Going makeup-free is not a new concept. Many of us will take a break from makeup on the weekends or after a particularly party-filled holiday season. Celebs do it too and it’s refreshing to see the real beauty underneath all the glamour. But what about no makeup as a norm rather than an exception? Now we know that’s a bit of a radical thought for some of you, but don’t dismiss it altogether. There are plenty of really convincing and valid reasons for even the most passionate fashionista to ditch her vanity case.
It’s One of the Best Things You’ll Ever do for your Skin
Reasons Not to Wear Makeup
Makeup does not make good skin. A balanced diet, plenty of water, exercise and sleep do. You makeup, in fact, is harming your skin more than helping it. There are literally hundreds of chemicals in every single cosmetic item you own. Putting that gunk on your face every day means voluntarily introducing toxins to your skin and your system. The chemicals can cause pimples, redness, white heads and more serious allergic reactions which we tend to try covering up with even more makeup. It’s a vicious cycle, and one that you’d be wise to break out of.
Save Your Time, Money and Energy
A crazy scramble in the morning is a common scenario for many of us working gals. Imagine if you could find another 10 or 20 minutes every morning? What a fantasy! Or is it? If you ditch your makeup routine, you’d suddenly have more time in the morning for things that matter like sleeping longer, talking to your family, eating a proper breakfast for once instead of just glugging down a cup of coffee and a sad piece of toast.
Not to mention that not having to stress out about makeup in the morning will leave you with a better mood. And as for the money, do we really need to mention it? You already know how much you spend on your cosmetics and makeup. Imagine the savings if those expenses aren’t there anymore.
Let’s Discuss the Stress Factor A Little More
You know it, I know it. Wearing makeup makes us feel great because we look great, but having to keep on looking great is a pain in the you know what.
Do any of these sound familiar to you? – ‘Is my mascara running?’ ‘Damn, I’ll have to pop into the loo after this burger to fix my lippie.’ ‘Damn, I’m so tired but I have to remove my makeup before bed or I’ll break out again.’ ‘Is there lipstick on my teeth?’ ‘Is my eight-hour foundation still OK considering it’s been on for ten hours?’ ‘Where’s the mirror?’ ‘Where’s my compact?’ ‘I have to fix this.’ ‘I have to retouch that.’
It’s not unknown to think all these thoughts and many more in just one day. Now imagine a world without ever having to worry about how your makeup looks again.
More Space
In your handbag, on your dresser, in your bathroom – suddenly you’ll have less clutter and more space in your life.
Improve your Self Image
Most of us who wear too much makeup or even a little makeup every day are very insecure. We’re defining ourselves by how we look, not by our hearts, talents or who we really are. The media plays its part in reinforcing this message, but its up to you to decide if you believe it. By not wearing makeup, you’ll grow used to looking at yourself in the mirror every day and loving the person who looks back at you. You’ll learn to accept yourself, flaws and all, which can be a liberating and life-changing mindset.
You’ll be More Adventurous
When you wear makeup, you tend to be wary about what you’re doing. You’re always worried about how an activity will affect your makeup so you shy away from spontaneity like taking a skinny dip or taking off for an impromptu road trip. You may also hold yourself back from doing something you like. Eating a greasy meal on a cold day, for example, because you don’t want to ruin your lipstick. Or holding back your tears as you watch Titanic with your beau because God forbid your mascara should run.
If the thought of not wearing makeup every day frightens you, relax. Take it one step at a time. Try not wearing makeup for one day of the week. Increase the number of days as and when you get comfortable in your own skin. If you’re smart, you’ll realise soon enough that world hasn’t stopped because you went au natural.
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