I stopped wearing makeup and it made me happier
I used to wear a ton of makeup in high school. While some people use it as a form of self expression, for me it was about insecurity and hiding.
During high school, I also had to go through recovery for an eating disorder. During that time, I felt conflicted because even though I was doing well, I could feel that I was still using makeup/beauty as a way to not fully embrace self-acceptance.
I slowly started cutting out makeup in high school and then into college. In college, I lived somewhere really hot and also was in the dance program. Simply out of functionality, I stopped wearing foundation then. I still struggled with insecurity around appearance, but I was healthy enough to tolerate the insecurity and still stick with the path I was on. My skin got happier as a result, and so did my self esteem little by little.
Even moving into a professional workspace, I found myself simply using a bit of concealer for dark circles/any blemishes, and maybe some light blush on occasion. I also mostly wore my hair natural without any heat. At this point, I genuinely felt comfortable and confident in my own skin. I think this confidence showed to others too, and others commented often how at peace I seemed. It made me feel so grateful and motivated knowing that my hard work to embrace myself actually now helped others feel at ease around me. This made it so worth it pushing through recovery, insecurity, doubt, and even just not going along with societal norms.
I still do wear makeup on special occasions! This was at my sister’s wedding :) but now I genuinely enjoy it to dress up AND I feel so comfortable with myself without it, even days/weeks where I may be broken out.
Not only does it feel good, I hope that this encourages you that it is totally possible to feel good in your body and skin even if you’ve deeply struggled in the past or the present!
#lemon8partner #embracinginsecurities #edrecoveryfamily #selfacceptance #selfesteemchallenge
It’s amazing how much our perception of ourselves can change, isn’t it? When I first started cutting out makeup, especially things like eyeliner, mascara, and foundation, it wasn't an overnight switch. It was a gradual process, much like peeling back layers of an onion. For anyone out there thinking about going minimal or even quitting makeup altogether, I want to share a few things that really helped me navigate that shift from makeup insecurity to feeling truly comfortable in my natural skin. First, start small. You don't have to ditch everything at once. For me, foundation was the first to go, simply because living in a hot climate and dancing made it impractical. Then it was mascara and eyeliner. This gentle reduction makes the change less jarring, allowing you to slowly get used to seeing your bare face in different lights. It’s like easing into a cold pool, rather than jumping straight in! Next, invest in a good skincare routine. This was a game-changer. When you’re not relying on makeup to hide perceived flaws, having skin that feels healthy and looks radiant naturally becomes a priority. Finding the right cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF that work for your skin type can do wonders for your confidence. When my skin started looking happier, I felt happier, too. Knowing I was nourishing my skin, rather than just covering it up, was incredibly empowering. I even started appreciating my visible freckles more, seeing them as part of my unique beauty. Challenge your inner critic. This is probably the hardest part. The voice that tells you you’re not good enough without makeup can be loud. For me, linking my appearance to my eating disorder recovery meant I had to confront deep-seated insecurities. Whenever I felt exposed or self-conscious, I’d remind myself of why I was doing this: for genuine self-acceptance and inner peace. It's a mental battle, but every time you choose to embrace your natural self, you win a small victory. You start to realize that your worth isn’t tied to how perfectly airbrushed your skin is. Finally, redefine what 'beauty' means to you. Society often presents a very narrow definition of beauty, heavily reliant on perfection and cosmetic enhancement. For me, true beauty became about feeling good in my body and skin, radiating kindness, and living authentically. It's about the light in your eyes, the warmth of your smile, and the confidence you carry – not the shade of your lipstick. When I began to truly embody this, I noticed how others responded. My journey to minimal makeup made me feel like a confident woman, not just in how I looked, but in how I carried myself. It's a profound shift from seeking external validation to finding inner happiness. Remember, this isn't about shaming anyone who loves makeup! I still enjoy makeup for special occasions, like my sister's wedding. It's about finding your balance and what makes you feel genuinely happy and confident in your own skin. It's about discovering that sometimes, less truly is more, especially when it comes to self-love.
Yesss concealer only club! 🙌 Self-acceptance is such a beautiful thing to attain after years of grappling with other people's expectations and one's own self-doubt 🥹 Thank you for sharing this story! I hope anyone else who comes across this post will also see the beauty that was always there inside and out 🤍