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Bare Faced & Insecure–My Evening Without Makeup
Posted on October 10, 2012 by Dawn Michelle in Makeup
Last Friday my husband and I went out to see a friend’s band play live at a club in Santa Monica. I seldom go out without fully doing it up, yet this time I put on a simple dress with knee high flat boots and brought a sweater. I applied a natural concealer under my eyes in the car along with some lip balm and didn’t bother to do any more.Since I’ve run into choreographers, photographers, casting directors, music producers, etc. in random places like the pharmacy or supermarket, I got into the habit of always making extra effort to put myself together before going anywhere. I just thought of it as part of the job of being a professional dancer to look phenomenal at all times just in case. I’m finally at a place where I no longer believe it is necessary to be so high maintenance. There is always more than one way to do something and still get the desired results.
I openly admit to feeling insecure without glamorizing myself as I usually do that night. How disappointing to let something such as not wearing full on makeup take over to such a degree. Looking like an airbrushed magazine editorial is so unrealistic and I am one to know all about the behind the scenes of this industry, yet still bought into the hype.
It wasn’t until I took a photo of my hubby and I having fun dancing (the picture above) that I realized that I looked perfectly fine after all. I didn’t need the heels or full makeup! I was freaking out in my head over nothing!
I realized that evening that wearing makeup consistently brings a false confidence.
Years ago I would wear some bronzing powder and tinted lip balm and go about my day. I didn’t fuss with makeup until I started working in cosmetic retail where “wearing a full face” was part of the job. Since then I haven’t completely gone back to those simpler days of luminous powder and tinted lip balm. To be honest I miss it.
My appreciation for makeup recently diminished when I realized how it initially made me feel to be without it that evening. It seemed almost lazy to be makeup free for a night out dancing with the hubby. Now I see this as the perfect time for me to make peace with my bare makeup-free face and change my tweaked perspective.
I’m not at all saying that makeup is a bad thing. I’ve found some amazing organic makeup lines, yet I do want to take my power back and feel beautiful again without it.
I recently came across a 3-in-1 organic moisturizer that moisturizes the skin, acts as a primer under makeup if you choose to wear it, and also gives the skin a luminous finish. Having a beautiful complexion does make me feel confident, and if there is an organic product that helps to create that flawlessness without makeup I’m all for it. What’s even better is that this product will also be in a Minimalist Beauty GIVEAWAY for Friday!
So I’m thinking of doing a simple experiment of going makeup free for a week to help get over this false confidence/dependance. If you’d like to join me please comment below. Would love to hear what you think about this regardless!
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
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Azuha...
Creativity is the greatest rebellion in existence.
~Osho
~Osho
do it! you look gorgeous.
Hi Dawn, I love your blog BTW! I feel like if I’m not made up I shouldn’t go out. I work in a corporate environment where a particular look is regarded as professional. This challenge would be good for my self esteem but I’m not sure how to go about it without others thinking that I wasn’t feeling well. Thanks for being so honest with your writing.
Thanks so much Jennifer! I have been slowly wearing less and less makeup over the past two weeks. Maybe that is the approach that those who are interested in this challenge could do. Maybe we can begin this challenge at the end of the month. I think I will start next week and share my thoughts on it to help others who might want to join. Have a beautiful day!
Thank you Lisa!!
Hi Dawn Michelle,
I decided to check your blog today since I am not feeling that great and can always count on your posts to cheer my up! Anyways, I am actually makeup free most days … more often than not simply because I tend to keep myself extremely busy and focus on breakfast rather than a makeup routine! But even when I do wear makeup, it’s usually just tinted moisturizer, chapstick, eyliner, and curled eyelashes because I totally agree – having clear, smooth, hydrated skin makes me feel more confident than anything. Also having clean hair lol … kind of strange but my hair is so much work to maintain, so sometimes I don’t care for it as often as I should. But I would like to get over feeling that I am being judged by or compared to others when I’m makeup free. That would be freeing.
Also, I thought you might be interested in this website and mini blog. It’s extremely related to what you are writing about today!: http://hosted-p0.vresp.com/816967/661c313c66/ARCHIVE
Please continue to share. I would join in a challenge but yeah I am usually to lazy to even do my makeup.
It’s hard once you have become, for lack of a better word, addicted to how make up can make you view yourself. Convincing ourselves that wearing some will make us look better. I my favorite is “make yourself look more polished” or “like yourself but better”. When really, when do you not look your best? When you haven’t eaten well, let your body have enough rest, drank enough water, or given yourself time to de-stress. A break outs from bad food, dark circles from lack of sleep or lack of hydration, dull skin, dry lips, stress lines… well they can all be hidden by makeup. But makeup doesn’t solve the problem, only helps it hide. Fine for a day, sure. But the time it takes to put on makeup even small amounts, could be time spent doing one of these things, eating a better meal, drinking a glass of water, giving yourself a 15 minute power nap, or meditating. Our faces will not last forever, we all get old and wrinkly, but soul last forever. Do something to better your soul, rather than better your face. Because make up can arguably make a face look better, but it cannot the soul.
