Every day I refresh my instagram each hour, watching the number of pictures with astonishing effects rise. People show off their “DIY” creations or the infamous “selfies” we all know and love. As I secretly stalk my friend’s pictures, I notice a common trend: the pounds of makeup they love put on to not only attract more likes on the pictures, but also make them look more photogenic.
Then I look at younger girls, and these 10 year old girls already think black raccoon eyes is what makes them pretty. Did our generation forget the motto “It’s on the inside that counts”? We obviously did because even I’m guilty of never going out without my foundation and bronzer.
I can’t even remember the last time I went out in public without even a spec of foundation, or the slightest flick of a mascara brush. Is my self-confidence really that low that I can’t have anyone see me without a bunch of crap on my face? But then I realized I’m not the only one. It seems like every RBHS girl I see loves to share makeup tips and tricks to make us look our best.
Someone needed to step up to the plate, and tell everyone that it’s OK not to wear makeup, something so simple, but so frightening to think about at the same time. But before this, I needed to experience it for myself; so I let down my shield and came to school bare faced.
It’s no surprise that every girl has some sort of insecurity without makeup on. “My skin is so blotchy, my eyes are so small, I look like a boy, etc.” And I admit, some of these excuses come from me.
As I was getting ready for school that morning, I thought about wearing a hat so I could hide my face, but that would defeat the whole purpose of this challenge. So I put on my big girl pants, ditched the hat and braced myself for the weird looks I was expecting when walking into school.
My first hour, US Studies, which has approximately 60 people in the class, was what I was dreading most out of the whole day. I walked through the door and immediately my good friend came up and, half sarcastic and half smiling, said, “Oh, went with no makeup today, did ya?” She added a little side nudge and smile.
I started laughing because she’s seen me before with no makeup, so I wasn’t afraid to stand up to her. I told her why I rejected my eyeliner and she applauded me. She told me I was brave because she would never have the guts to do what I was doing, even for a day.
Throughout the day I realized coming to school without makeup has its positives. I could rub my eyes whenever I wanted, and I didn’t have to go to the bathroom three times a day to fix my eyeliner. Also, it was a lot easier than I expected. The few people who commented were those in my classes that I’ve talked to but don’t hang out with on a regular basis. Sweetly, they just told me I look good without makeup on. The more people who told me this, the more I felt good in my own skin.
Though it was unfamiliar to go a day being completely myself with no makeup, I know it’s not for everyone. I’m not even sure it’s for me. Now that I know what it feels like, I know it’s not my lack of self-confidence that makes me want to wear makeup every day. It’s the feeling I get when I pick out new products and the different colors and looks that you can create. It’s the “girlyness” aspect that I love when I get ready to go out at night with the sparkly eye shadow, rosy cheeks, and red lips that I adore.
The experience adjusted my view of my appearance and self-confidence, and I hope everyone gets to try it. Try not to care what anyone thinks for a day, and be yourself completely. You might find yourself along the way hiding under all of the makeup you had been wearing for so long.
