Why You Should Embrace Your True Self Without Makeup Sometimes

Can you go out without makeup? Or you need to have some makeup put in your face in order for you to feel better with yourself in order to go out? Why is makeup important to us? Who were the first people telling you what kinds of makeup to put on at what time of the day? Would you challenge yourself to not use makeup for one month in a row? Makeup is a part of our everyday life. I mean, just like having a shower or cutting nails or putting deodorant; putting makeup is just as much the same. Having it part of our routine, leaves not much space for discussion to start using it less or not at all, or does it?

Studies show that there is an undeniable correlation between makeup and self-esteem in women. They use cosmetics to both hide the things she does not like and accentuate the ones she does like. This has two sides of the medal though, like anything else. In college, I used to share the dorm room with a very pretty redhead friend of mine, called Matilda. Matilda has a typical movie-like redhead kind of beauty, long wavy orangish hair, sky-blue eyes and cute dimples when she smiles. Her cheeks and her nose was covered in freckles. And Matilda hated them. Every time we were getting ready to go out, she would put lots of makeup foundation all over her face to hide the freckles and contouring her face and nose because she wanted to hide them all.

By trying to hide her “flaws,” according to my opinion, Matilda was hiding her true beauty which gave her the unique kind of appearance. It took her a while to understand that, but luckily, she worked on her self-worth and got it. Now, whenever I meet her, I’m surprised to see how she carries herself with pride. That kind of vibe which Matilda now reflects, is what makes more men become attracted to her.

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The role of media is crucial when it comes to this topic. Both sides actually. On one hand, pushing women to run after beauty standards and makeup trends, on the other, recently especially, pushing them to embrace their so-called flaws. Celebrities, always looking so stunning and flawless, are not the best example to follow. Firstly, because they have teams of the best makeup artists in the world taking care of their face. Secondly, dudes, there’s a lot of photoshop behind which set unrealistic beauty standards. So, it’s no wonder why they’re a lot of women out there who feel less attractive without makeup.

As Psychology Today writes, Alexis Sclamberg reported on a survey conducted by the Renfrew Center, which found that 44 percent of women felt more unattractive and uncomfortable when they didn’t wear makeup than when they did: 16 percent reported feeling unattractive; 14 percent reported feeling self-conscious; and 14 percent reported feeling naked without makeup (Renfrew Center Foundation, 2012). This study also found that only 3 percent of women reported that going without makeup made them feel more attractive. Quite a high percentage of women not being satisfied with themselves, huh? It’s a concern to me!

But, makeup benefits are also something we can not deny. A positive correlation between frequent use of cosmetics and anxiety, self-consciousness, and conformity was found by a study by Robertson and colleagues (2008). Another research study project by the researchers from the University of Chieti, Italy and the Harvard Medical School, USA was made related to women wearing makeup. Findings suggested that wearing makeup makes women feel smarter and it even helps them to enhance their confidence.

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Recently, there have been a few Hollywood stars who have committed to going without makeup. They have been posting pictures of themselves makeup-less, showing the world their natural faces. Celebrities like Lady Gaga, Salma Hayek, Kylie Jenner, Laura Prepon, Alicia Keys and a lot more did this. It’s an important step towards women empowerment. Since they can reach millions of people, because they are famous and a have tons of fans considering them as their role-models; it’s important to see these moves being made.

Women should be pushed to accept themselves as they are. We should start loving our flaws. Those are what makes us unique. Why try to follow all of the beauty standards which in the end will let all of us look the same as if we’re fabricated? Embrace your true you. Your authenticity. I know it could be hard in the beginning, but face your natural looks in the mirror and start loving yourself.

When you start loving yourself for who you are, people will start loving you for you, without conditions. Because you spread that unconditional vibe of self-love. We all have our Matilda insecurities, but how can you fight them without trying? You can’t move without making a step. So, go out there and show the world that you know what real beauty is – only skin deep.