We all know that "makeup-free" so often doesn't actually mean no makeup. It means minimal makeup (or sometimes not even that), despite what some men might be duped into believing. But there are times when you really do want to go without makeup, without having people tell you that you look tired. Maybe it's to give your skin a break, because you want to save time, or to boost your confidence. The problem is, how can you actually get it right? You want to look fresh-faced and dewey, not haggard and hungover. So what should you be doing to get the no-makeup look right?

Take Care of Your Skin

It should go without saying that if you want to look good without makeup, you should look after your skin. When it's healthy, it's more likely to have a natural glow than to look dull or uneven. And there's lots you can do to care for your skin, so having a good routine will help you. As well as cleansing and moisturizing, you should be exfoliating your skin if you want to maintain a healthy glow. It's not just how you treat your skin from the outside, either. Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet if you want youthful skin.

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Groom Your Brows

When you're not wearing any makeup, you have to find ways to make the most of what you do have. Your brows are one of the most prominent features on your face, whether they're full and dark or barely there. If you want to emphasize them more, you might consider a brow wax and tint. It's not cheating to use semi-permanent makeup, especially if it's just making up for what you're lacking. Getting your brows waxed or threaded can give you a better shape than trying to pluck them at home. Or, if you're bolder, leave them alone completely.

Moisturize Your Lips

Your lips are one of the other main features on your face that people will likely notice. If they're dry, it's going to be pretty obvious. So keeping them moisturized is a must for a successful no-makeup look. There are lots of options for chapsticks and lip balms that will give your lips the moisture they crave and help them look a little plumper. Some lip balms have a slight tint of color to them, which can help to give your lips a bit of a blush without technically being makeup.

Style Your Hair

You might not be wearing makeup, but it doesn't mean your hair has to be a mess. In fact, people might be noticing your hair more and you want to show that you're forgoing makeup out of conscious choice and not because you're being lazy. Take some time to style your hair and make it look neat, even if it's just a simple ponytail or you leave it down. It will show you can still be put together without having to wear makeup.

When you have days where you feel like ditching makeup, follow these tips for the best results.