Seriously, if I said you are beautiful without make up, would you believe me? It’s okay to not agree. I personally struggle with this, but I am here to tell you that no matter how badly you disagree, it’s true.

Girls in today’s society are so critical of themselves because of the way stereotypes work. They fear that everyone will judge them, or see what they really look like before the “mask” is put on. They feel that just because they are female, they are required to put at least some kind of foundation or mascara. It’s funny how society makes us think we can’t be beautiful without it.

Yes, I firmly believe how make up is done today (with the whole concealer and contouring process, whatever that is) can make you look incredible, but does it really? We can see ourselves as a new person with it, but the amount of effort, time, and money that is put into this process is more of a choice, but not a requirement. We are giving ourselves an excuse to hide our true beauty. I can also assure you that no boy will know the difference between “Mac” and “Sephora” lipsticks. If he really likes you, (as he should), he’ll want to spend time with the real you, the one that is not all dolled up and hiding her imperfections. May I point out that Nathan Kress, a former iCarly star, had described the time when he realized how beautiful his wife is. He described her as wearing sweatpants, not a drop of makeup, a messy bun, and eating a bag of Cheetos. He started crying and said in his wedding video “Wow, she’s beautiful”. (If that isn’t relationship goals, then I don’t know what is).

Are you up for a challenge?

A good friend of mine had challenged me to go two weeks without makeup before our school fashion show. I accepted this challenge, and let me just say, it worked. It was so convenient to wake up everyday and not worry about spending too much time in the mirror. It was relaxing to rub my tired eyes and not deal with black all over my face from eyeliner. The best part was how I gave my pores a chance to breathe, seeing as they weren’t drowning in products. This challenge made me feel beautiful, and for once I didn’t have to dress my face up to do so!

This article is not meant for you to give up makeup forever. It simply stands as a reminder to help you realize how beautiful you are. Yes, we all have acne we don’t want, or freckles that we didn’t ask for, but these characteristics are what make you, you. A worship leader named Jackie Francois had posted a photo with an amazing message. Part of it said: “I’ve learned to accept these flaws, knowing that God created me as His lovely daughter with all my imperfections. Wearing make up enhances our beautiful God-given features (and it’s fun to try cool colors) but it can become an idol if we think we are ugly without it”. With that said, I challenge you to take a break from the mask. Take a break from the lie you tell yourself everyday, “I can’t be seen without make up”. Embrace the beautiful being God created you to be.