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Back in my 20s, I wouldn’t dream of stepping out without a full face of makeup. For the longest time, foundation was my safety net—it made me feel polished, confident, and yes, even prettier. It gave me a boost I didn’t think I could live without. I truly believed my best face was the one behind makeup.

So if you had told that younger version of me that one day I’d willingly stop wearing foundation, I would’ve laughed, hard, then reached for another layer to “perfect” my skin.

But as I entered my 30s, something shifted. Slowly, I started reaching for makeup less often. My relationship with my skin began to change. And by my mid-30s, I had stopped wearing foundation completely.

And you know what’s wild?
Without all that coverage, I started to feel more beautiful, not less.
And my skin? It’s been thriving ever since.

Why I Ditched Foundation in the First Place

It started in my mid-30s. I began noticing the little things—foundation clinging to fine lines I didn’t even know I had, makeup settling into the creases around my eyes, and that dreaded cakey look creeping in halfway through the day. No matter how lightweight or “hydrating” the formula claimed to be, my skin just felt… tired.

I wasn’t rebelling against makeup—I still loved it. But something had changed. My skin wasn’t asking for more coverage. It was begging for care. That’s when it hit me: I was spending so much energy trying to hide imperfections that I was completely ignoring what my skin actually needed—nourishment, rest, and a whole lot more kindness.

Maybe I didn’t need to cover my skin.
Maybe I just needed to care for it.

What I Use Instead of Foundation

Once I made the decision to stop wearing foundation, I wasn’t ready to go completely barefaced—not every day, at least. I still wanted to look put-together, just without the heaviness. So I started exploring lightweight alternatives that could give me a polished look while letting my skin breathe.

The secret? Less is more, and skincare always comes first.

Here’s my current routine that keeps my skin glowing, fresh, and still feeling like me:

✅ Tone-Up Sunscreen

If I could only choose one product, this would be it.

Tone-up sunscreens are a game-changer, especially if you’re like me wanting a hint of coverage without the weight of foundation. I personally love Korean formulas because they’re lightweight, gentle, and designed for Asian skin tones and textures.

My go-to is the Dr.G Brightening Up Sun+. It gives my skin a soft, healthy glow with just enough tint to even out my complexion. No white cast, no greasiness—just a natural bright finish that makes me look awake and refreshed. Plus, it’s SPF 50+ and packed with antioxidants, so I know I’m protecting my skin while giving it love.

This product alone makes my skin look alive, even on tired mornings. It’s like skincare and makeup had a baby, and I’m obsessed.

✅ Concealer 

Since ditching foundation, I’ve learned to be strategic with concealer. I use it only where I need it—under-eye bags and on the occasional breakout or redness.

Right now, I’m loving the Revlon ColorStay Skin Awaken 5-in-1 Concealer. It’s creamy, hydrating, and blends beautifully with just my fingers. The formula is infused with caffeine and vitamin C, which gives a slight de-puffing effect perfect for tired eyes. It gives great coverage without looking dry or cakey. Just a few taps, and I instantly look fresher.

✅ Blusher 

Blush is my instant pick-me-up. When I’m skipping foundation, adding a bit of color to my cheeks makes a huge difference. It brings warmth, energy, and that healthy flush we all crave.

I’ve been using the Maybelline Fit Me Blush, and I adore how natural it looks. It’s blendable, buildable, and stays on for hours, even in our humid weather. A little swipe on the apples of my cheeks, and boom—I look more awake and vibrant in seconds.

✅ Brows: Pencil + Gel Combo

Since my brows are naturally quite sparse, doing them is non-negotiable. A good brow really frames the face and makes everything look more “put together” —even when I’m not wearing much else.

My current favourite duo is the Maybelline Define & Blend Brow Pencil in Natural Brown and the Rimmel Wonder’Full Brow Gel.

The pencil has a super fine tip, making it easy to mimic hair-like strokes. It looks natural and never too harsh. The spoolie on the other end helps blend everything in seamlessly.

Then I lock everything in with the Rimmel brow gel—it has fibers to add volume, and it keeps my brows in place all day without making them crunchy. It’s such a satisfying combo!

✅ Eyeliner

Eyeliner has been a staple for me since my modeling days—it completely transforms and defines my face. My all-time favorite is IN2IT Linestay Flexi Tip Eyeliner in black, and honestly, it’s one of the most reliable liners I’ve ever used. It’s easy to apply (even on rushed mornings), has great pigmentation, and stays put all day—no smudging, no fuss. It gives my eyes that little extra definition without overpowering the rest of my look.

✨ And that’s it ✨

No foundation. No heavy layers. Just skin that breathes, glows, and actually feels like me.

Honestly, I don’t feel like I’m “trying so hard” anymore. When my skin is healthy, everything else falls into place—and I’ve grown to feel confident with less.

The only thing I still struggle with? My under-eye bags. It’s a work in progress (fixing my sleep schedule is on my to-do list), but I’m learning to focus more on care than concealment.

Because real beauty isn’t about hiding—it’s about honoring where you are, aging gracefully, and letting your natural skin finally have its moment.

My Skin, Years Later…

It’s been years since I stopped wearing foundation, and the difference is obvious. Not just to me, but to friends who’ve asked what I’ve been doing differently.

Here’s what I noticed:

✅ Way Fewer Breakouts

Turns out, letting your skin breathe actually works. I used to get the occasional breakout, especially on my forehead and T-zone, after long days wearing makeup. Now? Breakouts are rare. My skin feels lighter, calmer, and so much more balanced.

✅ A Real, Natural Glow

When I stopped layering products every day, my skin started restoring its own radiance. There’s this fresh, dewy glow that no highlighter or foundation ever gave me. It’s my real skin—and it finally shines through.

✅ More Time for Skincare

Instead of rushing to apply makeup every morning, I now invest that time into taking care of my skin. Hydrating, massaging, treating—and it’s made all the difference. I’m no longer chasing that “flawless foundation” look; I’m now focused on how healthy my skin feels. The pressure to be “perfect” every day melted away, and I started feeling confident in my own skin—literally.

Final Thoughts: Letting Go of Foundation Was Freeing

I’m not here to tell you to toss out all your makeup—if foundation makes you feel confident, wear it with pride. But if you’ve ever caught yourself wondering what might happen if you gave your skin a little breathing room… maybe this is your sign to try.

These days, instead of covering my skin, I choose to care for it. And that simple shift has made me feel more beautiful, more confident, and more at peace in my own skin than ever before.

Because real beauty isn’t built on layers—it’s built on how we treat ourselves every day.