Makeup Free
I didn't wear makeup for a day...and it wasn't a big deal
I am currently in my last year of high school and I recently realized, I have never gone to school without makeup on. I found this slightly alarming because when you think about it, that's 5 days a week for almost four years now. I'm no math genius, but that's a lot of makeup. I noticed this started becoming an issue when I'd wake up for school and I'd be completely exhausted from being up late the night before doing homework and literally the last thing I wanted to do was to sit there for 20 minutes and do my makeup. Now what has stopped me from just getting dressed and going to school, makeup free? My own insecurities. One of the biggest factors that adds to it is the fact that I've worn MINIMAL makeup and I'd have to hear comments about it all day. "You look tired" "What's wrong, why do you look so tired?" "Are you sick?" It's just plain annoying and sometimes rude. We are so unaware of our comments and the effect they can have on someone.
I had this theory made up in my head that on days where I didn't put as much effort into my appearance (hair, makeup, ect..) that less people would talk to me or seem interested in what I had to say. Sounds crazy, right? I have now learned this is completely false once I took a minute to think it through. Clearly I felt this way for a reason and I had experienced interactions that were not very pleasant. What could have contributed to this? I noticed that on these days I *felt* less attractive or less appealing, it's not that people did not want to interact and socialize with me, it's that they could feel the energy I was giving off, and it wasn't a good one. When you feel less confident, you aren't as appealing, not because your hair isn't done perfectly or because you makeup isn't how you like it. It's all about the energy and vibes you give out.
Once I realized this was not the case at all and I actually went to school without makeup on for the first time, I'll admit, I was terrified. I was ready for the comments of people asking me if I am sick and why I look so tired. I was ready to hide my face out of embarrassment as people looked at me differently. To my surprise, none of this happened. No one looked at me like I was any different and I was delighted. I noticed that this was because I wasn't acting differently than normal.
This experience taught me a lot about myself and the world around me. Confidence is attractive. People can tell when you are feeling uncomfortable with yourself and when you are trying to hide. No one really cares if you wear makeup or not. Letting your insecurities get the best of you is never a good look on anyone. Through working on my fears and insecurities, I am able to gain confidence and have a new perspective on my situation. The biggest lesson I can take from this is that what you put out is what you get in return. If you don't seem happy with yourself, people will pick up on it.
