I’ve learned a lot since coming to Europe. I’ve learned new Spanish vocabulary words and phrases and the cultural differences between Spain and the U.S. I’ve been immersing myself in the Spanish culture so that I don't blatantly stand out as an American. This means adapting to their meal and sleep schedules, dressing nicer when in public and only speaking Spanish to the local people.

I have also adapted to not wearing a lot (or any) makeup. I have noticed that Spanish women, in general, wear less makeup than American women. They simply embrace their natural beauty. They rarely completely cover their faces with foundation and powder, and heavy eye makeup is uncommon as well. Through my observations, the basic everyday makeup look in Spain, for a majority of women, is just a small amount of mascara.

I decided to try this new look. I stopped wearing eyeliner, eye shadow and large amounts of foundation. After just a couple of weeks, I have noticed that my skin feels cleaner, clearer and healthier. I feel more natural, and I feel more confident. I no longer feel like I have to wear mass amounts of makeup everyday to feel secure. I do not need to cover up all of the freckles and pimples on my face. I simply am learning to accept and embrace my flaws.

I go to school in the south, so I see women masked in makeup everyday. Therefore, when I started living there, I started wearing it everyday as well (except for my 8 a.m. classes, of course). Women want to look their best everyday, and for some that means striving for a flawless face. I too have attempted to hide every single pimple, every freckle and every beauty mark with creams and foundation. I am guilty of applying way to much mascara or eyeliner or worrying about reapplying my lipstick multiple times in one night. Sometimes, it took more than 10 minutes to take it all off at the end of the day.

I am not trying to criticize or disrespect those who do wear makeup. Some people, including myself, still enjoy wearing makeup. I will still enjoy wearing lipstick for fun or special occasions. I will still try new shades of eye shadow or different eyeliners. However, I do not believe that wearing makeup is absolutely necessary anymore. Girls should never feel like makeup is a mask that hides their flaws; it should be used to embrace your natural features.

The Spanish culture has taught me a lot, but I never thought it would teach me how to feel more comfortable with myself. Do not be afraid to embrace your flaws and imperfections, y’all are beautiful. :)