A couple years ago, I started noticing that lots of the women I know and work with were ditching makeup and going au naturale. And at the time my only thought was:
But in Dubai I had a lot more time for introspection. I knew I wasn't confident enough to feel completely at ease without makeup, and I didn't like that about myself. But for various reasons, Dubai is not the kindest place to suddenly stop wearing makeup in public. So while I continued my inner dialogue about my self esteem, I was still going through my morning makeup routine.
Fast forward nearly 2 years later, and I'm in a different place - mentally, emotionally, and globally. I've done a lot of work to be a more "whole" person, and to feel content and happy with all the other parts of myself. And long story short, our recent France trip was just the push I needed. The trip uplifted me in such amazing ways - most importantly, reinforcing that I am enough, just as I am.
I know that's an incredibly simple statement, but it's a powerful one too. And these days, I'm really feeling it and am trying to live by it. So 2 Fridays ago, I stopped wearing makeup. I know that I don't need it, and I was willing to push myself to really get comfortable showing everyone what I am without it.
So I did it and it's been two whole weeks. And you guyyyyyyyyyys - it's amazing!
One interesting and awesome side effect is that my mornings have been soooo much better. Logistically, I get an extra 20 mins each morning and I am fully utilizing it for a little extra sleep, or to sit and peacefully drink my coffee before leaving for work. And throughout the day, I feel so liberated and confident about being totally bare-faced. But what I didn't expect was how much happier my mornings would feel - it's like a mini party every time I remember I don't have to put on makeup. It's a fantastic way to start to my day.
The end. (i.e. it's past my bedtime).
I wear less make up when I am at FB than I used to... but I cannot go without 1) eye brows, 2) concealer, and 3) a little powder. These only take me like mins to apply. Oh and the eye lash extensions... ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I'll go back eventually, slowly. But I feel like I'm learning a really good self-love lesson by going bare-faced. It's scary but really liberating and self-affirming, too. I'm really happy I'm doing it.
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