Makeup.

It's everywhere. You can buy it at grocery stores, you can buy it at your local pharmacy, you can buy it at the makeup counter at Macy's, and of course, you can find it at those crazy super stores that sell just that. You open up a magazine cover and not only will you find an ad for some sort of makeup, but you'll find tips on how to apply it, the best deals on where to get it, and maybe a coupon or two.

But something you'll never find in my grocery cart is makeup. I don't want to spend my money on it and to be completely honest I don't completely see the point. I mean don't get me wrong, there's makeup in my bathroom, but it mostly consists of mascara that I've used a couple times this year and perhaps a makeup stick to cover that stubborn pimple that pops up from time to time. I'm not shaming those who put it on every day as part of their routine, I'm just trying to explain why I've chosen not to make it part of mine.

My face is filled with freckles that I have truly learned to love. I don't want to cover them up with foundation. I enjoy my routine of getting out of the shower, combing my hair, and letting it air dry. A makeup routine just isn't in my schedule. I have watched makeup tutorials and honestly, it all sounds like a foreign language to me. But that's OK. Not everything has to be so easily understood. But then again, it's not something I want to take the time to understand.

I like to think that I'm embracing my natural beauty and going out in public as myself, actually being comfortable and truthful in the phrase 'I woke up like this.' Trust me, it took time to feel confident and comfortable looking in the mirror, but it wasn't something that consumed me. Embrace who you are naturally, and I truly believe everything else will fall into place. While makeup can most definitely give me an added boost of confidence from time to time, my biggest confidence gain has been feeling great in my natural skin.

So, I challenge you. If makeup is part of your daily routine, try a day without it. You might just realize that the natural you is truly the most beautiful.