Finally being allowed to wear makeup was a rite of passage. After months of hopelessly wandering the makeup aisle in CVS, watching tutorials on YouTube, and raiding my mother’s collection, the day was finally here… I was allowed to pick out my own makeup at the store and wear it publically. “Putting my face on” in the morning was something that I looked forward to, and always woke up early to do. I loved trying new products and taking the time to give myself a makeover each morning… until I went to college.
Mornings once spent waking up early to ensure that I had enough time for my beauty routine are now spent sleeping. Colored eyeshadows and lipsticks that I once used every day are now only used on the weekends and for special occasions. My priorities have changed. However, my love for makeup and the way that it makes me feel has not. I wear makeup every day and still enjoy trying new techniques, but lately I haven’t had the time or motivation to put on a full face of makeup each morning. This past week I simplified my routine to the one product that I cannot live without: Maybelline’s Rocket Volume Express mascara and here’s what happened.
The first day that I wore just mascara was fabulous. I was able to sleep in, get ready much faster, and still feel put together. Day two was a similar experience. I appreciated how quick my beauty routine was and how by simply curling my lashes and applying a coat or two, I looked more awake and ready for what the day had in store for me.
Then, day three happened. My skin broke out overnight and I had a major zit on my forehead. And there was nothing that I could do about it. I vowed to spend less time and effort on my beauty routine, so applying concealer wasn’t an option for me. I wish I could have worn a bag over my head all day – I felt exposed and uncomfortable in my own skin.
By day four I was frustrated. I was no longer confident in how I looked. I decided to try different remedies to make the imperfection disappear. On day five a miracle occurred… my DIY skin remedies had worked and my zit was gone. I felt so empowered. I was confident wearing a natural look and loved how mascara could give the illusion that you put in a lot of effort into your makeup, when in reality you only used one product. Day six and seven occurred over the weekend and I found myself wanting to put on a full face of makeup for a night out, but ended up being happy that I didn’t. I realized that it didn’t matter whether I had makeup on or not, what mattered was that I felt beautiful in my own skin and was having fun with my friends. Overall, my ~au natural~ week made me feel more confident, and although makeup is still something that I am passionate about, it isn’t the key to my happiness.