A couple of weeks ago, I decided that I needed to do a makeup fast. As many know, I love makeup. I love wearing makeup, and I especially love the process of applying my own makeup. With this, I was wearing full makeup every single day. I would wear makeup even on days when I had no plans on leaving the house. I realized that I needed to take a break from the makeup. Through this process, I learned a few lessons.

1. I Had More Time

When I was getting ready in the mornings, putting on all of my makeup definitely added a significant amount of time. Once I stopped wearing it, I did not take long at all to get ready in the mornings. Like I had previously said, makeup was a personal enjoyment of mine. I never regretted taking time to do my makeup in the mornings, but skipping that was also enjoyable. During the fast, I was able to sleep a little bit longer since I had less to do in the mornings.

2. I Became More Outgoing

This may seem weird, but I am already a pretty social person. Refraining from wearing makeup somehow made me more comfortable around people. I grew to be more outgoing and social. A temporary fast on makeup was what I needed to grow as a person.

3. I Appreciated Makeup More

Going without makeup made me realize that it adds so much to my look. I did not realize it until after I went without makeup. I always said that makeup is an art, and going without makeup confirmed this.

4. I Also Appreciated No Makeup

I learned to appreciate having no obligation to apply makeup. I learned to appreciate myself in the midst of no makeup. I had to learn how to look at a face in the mirror that is not painted in makeup.

5. I Gained Confidence

I always said that I had confidence. The truth is that it is something that I have struggled with. While not wearing makeup, it forced me to be confident in my natural skin. This semester, I have been gradually learning how to become confident in several aspects. I learned that I can be confident no matter how much or how little makeup I am wearing.

6. I Realized My Support System

I seriously had the greatest support system throughout this entire fast. When I first announced that I am going without makeup, I had so much support and encouragement from others. I received nothing but love through this fast. In addition, I received constant reassurance that I am beautiful no matter if I am wearing full makeup or none at all.