Why You Should Embrace a Bare-Face: The Power of Minimal Makeup, Skincare, and Confidence

For as long as I can remember, I’ve looked in the mirror when I was bare-faced and just felt less than. I didn’t recognize the face staring back at me. The only time I really felt like myself was when I had my makeup on. I’ve always felt more confident with a little concealer, mascara, and highlight—like I was putting on armor for the world. When my husband and I first got married, I absolutely hated being bare-faced around him. I felt so unattractive without makeup that I worried I would push him away with my "hideous" natural face.

But over time, I learned that, instead of feeling horror looking upon my pasty, makeup-less face, he actually preferred it. What a weirdo, I thought. What are you talking about? Do you not see how much nicer I look with makeup on compared to without it? But this wasn’t the first time I’d heard a man say that. I’ve heard it in a Drake song, I’ve seen it in rom-coms, and I’ve even heard it from some of my guy friends. So, why is it that these men can look at our bare faces and find beauty in them, but we look at ourselves and see something else entirely? Why do we see the "Frankenstein’s bride" while they see us as beautiful?

That’s when it hit me. I was the one missing something. For years, I had conditioned myself to believe that my natural face wasn’t good enough—that it wasn’t worthy of being seen. But what if I flipped the script? What if I learned to see my natural face the way my husband did? What if I learned to embrace it, really embrace it, without needing a layer of makeup?

But that wasn’t the only thing I was struggling with. My skincare routine had become an obsession. The first time my husband saw me in the middle of my routine, he laughed. I had my spa headband on, carefully placing my sheet mask on before we sat down to watch a movie. He wasn’t wrong to laugh—we all look a little silly with those on. But he was so confused. He didn’t realize how much I put into my skin, while he, on the other hand, did absolutely nothing and had perfectly annoying skin. I felt a tiny green monster grow inside me. Here I was, working so hard with my perfectly curated skincare routine to help me look pretty, fight aging, and protect my skin—and yet, some days, my results felt like a hit or miss.

There were times when my skin looked like absolute glass, glowing and flawless, but other times, I swore it had built immunity to all my products. Meanwhile, my husband’s skin stayed perfectly clear and smooth. He didn’t do anything for it, yet there it was—perfect. Why was I working so hard and stressing over results that varied, while he did nothing and still had beautiful skin? It felt frustrating, but it also made me realize something. I was so caught up in trying to make my skin look perfect that I missed out on appreciating it for what it was. And maybe, just maybe, it was time to stop comparing myself to others—even to my husband—and embrace the process of caring for myself without the expectation of perfection.

It’s not about swearing off makeup or skincare entirely—it’s about realizing that you don’t need to contour your nose to perfection or create a flawless complexion to be “worthy” of stepping outside. That candid picture of you without makeup, the one you usually hate because it doesn’t align with the polished image you want to present? It’s perfect because it captures a moment, a memory. Life isn’t about looking airbrushed every second of the day. Yet, society tells us otherwise—that every moment, even our “off days,” should be beautiful. That we should always be prepping, primping, and battling against time with elaborate skincare routines, expensive treatments, and hair rituals.

This obsession isn’t just exhausting—it’s unrealistic. Somewhere along the way, we’ve been sold the idea that aging is the enemy and that our fight against it should start in our 20s. That we should strive to look 30 until we’re 90, clinging to youth at all costs. But what if we shifted our mentality? What if, instead of fearing wrinkles and gray hair, we embraced them? What if we saw them as evidence that we’ve lived?

Those lines on your face—they tell a story. They’re proof of the laughter, the tears, and the moments that made up your life. They mean you’ve witnessed your kids grow into incredible people, maybe even met your grandkids or great-grandkids. They mean you’ve had a full life, rich with memories and experiences. Why do we feel the need to compete with 20-year-olds when we’ve already been 20? Why isn’t the goal to grow into someone wise, accomplished, and full of stories, rather than someone desperately trying to hold onto a fleeting version of beauty?

Let’s embrace the idea that aging is a privilege. Instead of spending thousands of dollars trying to reverse what’s natural, why not invest in creating memories? Go on the trips you’ve dreamed of, laugh until your sides hurt, and take pictures with your loved ones—even if your hair is a little messy or your skin isn’t flawless. Let’s stop battling time and start embracing the incredible journey of life, every wrinkle and freckle included. Aren’t you tired of keeping up? Let’s redefine what it means to be beautiful—not just in our youth, but throughout our entire lives.

That's why for the next 30 days, I’m challenging myself to go makeup-free—my only exceptions are eyebrow gel, sunscreen (a must for healthy skin!), and curling my lashes. Instead of focusing on my face, I’ll shift my energy into hairstyling to still feel polished and put-together. This is a personal experiment to embrace my natural features, allow my skin to breathe, and test my own confidence. Now I’m not saying I’m throwing out my retinol and giving up my skincare routine, but I am shifting to a more relaxed routine and a kinder, stress-free mentality for aging. I’m going to try my best to fight those tiny little voices that tell me I’m not good enough without makeup, or feel less than the beautiful girl with perfect makeup while I stand makeupless feeling frumpy. I’m going to keep my head high, I’m going to fight the urge to throw on concealer. I’m going to let my face get a little sun and I’m going to tell myself I am beautiful, that I am enough. Wish me luck!

