus on each tooth individually and don't neglect the hard to reach teeth at the back.
- Try to floss daily once you have brushed your teeth. Flossing removes built-up bacteria, food particles and plaque from between the teeth, thus preventing cavities from forming.
- You should also try to brush your tongue every time you brush your tooth. Once you have brushed and flossed, rinse your mouth out with mouthwash to remove any lingering bacteria and to help your breath smell great.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Making Your Features Pop without Makeup

1
Curl your eyelashes. Long, curling eyelashes can make you feel very feminine, but you don't need pounds of mascara to achieve this look. Instead, try using an eyelash curler to pump up the volume of your eyelashes. To use an eyelash curler:
- Clamp the curler around your eyelashes and hold the contraption in place for 10 to 20 seconds.
- Alternatively, you can make your eyelashes appear thicker by applying a coat of Vaseline to your lashes, and then using an eyelash brush to comb them.
- You can also try using the back of a spoon to curl your eyelashes if you don’t have a curler.
2
Keep your lips looking smooth and luscious. Smooth, full lips are much more attractive than dry, cracked ones, so make sure to look after yours using a combination of exfoliation and moisturization. Exfoliate your lips by gently rubbing a dampened toothbrush or washcloth against them, then hydrate them with your favorite lip balm.
- Protect lips from extreme weather conditions by wearing a lip balm with an SPF in the sun, or a protective chapstick in the winter.
- Alternatively, you can use Vaseline to keep your lips healthy and crack-free.
3
Use eyedrops to keep your eyes looking white and healthy. To brighten up your eyes and give an overall impression of health and alertness, use some redness-reducing eye drops. These are readily available at your local pharmacy and are a quick and easy way to improve your appearance. Simply add a drop or two to each eye every morning for brightness and clarity.
4
Add some color to your cheeks. Adding a hint of rosy color to your cheeks can give you a healthy, radiant look. However, you don’t need blush to attain this color; you can gently pinch or tap your cheeks to bring some color to them.
- Your cheeks will also naturally look for rosy if you spend time out in the sun and exercise frequently.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Keeping Your Overall Appearance in Mind

1
Dress well. Dressing in clothes that make you feel confident and flatter your figure will help you to achieve the naturally beautiful look you are going for. When you no longer have to spend time putting on makeup, you can use that time to come up with killer outfits that will make you look great and feel confident.
2
Style your hair. Picking out a hairstyle that will flatter your face can help you to feel confident about not wearing makeup. Certain hairstyles can even draw attention to certain parts of your face, making makeup even less necessary (for example, fringe bangs will help to draw attention to your eyes).
- Keep your face shape in mind when choosing a hairstyle. For more information on how to do this, click here.
- Don’t panic if you have a bad hair day; messy hair can be covered up with a fashionable scarf or a stylish hat. You can also use dry shampoo to make your hair look less greasy if you don’t have time to wash it before you head out of the house.
3
Decide between glasses and contacts. If you don’t have the best vision, chances are you will need to wear glasses or contacts. When you make the switch to a makeup-less lifestyle, spend some time trying on glasses or wearing contacts to see which look you like the best.
- If you decide on glasses, pick a pair that will frame your face and make your facial features (particularly your eyes) pop.
4
Paint your nails. If you don’t want to wear makeup, you can still add some colors to your style without colorful mascara or lipstick. Paint your fingernails and toenails in bright, funky colors that catch people’s attention.
- If you don’t want to paint your own nails, head to a salon for a manicure and pedicure.
5
Get a healthy tan. A healthy glow can transform your appearance, making your skin appear more radiant and your complexion smoother and more even-toned. Apply a low sunscreen and spend time outdoors; your skin will naturally begin to take on a healthy, tan appearance.
- Try to avoid using tanning beds and other means to get a fake tan; these have been known to cause cancer. Instead, use a bronzer to attain a natural glow.
- There are some facial moisturizers you can purchase that will help you to build up a natural-looking tan.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Projecting an Attractive Attitude

1
Smile. Smiling can help to brighten up your face and let your inner beauty shine through. Smiling also gives an impression of happiness and confidence, while also making your seem more approachable. Smiling often will help you to look your best, regardless of whether or not you are wearing makeup.
2
Project your happiness. If you are not happy, your unhappiness will certainly show, whether or not you are wearing makeup. Smiling is one part of projecting your happiness. Other ways to show your inner happiness are to spend time with people that make you laugh, do things that you love, and maintain a positive attitude.
- Being positive can be a very attractive feature. A pleasant attitude and positive outlook on life and bring good things to your life.
3
Be confident. True beauty shines from within, so try to stop believing that you need your mascara to feel confident and start believing in you. Stand up tall, with your shoulders back and your chin up. Make eye contact with people and smile frequently.
- Remember that makeup is simply a tool used to emphasize certain features—your natural beauty has been there all along.
4
Get plenty of sleep. Getting plenty of sleep can help to improve your overall appearance and make it easier for you to maintain a positive attitude. While everyone needs a different amount of sleep, in general, kids in middle and high school generally need 9 to 11 hours of sleep, while adults over the age of 18 generally need 7 to 8 hours of sleep.^{[2]
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- If you are unable to get a full night’s sleep for some reason, and wake up with bags under you’re eyes, don’t fret. Put two metal spoons in the freezer for ten minutes. Once the ten minutes are up, press one spoon under each of your eyes, over your under-eye bags. This will help to reduce the puffiness.
5
Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water each day can help to flush out toxins in your body, which in turn can help to keep your skin glowing and radiant. In general, the amount of water you need each day depends on how active you are.
- Girls that are 9 to 13 years old generally need 2.1 liters (0.6 US gal) of water, while boys of the same age need 2.3.
- Girls that are 14 to 18 years old generally need 2.3 liters (0.6 US gal) of water, while boys that are the same age need 3.3 liters (0.9 US gal).
6
Eat well. Looking and feeling healthy has a lot to do with what you put into your body. Skin, especially, can be affected by a poor diet. Try to cut out as many greasy, fatty, sugary foods as possible and load up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats instead.
- Take a vitamin supplement if you feel you are not getting all of your daily requirements from your diet alone. Vitamins A, C and E are all particularly beneficial for the skin.
7
Reduce the amount of stress in your life. When you are dealing with stress on a daily basis, you are more likely to form blemishes on your skin. Try to reduce the amount of stress you deal with each day. Some ways to reduce the stress you feel include:

Community Q&A

Question

What can I do to reduce the dark bags under my eyes?

Community Answer

Try putting two metal spoons in the freezer for ten minutes, then press one spoon under each of your eyes to help reduce the puffiness.
Question

I'm a kid and I have a crush on a boy. I don't want to look like a little kid, but still want to be a kid. What do I do?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

Just be yourself! If he only likes you for your outward appearance, then he doesn't truly like you. Dress how you want!
Question

I am tween and I want to look hot and not get pimples, what should I do?

Community Answer

If your parents got few pimples as a tween, you likely won't either, but acne is completely normal. Find a skin care routine that works for you. However, the hottest thing you could do is to have is confidence.