I’ve worn makeup since I was 13 years old. I still remember the pink eyeshadow pallet my mother gave me for my 13th birthday. When I was in 9th grade, I wore so much eyeliner that I looked like a raccoon. As a freshman in college, I learned how to create that perfect cat eye to make me look mysterious to all the college boys. Now, I don’t wear a lick of makeup.
I don’t remember making a conscious decision to stop, but one day I realized I hadn’t worn makeup for a few weeks and decided to just roll with it. I’ve been sans makeup for about six months now and it feels amazing!
Five things happened when I stopped wearing makeup, and because of these things I will probably keep rolling with my naked face.
1. I have more time.
Since I don’t spend time “putting on my face” in the morning or removing makeup at night, I have more time on my hands. I never had a long makeup routine in the first place, so I estimate this saves me about 10 to 15 minutes every day. With that saved time, I try to do more of what I love like reading, writing or working on my business (and yes, sometimes I waste it by scrolling Facebook).
2. I have more money.
I didn’t realize how much money I was spending on makeup and makeup remover until I stopped using it. I estimate I save about $10 a month, if not more. That’s at least two Starbucks drinks. I also have a really great excuse for not buying any of the newest must-have miracle cosmetics.
3. I got more comfortable with myself.
I didn’t realize how uncomfortable I was with my naked face until it was staring back at me every time I looked in the mirror. Instead of rushing to cover it up, I got the opportunity to spend some time picking out what I love about my face and embracing it. I’m also learning to embrace the flaws like scarring and sun spots … it all tells a story.
4. I stopped caring about what others thought.
I used to think it was really silly that my husband was accepted in the raw but I had to use beauty products to transform myself before going out into the world. When facing this fact, I decided that I didn’t have to use make-up. The one who created that expectation was me. Most people don’t give any flips whether I wear makeup or not. When people do care, I’ve learned to just brush it off.
When I die, I don’t want people to say I was “pretty.” I want them to say I was smart, brave and kind, so that’s what I’ve decided to spend my time and energy on.
5. I got in tune with what my skin was telling me.
Some of the things I didn’t like about my skin, such as bags, dryness, oiliness or pimples were actually trying to tell me something. When I have to look at these imperfections in the mirror, it gets me thinking about what’s really causing them. I’ve gotten much better at taking the hint and trying to rest when I have bags under my eyes. I’ve learned what foods trigger oiliness and pimples and try to avoid them. I also recognize that sometimes my skin just does crazy things because of hormones or environmental factors.
Living life sans-makeup isn’t for everyone, but I’ve fallen head over heels with this new life of mine. I feel free to be myself when not wearing cosmetics. I get to spend my time and money on things I value instead of spending it on pleasing others. I know some women feel more confident and in touch with themselves when they wear makeup and I admire that.
Each one of us is beautiful in whatever way we decide to present ourselves. Makeup just wasn’t for me.
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