PS: Below are a few things I looked up to help me when I want to give up on my challenge—like how it’s better for my skin, how studies have shown that natural is still considered pretty, and I found a little routine to feel like I put in effort, without losing my challenge.

The Physical Effects of Makeup

Beyond the emotional side, daily makeup use can physically impact your skin. Here are a few common concerns:

• Clogged Pores: Many makeup products, especially heavier ones like foundation or concealer, can block your pores if not properly removed. This may lead to acne or blackheads over time (Zhao et al., 2021).

• Skin Sensitivities: Some products contain allergens, irritants, or harsh chemicals that can cause redness, irritation, or even long-term sensitivity (Lynn, 2020).

• Premature Aging: Sleeping in makeup or using products with drying ingredients can contribute to fine lines and dullness. Studies show that regular cleansing and minimizing product use help maintain a healthier skin barrier (Al-Niaimi & Chiang, 2017).

Natural appearance and well-maintained hair are often considered universally attractive because they signal health, vitality, and self-care. Hair that is clean, shiny, and well-groomed is often associated with youthfulness and vitality, which are traits commonly linked to beauty (Mesko & Bereczkei, 2004). Interestingly, studies have also shown that a more natural appearance can be viewed as more attractive than heavily made-up looks. For example, a study by Etcoff et al. (2011) found that participants rated women wearing less makeup as more likable and trustworthy compared to those with heavier makeup. This suggests that embracing a more natural look, focusing on glowing skin and polished hair, can not only enhance physical attractiveness but also positively influence how others perceive personality traits like authenticity and approachability.

Beauty Tip: Luscious Lashes Without Mascara

You don’t need mascara to make your lashes pop! For a natural yet polished look, grab your eyelash curler and a dab of Vaseline. Here's how:

• Warm Up Your Curler: Gently heat your eyelash curler with a blow dryer for a few seconds (test it on your hand first to avoid burns).

• Curl with Care: Place the curler at the base of your lashes and squeeze for a few seconds. Repeat at the mid-lengths and tips for a natural curl.

• Vaseline Magic: Use a clean spoolie or your fingertip to lightly coat your lashes with Vaseline. This will add a subtle shine, hold the curl, and give your lashes a naturally defined look. Bonus: It conditions your lashes, too!

  
  

• Beauty Tip: Polished Hair = A Polished Look Even without makeup, putting effort into your hair can leave a strong impression. Studies show that well-maintained hair communicates professionalism, attention to detail, and self-care (Nguyen et al., 2019). Whether it's styling your hair in loose waves, tying it back in a sleek ponytail, or simply ensuring it's clean and healthy, polished hair can instantly elevate your appearance and boost your confidence. A simple routine can go a long way:

  • Regular Trims: Keep split ends at bay to ensure your hair looks healthy and fresh.

  • Shine Boost: Use a lightweight serum or leave-in conditioner to enhance shine and smoothness.

  • Effortless Styles: Try easy hairstyles like a low bun, French braid, or sleek straightening to look put-together without much effort.

  
  

• The Benefits of Minimal Makeup Minimal makeup on a daily basis has its perks:

  • Healthier Skin: Letting your skin breathe gives it a break from potential irritants and allows it to rejuvenate naturally.

  • Time Saved: A simpler routine can free up time in your mornings, letting you focus on other aspects of self-care.

  • Authenticity: Showing up as yourself can be empowering and even inspire others to do the same.

  
  

  A Gentle Nudge for You If you’ve been thinking about cutting back on makeup, maybe this is your sign! Try starting small—skip foundation for a week or go bare-faced every other day. Reassure yourself that makeup is an option, not a necessity.

  This challenge isn’t about declaring makeup bad—it’s about loving yourself with or without it.

  
  

  References

  Al-Niaimi, F., & Chiang, H. (2017). The effect of skin care products on the skin barrier. Dermatology and Therapy, 7(2), 201-210. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-017-0174-1

  Etcoff, N., Smith, M. D., & Parsekar, S. S. (2011). Cosmetic use and self-esteem: The role of makeup in promoting women's physical attractiveness. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 33(5), 381-389. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2011.00666.x

  Fink, B., Grammer, K., & Matts, P. J. (2001). Physical attractiveness and health: The importance of facial symmetry and skin condition. Personality and Individual Differences, 31(5), 741-747. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0191-8869(00)00209-9

  Lynn, M. (2020). Effects of skincare ingredients on skin irritation and skin health. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 31(2), 169-175. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2020.1833726

  Mesko, B., & Bereczkei, T. (2004). Social perceptions of physical attractiveness. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 30(2), 118-128. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167203258756

  Zhao, X., Xie, L., & Zhang, H. (2021). Makeup and acne: An observational study of its effects on skin health. Dermatology Research and Practice, 2021, Article 4236142. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/4236142