FYI, I am lazy. I do not wear makeup on a day to day basis. I cannot even get myself to put in on weekly. It has been, I want to say, 6 years, since I wore makeup everyday. Back then I was extremely insecure, but it was more than skin deep. I do wear it for shows or going out but I am a home body and I rarely go out. I cannot even talk myself into remembering to bring mascara with me to work to even attempt to do that much every day. Plus I don’t do anything to my hair right now since it is in that awkward growing out stage still. So Note, I look a right hot mess every day going into the office.
Hi Analisa,
First of all I hope that you feel better and thanks for your comment. Feeling beautiful without makeup is a freedom. I have a friend who I’ve never seen even wear makeup unless we were dancing together on stage. She is absolutely gorgeous and she is also radiating beauty from the inside. Thanks for sharing the related link too. I just checked it out and plan to check out their Facebook page.
Best wishes!
Hi Nikole,
You made a great point about makeup hiding the problems of dehydration, lack of sleep, being overworked and stressed, and not eating well, yet only temporarily. Honestly when I take care of myself there is no concealer that can make me look better than that. Thanks so much for your insight and humor. Also I seriously doubt you look a “right hot mess”, you are simply taking a moment away from being “camera ready” a phrase used a lot in my business. It can be seriously overrated sometimes! There is something so appealing to me about being a confident not so put together women. Bed hair and minimal to no makeup yet well dressed is hot in my book. Enjoy your day!
Hi Dawn!
You look so beautiful in that picture with your husband, you are glowing!
This is a topic that lies quite close to home for me! It was during university. My skin was awful at the time, my hormones were out of whack because I took birth control pills and it had a very bad side effect on me and even though I stopped taking them after one month, I had terrible acne for a whole year. I had to layer the foundation on my face to feel even remotely presentable. I knew that packing on makeup was bad, so once I tried to go sans makeup for a day and I will never forgot how insecure, sad, embarrassed I was because my face was in such poor condition.
Since then, my skin has improved and that alone has helped me to be able to reduce the amount of makeup I wear. I never want my skin to be that bad ever again because that completely killed my confidence. Nowadays I am just happy with a tiny bit of concealer, mascara and lip balm and I can take on the world
Fantastic article Dawn Michelle! As usual. I used to barely wear any makeup, but becoming a professional samba dancer also meant I upped my makeup game, and honestly, loved the new results. But I still don’t wear tons every day, but do consistently wear a bronzer, liquid eyeliner, and lip gloss. Sometimes a concealer too – since I have a hard time getting enough rest – ugh.
The main addiction for me is the bronzer. I definitely use that ALOT since i don’t accept the amount of yellow tones in my skin. I just like myself more brown. But thanks to your blog and inspiration, I now use all natural bronzers and eyeliner – so that’s good. I was giving my face breaks now and then but lately…. well, I resonate with Everette’s comments above mine. I have had a HORRIBLE 3-4 months with acne (you’ve dealt with my looong posts on your blog about that) and I’m now suspecting it’s due to the high doses of B-12 that were included with the synthetic iron supplements I started taking in May/June for iron deficiency. I have since switched to just eating more iron rich foods and using a much more natural and efficient form of B-12 (95% of the B-12 offered out there, even in natural health food stores is a form that is very hard for the body to process and is actually a toxin derived from cyanide – but that’s another story). I hope this new change will help my face calm down – high doses of B-12 is known to cause bad acne, even cystic acne. ANYWAY – the point is I am very dependent on my bronzer and trying to hide all the various forms of acne on my face. It does eat away at your confidence. Between wearing my hair natural instead of my standard kinky twists/extensions (learning to love my hair but missing the length which was flattering for me), and the acne, I’m getting more dependent on makeup to help me look glowy….when really I need to focus on loving myself as I am, getting enough rest and eating well (and drinking lots of water).
Well, another long comment from me – but something about reading and responding to your blog is always so cathartic and inspiring. Thanks for sharing and being so honest! I love your idea – I may join you for this new experiment/challenge. Here’s to just BEING OURSELVES and celebrating our natural beauty – inside and out!
A BIG Thank You to all the beautiful women who have taken time out to read and or comment on my Wife’s Blog. You wouldn’t believe the amount of time she puts into it, your reads and comments help her stay motivated to do more. So thank you so much! And remember, you are all so beautiful just as you are.
All this “no makeup, be yourself” talk is interesting, but I’ll bet all of you are young! Just try getting away with that when you are my age, 67. Complexions dull, hair grays, wrinkles set in, and the face needs some smoothing out and pepping up. Being well put together says a lot about your self esteem and confidence. Remember, in mental health, one of the signs professionals look for in a patient’s improvement is grooming and an interest in improving their appearance. Take the time to be your best! You are worth it!
Great article. I am a minimalist type of girl when it comes to make up. The first time I wore make up was for my senior prom. Half my class did not recognize me. I put the make up away during college and even when I started working, I was bare face. I was working in an office, but as an engineer, 9 times out of 10, I was the only woman in the room, so no push to be glamorous. My fellow male engineers didn’t seem too interested in whether I was made up. It was not until I went on a recruiting trip with some folks from human resources that a female colleague says, “you should at least brighten your eyes.” The glass was broken, what I had been going around with dull eyes! What! I was insecure the whole trip as she proceeded to give me make up tips. Well, my friend who sold Mary Kay products got the call when I got back home. She was surprised, but willing to hook me up with the stuff…
Fast forward to today, I am back to just a little olive oil on the lips. Marriage and birth control induced acne has led me to throw away my make up stash and go bare face. When my face gets back to make up, I’ll try mineral make up. It takes real strength to go bare face when you got jaw line zits. But less gunk on my face the better!
Hi Everette, Thanks so much for the compliment and for being part of the discussion. I completely understand the drama of breakouts and blemishes. Finding the best natural skin care regimen that works for you is key and being consistent with it has helped me a lot. I like your simple makeup routine too. Currently I’ve just been using some concealer, yet we’ll see how it evolves by the end of the month. Have a wonderful day and weekend!
Hi Lisette,
I’ve also had some not so fun experiences with iron supplements and was adding organic black strap molasses to my smoothies before for a source of natural iron. Lately I’m taking brewer’s yeast which has a ton of wonderful minerals including iron. I appreciate your comment and am glad you’re still dancing. I love the samba! I’m also all about celebrating our natural beauty! I think that having some natural cosmetics that you enjoy using is good.
Best wishes!
So sweet!!! I agree though, it does really mean a lot to hear your views on the articles I write!
Thanks Vicky for your insight! You are a beautiful woman and I am thankful for your comment. I also believe it is really important to stay interested in your appearance and take the best care that you can of your body mind and spirit. One of the challenges that I’ve faced is finding my own balance in the world of performance and Hollywood. It is a much different industry in this city than others that I have worked in. One of the benefits is that I have seen a lot of the “magic” from behind the scenes as well as worked with a lot of amazing people. In general I believe there should be more emphasis on skin care and overall health versus makeup alone. Have a beautiful day!
Hi RazzyYazzy,
I have definitely been swayed by another opinion of me before for sure. There is a freedom for not being concerned with makeup as well as more time to spend on other things. Makeup is an art form just as fashion is. Finding our own personal balance and feeling good about ourselves is most important. I’m loving all the comments and thanks for yours too!
Best,
Dawn Michelle
I have been wearing less and less makeup as time goes on purely because I don’t have the time to devote to the full regime and as an “older” woman I don’t like to look “overdone.” But I would never go without a touch of color. For every day I am using a BB cream which contains moisturizer, highligher and sunscreen in one or a mineral powder + a sweep of blush, mascara and gloss.
I also agree with Vicky. I am in my 50′s and you begin to look more “washed out” as your skin and hair color fades. A touch of color makes everyone look fresh and bright but it is also important to get the colors right for your complexion and coloring and not over-do it.
I do think that women don’t need to wear as much foundation as they think they do but you do need something to protect your skin.
I spent my 20′s in the 1980′s – an era when we all wore big makeup (and hair!) This ultimately saved my skin as it was protected from the harsh Australian sun. I do not have any wrinkles as all in my mid-50′s and I believe it was because I wore foundation every single day and blocked out all the nasty UV rays.
Finally, when you get older you will look back at yourself and see that you were actually beautiful all along. The best skincare advice I can give the younger girls is to protect your skin from the sun’s rays and learn to love the face you have.
You look great! You actually look like you’re wearing makeup anyway. Beautiful couple.
Thank you Carolyn for your comment! I really appreciate the advice! Best wishes!
Thank you so much Michele!
Hi Dawn Michelle,
I have to agree that you really are glowing in those pics. Thanks for sharing. I’ve been trying to find a good all natural concealer for awhile now. Are you willing to share which brand you’ve used?
