Makeup: Ditching the Mask

When I was in high school, I would wake up at four AM to shower, blow-dry, and straighten my hair, do a full-coverage, going-to-tha-club makeup routine, and pick out an outfit. This routine usually took from two to three hours depending on how "good" I wanted to look. The reason why I started this routine in the first place is because I was bullied for my appearance since fourth grade. What I wanted was to prove them wrong. I was obsessed with gaining approval from my peers, but I was never able to fully give that approval to myself.

Obviously, that kind of routine doesn't translate well in college. College is where I learned the art of simple makeup. Even without my full coverage and smokey eye, I still looked pretty! I would only do my two hour routine for special occasions. I was still seeking approval from others, especially from the boys.

It finally clicked when I was sitting at home reading The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf. I saw that I was willing to throw away so much of my time and money to cover myself up so that other people would think I'm beautiful. I wouldn't even take a selfie without a filter. I wouldn't post it unless I looked perfect. I saw that I was putting up a front.

After that realization, I stopped wearing makeup completely and stopped damaging my hair with heat. I focused on taking care of myself and getting acquainted with my natural beauty. I was amazed at how beautiful I was without hiding my skin and altering my entire look. I went as far as letting my eyebrows grow out and stopped obsessively plucking them.

By allowing myself to embrace my natural beauty, I have been liberated. I can get ready to go out in 15 minutes. My skin glows without the help of a highlight and it has cleared up dramatically. I found out my hair is naturally curly and not just frizzy because I allowed it to heal. Most importantly, I am confident with the way I look. I no longer need anyone's approval but my own. My approval is constant.

Quitting makeup isn't for everyone. For some, makeup is an art form, a form of expression, an outlet. If you feel that makeup is more of a mask, I would encourage you to try going without it for just a day or two.

Of course, I still occasionally indulge in a swipe of mascara or a bold lip. That is just icing on the cake.