Feeling Free Makeup Free — hungryhungryhelen

Most people who know me know that even when I did wear makeup regularly, I barely wore any. Despite having been a dancer and a cheerleader, notorious for knowing how to do makeup for shows and performances, my makeup skills leave a lot to be desired. Contouring? Not my jam. Eyeshadow? A humorous exercise in fake black eyes. My “usual” makeup consisted of a light BB cream, a brown eyeliner, and mascara, occasionally some blush, and when I’m going out or dressing up, maybe adding a lip gloss or lip stain.

When I moved to Vermont a year ago to be a camp counselor and outdoor educator, essentially living in the woods, I decided that I would go makeup free. I was tired of the hassle, any foundation or cover-up cream I tried just made my acne worse, and though I never believed it people always told me I looked pretty au natural. That first few weeks and month were incredible nerve wracking. I used to wear makeup to try and “distract” people from my acne or a bad hair day. As if having lined eyes would make people avert their eyes from greasy hair. No clue if that ever worked, but it was my go to theory. I would see other girls and women who could make up their faces beautifully and though envious never wanted to spend the money on the products or the time watching YouTube videos to learn how. But wearing less or no makeup has made me feel so free, and so much more beautiful just the way I am. It’s been an exercise in loving myself, my skin, and my eyes.

People are now shocked when I do wear makeup. I (re)met my boyfriend wearing no makeup and have probably only worn makeup in front of him only a handful of times. And guess what, no one caaaares. I now feel beautiful being my true, authentic self. I have nothing against people who can do and do wear a lot of makeup. Especially as many wear it as an art or to help boost their confidence. You do you. But everyone should know they are naturally beautiful just the way they are. You don’t need to wear makeup to make yourself beautiful, you already are. Makeup just helps enhance that natural beauty.

Side note: if anyone has suggestions on how to get rid of a box of old makeup that is definitely expired, but mostly only half used, hook a girl up.