Thanks Lori! I make my own yet 100% Pure has a nice concealer, too light for my complexion but a beautiful consistency. Enjoy your day!
I don’t wear makeup, but recently I’ve been thinking about wearing a little. Even though I don’t wear makeup, people say I have beautiful skin and some think I am very attractive. Reading this post has made me realize I don’t really need to wear makeup. However, I’m not sure if this will last if I get a corporate job. Anyway, I love your blog and your philosophy of how the body is your art. It’s really inspiring!
Hi Ashly,
After this experience I have actually felt more confident than I have with my makeup free face than I have in a long time. If you don’t feel like you want to wear makeup then don’t. Sometimes choosing one product that makes you feel good is more than enough is also an option. It’s when I’ve gotten caught doing a full face daily where things got out of control for me. If you feel beautiful just as you are definitely continue to embrace that versus feeling like you need to follow the norm.
Best wishes!
First, I love your blog…As an older woman over 60 I rarely wear more than an under eye concealer and sometimes a lipstick or lip balm. What started me on this path was 1) embracing my natural hair 2) when the cosmetic companys started creating nude makeup…
Well, what is the point?
One thing I noticed is that when your face is nude there are actual shadows in the face so it really doesn’t take much to enhance its beauty. I realized that area which was dark above my eyes is where I once placed “shadow”. I realized that some castor oil on the lashes was a good replacement for mascara.
I’m not sure if you’re familiar with the philosophy of wabi-sabi. But everything ages with beauty and grace. Most countries of the world get this.
In the sixties we experimented a lot with earth mineral colors. You could find one shade of minerals from the earth and use it to stain your nails, for your cheeks and as a bronzer and eyeshadow. The secrets of this beauty lies in Egypt and Africa.
Thanks so much for your blog. Its refreshing to see one dedicated to that which is natural and minimal.
Hi Sandy,
I’m so glad that you are enjoying Minimalist Beauty! I also appreciate all of the information that you share in your comments. I am going to do more research on wabi-sabi as the philosophy is new to me yet seems to be in alignment with how I am feeling. Also I remember seeing this clay like pot of earth minerals as an all over face color at the beauty store awhile back. I don’t remember much about the ingredients, yet I wonder if that is similar to what you are mentioning. I actually like the idea of one color to beautify everything. I’m so over the fuss yet not over the beautifying process completely. I doubt I will ever be. I do enjoy it, just not like I’ve been doing it in the past. I look forward to your future comments.
Best wishes,
Dawn Michelle
Hi Dawn,
Yes that is the mineral makeup. Here is a link to it:
http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/jump/productDetail/Health_&_Beauty/Health_&_Beauty/Original_Indian_Earth/38649
I didn’t think it was still manufactured. But I’m glad to see it is around.
Sorry to break up my post…But here is information on the concept of Wabi Sabi:
http://www.shambhalasun.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1631&Itemid=0
Hi Sandy,
This is the same product that I saw! I looked at the ingredients and I truly wish it did not have aluminum in it. Here is a great article that explains my concern with aluminum and some other ingredients that I am doing more research on. More on this later. Hope you are having a great day!
~Dawn Michelle
Thanks Sandy for sharing this info!
You’re welcome. I’ll read about the aluminum. Maybe you or someone can come up with a similar product without the aluminum. I wonder if it is a necessity for the product.
Thanks so much for the info.
I used to wear almost NO makeup at all. I recently have been getting horrible breakouts along my jaw line that spreads to my cheeks. The big problem is the marks that are left behind. It seems as if they will never go away! I went from wearing no makeup to wearing liquid makeup all over my face in order to get an even skin tone. I wear Jane Iredale’s BB cream, hoping it would be gentle on my skin. I used to be so insecure even with beautiful skin, I will tell you that once I get my complexion back I will appreciate myself more then ever before. We are too hard on ourselves, this bout with acne has definitley brought me back down to earth and made me realize that I was too hard on myself before!
Hi Amanda, I hear you about being to hard on yourself. I can be the exact same way. Also I’m not sure if you saw this article on healing hyperpigmentation, yet it might help some. Using raw honey as a face wash also helps to heal acne scars etc. Best wishes!
You are drop dead gorgeous, and I’m not one of those comforting types, you truly look Amazing.
Thanks so much Daniela!
It takes a while to come around to not feeling like you have to do something just because. i know i’m super late on commenting on this..but your makeup free face is FLAWLESS! You’re a great example of someone who I would ask WHY wear it when your skin is FLAWLESSS!!! so sweet of your hubby to leave a comment and yes we all appreciate your efforts on bringing us great DIY info!
Thank you so much keisha! Hope you are having a wonderful day!