Let’s face the facts—if you were given the opportunity to have glowing skin, you would never say no. And while you can achieve this look with a bevy of beauty products, believe it or not, there are ways to get glowing, picture-perfect skin without turning to your makeup bag.
These days, companies offer a variety of cleansers, moisturizers and lotions that give you gorgeous skin without using even a touch of makeup. Many products contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, green tea and exfoliant which all play a part in brightening skin. And whether you’re selecting a cleanser, toner or moisturizer, it is important that it has one of those ingredients if you want to see results. Here are nine options to guide you on your quest for glowing skin.
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer ($15.99, Target)
If you struggle with dry skin, Neutrogena has the perfect product for you. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid, an active ingredient that absorbs water, which makes your skin look (and feel) dewy and bright.
“It is so light and keeps my face from feeling dry without a heavy layer of face lotion,” says Becca Brennan, a senior at the University of South Carolina.
This long-lasting product is also oil-free and can be used as a base if you choose to layer makeup on top.
2. GlamGlow Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer ($49, GlamGlow)
This product is on the expensive side, but it’s worth every penny! Available in three shades, the Glowstarter moisturizer has ingredients like hyaluronic acid and green tea to hydrate skin and reduce redness, but also contains “illuminating pearl particles” that reflect light, further enhancing your natural glow. You’ve got to love a product that can do all of that!
3. Oh K! Avocado Sheet Mask ($3.99, Walgreens)
Everyone loves a good sheet mask––especially one that’s a bargain. Caroline Currie, a senior at the University of Cincinnati, loves the Oh K! Avocado Sheet Mask from Walgreens.
“It makes my skin so glowy and soft,” says Caroline. “You just leave it on for 10 to 30 minutes and rub the extra goo into your skin after you take it off.”
Everyone knows that avocados are a healthy addition to your diet, but they can also help to brighten your skin. Avocados contain vitamin E, which helps make skin soft and protects against free radicals that can cause the skin to age. Avocados also help reduce inflammation, naturally brightening your skin.
Related: 7 Holy Grail Skincare Products Every Woman Should Try
4. Glow Tonic by Pixi ($15, Target)
If you aren’t looking for a cleanser or mask, but still want bright skin, try Glow Tonic by Pixi. This toner contains glycolic acid to cleanse skin and aloe vera to hydrate. This product also promotes cell renewal, which is the first step towards brighter skin.
Micki Wagner, a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, loves the effect it has on her skin.
“I was skeptical about it at first but it really does give your skin a healthy glow,” she says. “When I put on foundation, it already looks like I’m wearing highlighter even though I haven’t applied any.”
Glow Tonic is easy to use and can be applied twice a day after washing your face.
5. St. Ives Apricot Scrub ($3.59, Target)
If you prefer a wash-and-go product, a scrub may be what you’re looking for. Náosha Gregg, a junior at Brooklyn College, recommends the classic St. Ives Apricot Scrub.
“It exfoliates and leaves my skin clear and soft, and doesn’t cause breakouts, which is great because I have sensitive skin,” says Náosha.
This scrub, which should be used 1-3 times a week, contains natural exfoliants like walnut shell and apricot. Additionally, the scrub is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores and cause breakouts. Less acne and brighter skin? Sign me up!
6. Mario Badescu Rose Water Spray ($7, Ulta)
This mist is a great way to refresh your skin after a long day. The gentle product, which contains rose water to calm skin and reduce redness, is perfect for individuals with sensitive skin. The spray can be mixed with the skincare products you currently use or can be used on its own to provide a pick me up for tired skin.
7. Glossier Green Galaxy Mask ($22, Glossier)
Another mask choice is Glossier’s Green Galaxy Mask. To use the mask, simply cleanse your skin, then apply the mask 3-4 times a week. This product uses kaolin clay to detoxify your skin and remove excess oil. An added bonus, this product contains vitamins that are good for your skin as well. Glossi-YAY!
8. St. Ives Even and Bright Pink Lemon and Mandarin Orange Scrub ($3.59, Walmart)
Every individual has unique skincare needs, so it is important that products can reach a wide audience. Audrey Lent, a fifth year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, is a fan of St. Ives Even and Bright Pink Lemon and Mandarin Orange Scrub.
“I have rosacea, so it is not easy to find products that help me balance out my skin so well, but this definitely does the trick,” says Audrey.
The yummy combination of pink lemon and mandarin orange smooths rough, dull skin away while vitamin C amplifies brightness.
For an added benefit, Audrey recommends applying the product starting in the chin area and working up towards the forehead. This helps the product absorb deeper into the skin.
Related: How To Take Care of Your Combination Skin
9. Freeman Beauty Cucumber + Pink Salt Clay Mask ($14.32 for 6 masks, Amazon)
This mask clarifies pores and is perfect for all skin types! It is easy to apply and can quickly be rinsed off in the shower. The Cucumber + Pink Salt Clay Mask contains pumice to buff away dead skin, and cucumber to even skin tone and calm skin. The beautiful pale green color and refreshing scents make it fun as well.
With so many great (and affordable) products on the market, you will be ready to leave your foundation behind in no time!