I definitely consider myself to be a makeup addict, but I am also not the type of girl to wear a full face of glam makeup every day. I prefer the natural “no-makeup” look, especially when rushing to get ready for early morning classes.
So, when I was presented with the challenge to give up makeup for a week, I thought to myself, “Why not, how hard can it be?” Well… it was harder than expected.
Day 1
The first day of this challenge had quite a comical start. I had a midterm that day and was quite stressed about it, and so I decided to de-stress by, well, doing my makeup. So, I sat down at my vanity and started doing my makeup.
As I was setting my concealer, a light-bulb turned on in my head, and I recalled that I was meant to give up makeup for a week. I rushed to the bathroom and wiped all the products off, slapped on some skincare, and went to my classes for the day.
Day 2
Tuesdays and Thursdays are when I have an 8 AM Calculus class and I don’t usually wear anything on my face beside skincare. I took this makeup-free day to my advantage and did an intense skincare routine. When I got back from my class and was mentally awake, I exfoliated my skin, applied toner, SPF, rose-hip oil, and moisturizer.
Not only was my skin glowing, but I made sure to up my water intake to enhance all the products I had put on my face. At this point, I was obsessed with how fresh and plump my skin looked; I was living life.
Day 3
By Wednesday, I had gotten used to the skin care regime and was quite enjoying being able to be free and not worry about ruining my makeup. Before going to bed I also decided to use a face mask and remove it spa style by using a small towel with a hot water.
After all these actions, I not only felt that my skin was refreshed, but it looked it too. All my pores were unclogged, and there were no dry patches.
Day 4
Thursday comes around, and so does the 8 AM Calculus class, and of course I snoozed through my alarm, so wearing makeup was not a priority for me in that situation. And my skin continued to glow and reward me for all the nice products I had put on it.
Day 5
As it reached the end of the week, I was tired of the no makeup, and just wanted to wear some concealer and makeup. But I pushed through and found other ways to look “pretty.” I was going out with some friends and wanted to get dressed up a little, so I discovered that putting effort into my outfit and hair helped me look cute and popping on some shiny lip balm made it feel like I was wearing makeup when I was not. And surprisingly, I felt even more so confident.
In the end, I am so glad that I took up this challenge and found other ways to consider myself “pretty.” I definitely recommend taking up this challenge even if you are not a makeup lover. Giving my skin a break, and learning to be confident without makeup products was an amazing experience, that I hope all women try and do.
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