The Power Of NO Makeup
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Power Of NO Makeup

Why I'm not going to wear it.

249
The Power Of NO Makeup
Cosmopolitan

Girls, stop clutching your contour kits and eyebrow gel because I'm not about to tell you that you can't have them anymore. I promise.

Makeup is fabulous. I watch my face transform into something new every time I do it, I love trying makeup tutorials, and Sephora is my first stop whenever I go to the mall. I totally get it. My problem was (is) that I didn't feel all that confident when I wasn't wearing makeup. When I took the time to put on makeup in high school and college, I strutted around campus like I owned the place. When I didn't take the time, I hid underneath sweatshirts and baggy jeans...head down, walking quickly to get where I needed to go.

Fast forward to 2014. My first post-graduate school job was a 10-month appointment for each calendar year, so I had six weeks off each summer. I had decided to spend those six weeks working for a summer camp. If you've ever been a camp counselor you know that makeup is pointless. It was too hot, I was running around too much, and waking up for flagpole in the morning was hard enough without throwing in a beauty routine on top of it. Besides, I was there to enjoy time with my friends and the kids. What strikes me most about camp was that there was never any illusion about what we all looked like at our worst. All of us walked around un-showered, sweaty, stinky, muddy, and messy-haired at least three days out of the week. Some of my camp friendships are the most meaningful ones I've ever had because we accepted one another for who we are, not for what we look like. It dawned on me during those six weeks that makeup had been a barrier to not let people get to know me. It's easy to keep things surface-level when you're trying to portray yourself a certain way. Without that barrier, I was able to form friendships much faster.

When I left camp, I brought back with me the desire to go on without makeup for as long as I could. Except for truly special occasions, I stuck to my word. You have no idea how freeing it is to shower, dry your hair, and walk out the door in the morning. I was confident enough to post #nomakeup pictures on my social media, go to brunch or dinner au naturale, and meet new people without worrying what they thought about my face. It's a game changer, y'all! I learned to love myself for who I was, because I knew it was possible for other people to like me for more than what I look like on the outside.

Nowadays, I've started to wear makeup a little more often and sometimes I hear that self-conscious voice in my head telling me not to look frightening when I go out in public. When I go on dates, I do my entire makeup routine and wonder if I'll ever be confident enough to meet someone without poking and prodding at my face first. I've lost that summer 2014 feeling. So, I think it's time to bring back the #nomakeup look once again, and I want to encourage anyone who is feeling brave to try it with me. You can wear makeup for special occasions, but resist the urge to put anything on your face during a normal day. Sure, it feels foreign and weird at first but you'll be surprised how quickly you'll get used to loving your face as is. Personally, I don't think any of us have ever needed to wear makeup to look beautiful. The less pressure we put on ourselves to conform to societal standards, the more confident we become.

The more confident we are, the more beautiful we are.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71085
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132692
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments