Originally published in Ladybud Magazine

In my teenage years, I caked liquid foundation all over my face. The irony of that was I had perfect skin, there was nothing to cover up. All those clogged pores converted to zits and then I was trapped, I needed the foundation to cover the acne.

I converted to expensive face washes and mineral makeup, which was a slight improvement. In the last six months I have slowly converted my makeup routine to completely remove foundation- liquid or powder.

Never has my skin looked so good without cover up, it always feels clean, natural. I still get the occasional breakout but drinking a lot of water an diluted tea tree oil usually clears it up pretty quick.

Here is how I did it:

Drink lots of water. 

Brita Slim Water Filter, $10
Click to buy!

Yes, you consume a lot of water through the food you eat and the beverages you drink, but incorporating 30-60 ounces of water a day has tons of benefits– especially on your face.

There are a million reasons to drink lots of water every day, the main one being that dehydration causes sluggishness, moodiness and unhealthy skin.

Keeping water on hand (in a reusable bottle!) is imperative to clear, healthy skin.

Dr. Bronner’s 18 in 1 Pure Hemp Castile Soap

Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap, Peppermint
16oz, $10
Click to buy!

We rave about Dr. Bronner’s a lot on Ladybud, but that is because there is so much to love! Everyone I know gets a real kick out of washing with the peppermint soap (it’s invigorating for sure!) but I finally decided to knock out “face wash” and try it on my face.

Not only does it clean out all that dirt you can feel on your face before you can wash, it leaves it with a fresh peppermint tingle that feels really amazing. Smoke some before you get in the shower, you will love the feeling.

I have also seen the acne patterns completely stop since I started using it. It’s also great for cleaning dishes, clothes and just about anything else you want to use it for.

Try the tea tree too!

Thayer’s Witch Hazel Astringent Pads

Thayer’s Witch Hazel Astringent Pads, $10
Click to buy!

Most expensive skin/acne systems include some sort of toner. There are a lot of debates on whether or not you actually need toner on your face. The purpose would be to remove residual dirt and makeup traces.

Witch Hazel has long been known to improve and soother irritated or sensitive skin. Swabbing one of these astringent pads on your face out of the shower is an amazing sensation, like each of the pores on your face opens to remove the junk they have have been holding.

The pads make it so easy and convenient, the aloe is great too if you get a lot of sun.

Tea Tree Oil

NOW Tee Trea Oil, $11.25
Click to buy!

A lot of my friends have converted to tea tree for acne, mostly because it works. It’s also an added bonus that it’s natural. I like to moisten a cotton ball, add a couple drops of tea tree and swab the area where a break out is forming or exists.

Within hours the pimples dry up and begin to disappear. The feeling on the skin can be irritating for some so be careful not to use too much.

The smell is intoxicating and natural, a great way to wake up in the morning.

Sometimes I splash a little mineral powder on my cheeks or nose to reduce shine, but other than that, I am proudly foundation free!