IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Put your best fresh face forward

In honor of Kathie Lee and Hoda’s pledge to go makeup free, TODAY style editor Bobbie Thomas shares some fresh-faced tips. Find out how to easily enhance your natural glow.
/ Source: TODAY contributor

In honor of Kathie Lee and Hoda’s pledge to go makeup free for an entire TODAY hour, I thought it was only fitting to share some fresh-faced tips. Find out how to easily enhance your natural glow.

Bobbie's beauty secret
Moisturizing is a must, but exfoliating is also important for women of all ages.  The products we use — and even the water in the shower — can leave build up, and by exfoliating, you remove dead skin cells, turn cells over, and help to even out your skin tone. Exfoliating also helps to prevent breakouts in the young, and can improve texture and diminish fine lines in older skin. I actually use exfoliating gloves in the shower every day. And for tough to reach spots on your backside Spa Sister’s Twin Skin Polishing Towels are great ($5; Amazon.com). For my face, I’m a big fan of Kate Somerville’s ExfoliKate, which also comes in a gentle formula ($65; katesomerville.com). Or, for a DIY option, you can even add raw unrefined sugar from the supermarket to your own cleanser once a week, in order to scrub away any impurities.

Model must-haves
Ironically makeup is a no-no for models, so why not share some of their beauty bag secrets? These girls simply rely on a few coveted items to help them look their best when trying to book modeling jobs. Embryolisse cleansers and no-rinse makeup remover ($20-35; Embryolisseusa.com ) are an industry favorite for a flawless fresh-face, and many dermatologists suggest Dial’s antibacterial Gold Bar Soap to help heal breakouts (8 pack/$3.50; Walmart.com).  And Paw Paw’s lip ointment helps ensure their puckers look perky — even without lipstick ($12; lconeco.com).  Finally, Japonesque’s eyelash curler are a backstage beauty secret, helping to opens up your eyes and make you look more alert. My personal favorite is their Go Curl pocket curler — it’s so small, you can take it anywhere, even the beach. ($11-16.50; Japonesque.com).
Color control
If you have a blemish but want to go makeup free, don’t just conceal — heal.  Look for double duty formulas that offer acne control and cover-up in one such as Physicians Formula Blemish Rx Healing Concealer ($8.99; Walgreens.com) or Murad’s Acne Treatment Concealer ($21; Drugstore.com). And sometimes a little self-tanner is just the confidence boost you need to leave your skin bare. Look for less concentrated formulas that work gradually for streak-free realistic results. I like Jergens Natural Glow Face Moisturizer because the gradual self-tanner gives you a hint of color that’s subtle and soft ($8.99; Cvs.com).

Frame Your Face
While bed head hair can be sexy when you’re all dressed up, it can literally look like you just rolled out of bed when you combine it with a makeup-free face. But a polished ponytail or chic headband can add sophistication to a clean complexion. And maybe most important of all my advice… consider keeping color near your face instead of on your face.  A scarf, statement necklace, or pair of earrings in your most flattering hue will help you "pop"!