I went a week without makeup and I’ve never hated myself so much
It was so hard to look at myself in the mirror and think, ‘You have to leave like this’
People like me are the ones who are extremely self conscious of their own skin. I’ve been wearing foundation and concealer since sophomore year of high school. Even if I’m going out to buy groceries, I make sure to look my best and spend 10 minutes painting as much as I can before my parents yell at me to hurry.
Throughout the years, I got better at contouring, putting on eyeshadow, making my eyebrows perfect, obtaining the perfect wing, and nailing my lipstick outlines. I never thought I’d be so much into makeup until I realized how drastically awesome my face becomes after putting it on. I decided to challenge myself and see if I can go from wearing it all to absolutely nothing.
What I’m giving up for the week
My daily makeup routine
I’m wearing foundation, concealer, eyeliner, mascara, eyebrow pomade, slight contour, highlight, and lipstick. I wear this everyday.
Day one
Looking like death.
Since I was sick, I laid in bed all day and did nothing. It’s not so hard if I didn’t have to go out. I’m starting to break out a little bit so it’ll be a fun week to look forward too without any concealer. This shouldn’t be hard, right?
Day two
Yes, that’s a hospital bracelet.
I ended up having to go to the hospital for a bit. Though I did see a ton of people, I could pull the whole, “I know I look sick cause I’m actually sick” card. Since I wasn’t wearing concealer, I had to take the time to pluck my eyebrow hairs that are out of place and I felt that my bags were too heavy and gross that no one should see it. It shouldn’t bug me but since I know I’m good at covering it up, it doesn’t help. It feels great being able to scratch my eyes and rub my face without having to worry about makeup staining my sweater.
Day three
Picture says it all.
It was so hard to look at myself in the mirror and think, “You have to leave like this.” I was definitely not feeling well and it was clearly shown through my face. I felt a bit self-conscious seeing as how I looked like I just woke up even at 3 in the afternoon. I went through my day at work just fine and then when I went to class, a student looked at me and asked, “Are you sick?” I wanted to run away. I didn’t think that stereotypical question would get to me but it did. On the bright side, it feels great to be able to rub my face without a worry in the world.
Day four
You can really tell how tired a person is through their face.
I only got one hour of sleep and I never looked more exhausted. It felt great having to run to work without needing an extra 10 minutes to rush on as much makeup as possible. I suddenly care a lot less because I’m too exhausted to actually care. It also feels so great to wash my face without having to aggressively use makeup wipes. I think my face is actually starting to clear up a bit too finally.
Day five
Highland Park, Piscataway
Another day with no sleep. I’m really loving the whole waking up and throwing on clothes while giving no fucks about my face. I also decided to wear a dress so it seems like I’m more put together than I actually am. I guess I’m starting to care less because I have so many more things to worry about than covering up when I’m clearly suffering. I decided to have a mental break and explore a bit while I can. I didn’t have any makeup to sweat off and it felt great.
Day six
Starland Ballroom, Sayreville. Underoath was fantastic.
I broke and wore makeup because I wanted to look good for a concert I was going to. It took me about ten minutes to put on eyeliner this time around which made me a little upset because I used to be able to do it all in one stroke. I did feel good with it all on but I had to wait in line forever and at some point I think I rubbed my face forgetting I had makeup on. It all mostly came off at the end of the night anyways. If anyone did take any pictures of me, I know I looked great either way.
Day seven
Post-concert depression but still looking fabulous.
I was so physically drained and bruised from the night before. I had no intentions of even trying to put on makeup. I realized that I actually felt great having no makeup on even though I did bitch about it and had moments where I didn’t want to leave my dorm. I managed to see friends, walk around town, and not have to look at a mirror wondering if I looked sick.
Makeup can be as powerful as having none on. You don’t need to constantly paint your face to feel beautiful. Being comfortable in your own skin is the best possible way to truly love who you are. This won’t mean I’ll quit putting on makeup though, because I’m pretty great at it and I hate not being able to put it all on in under ten minutes. I can’t give that up.