The original idea for a week without makeup stemmed from a series of conversations with my Husband, where he would make comments about the amount of makeup that I had on. I thought that these comments were odd because I've always worn makeup, we met while I was in cosmetology school, and as far as he knows I've always been into all things beauty. How am I wearing "a lot" of makeup, now? So, I thought back. I started watching YouTube beauty tutorials about 3 years ago, and shortly thereafter started my own channel. I started buying more makeup... and wearing more makeup. Maybe he was right.
The more that I thought about it, I was trying to copy these YouTubers who were contouring their noses, their cheekbones, and either earlobes. Just kidding, I've never contoured my earlobes. And, being in the beauty industry I felt this pressure to wear these looks all the time. Full Glam, all of the time. And, that's a lot. I realized that sometimes I enjoyed creating these uber-glam, dramatic looks, but sometimes I just felt burdened. Like I couldn't leave the house without something on my face. I felt that because I help people on a daily basis with their image, I had to be decked out all the time, but I wasn't enjoying the process. And, I kinda forgot what I looked like. So, I wanted to stop, take a break, and reset.
At the beginning of the week, I was nervous, because I figured that this week would just drive home the point to me that I HAD to have some makeup on to not look dead. The funny thing is that I never heard anyone say " Are you tired?", " How are you?", " Are things ok, you look a little down?" We've all heard them and we know that these are just code for "You look rough, girl!" That's the thing though, people noticed that I looked different, but not in a negative way. The most critical, if that, thing I heard was " What's different? I can't put my finger on it." I'll take it! Most people aren't walking around assessing the amount of makeup that you have on, we are doing that to ourselves. I, also, noticed how clear and radiant my skin got as the week went on. Without a primer, foundation, setting powder, blush, bronzer and a setting spray on my skin it could finally breathe. I did make sure to get plenty of rest and drink tons of water, which I think helped the cause, too.
What I learned from this week was that, shocker, we are our own worst critics. And, it's easy to follow what social media tells us we should be doing with our beauty routines. The thing is that makeup should be fun and enhance your already present beauty. If you want to go all out, full glam every Tuesday with your makeup, do it. But, do it because YOU want to. Not because you think you have to transform yourself to be beautiful. You are beautiful!
As I've shifted back into wearing makeup, I've mixed up my routine. I don't feel the need for a heavy, matte foundation, so I've been just spot concealing or wearing a small amount of a sheer foundation. I've cut back on tight lining with my eyeliner, and sometimes I just cut it out completely, because I've noticed that I have so much less irritation with my contacts. And, I've kept up my skincare routine. Our mother's were right, If we take care of our skin, we won't have to cover it up as much. Thanks, Mom!
So, Here's my challenge for you... Try a week without makeup. You may surprise yourself, and find an old friend.