I've been contemplating for a while now on which #aesthetic is better: to wear makeup or to go without. Depending on your situation (when it comes to the condition of your skin) you may be either for or against. Personally, my skin isn't in poor condition, but there are some areas where my skin is darker/lighter and I have some acne scars (that I always pray look like freckles when I'm not wearing makeup). Everyone is striving for "perfect skin" and it can be overwhelming when it comes to finding the right product to use because every brand touts that they have the best! When I had a lot of acne scars plaguing my forehead and cheeks I felt very insecure about stepping outside without foundation on. If I did step into the world without my "game face" then I wore large sunglasses at an attempt to hide from others. At the end of 2015 I began to use ProActive and after a month of faithfully using their product I began to notice results. When it came to clearing my skin from acne scars it did the trick, but my skin tone remained uneven. Nonetheless, I felt like I was liberated from having to wear foundation and I felt confident to show my face without a stitch of makeup. Applying foundation, to me, can be complicated at times. There are so many techniques to choose from and the main objective is to make sure that you have a flawless application that covers your face perfectly. To accomplish this requires the wearer to apply layers upon layers of foundation to cover imperfections. I have tried to watch YouTubers "How-To" videos on applying foundation and which tools to use such as brushes and sponges, but I guess I don't have the patience to try to figure it out for myself.
My desire was to find a method that was easy to apply and isn't time consuming. Lately, I have been using Maybelline's "Fit Me" products (liquid matte foundation, loose powder, press powder) as my go-to's. If I will be auditioning or going to some kind of an event then I use the liquid foundation as my base and set it with the loose powder using my kabuki brush by e.l.f. If I'm going to the store, the cafe to do some writing, or out to eat then I will apply my press powder foundation for a "no makeup-makeup" look. When I am simply running errands or staying in the house then I leave my face bare; only applying "shine control" powder to my face to keep my oily skin at bay.
For a moment, I thought that I wanted to go "makeup-free" forever or at least "foundation-free" but I had to be honest with myself: make up is fun! Trying out new products and getting my face ready (especially for an event) makes me feel like a girly-girl! I like seeing the finished product with eye shadow, mascara, lipstick, the works. Sometimes I can get really into it and then there are times when I don't want to go through the motions of applying primer, then concealer, then liquid foundation, and etc.
I say all of this because I've noticed that the conversation tends to be either one or the other. You have women who protest wearing makeup in general expressing that they will never wear it again and then on the opposite side of the spectrum you have women who can't go a day without it (even if they're staying in)! No one has really made a statement about finding a balance that works for them. Until now. Makeup is about enhancing our natural beauty and isn't suppose to be about shape-shifting your features to look like a completely different person. Wearing products on your face EVERYDAY clogs your pores and makes them bigger. This allows dirt to stay trapped in your skin after you remove the products and wash your face; leading to unwanted pimples, bumps, and blackheads. Your skin needs to be able to breathe now and again (not just when you're sleeping). Yet, if you want to look your best for work, a date, or a special moment then applying makeup should be your call and yours alone. Reading articles on not wearing makeup/wearing makeup paints the picture of one being better than the other. If you don't wear makeup then your wiser because your more conscious of your skin and if you do wear makeup then you're superior because you look more attractive/desirable.
We should feel beautiful regardless and not have to succumb to the pressures of completely going without or wearing it all the time. The choice is yours and you must do what works for you. If you believe that you are attractive then others will be able to pick up on this. It's a state-of-mind! I believe that #swag goes a long way. People know a confident person when they see one; being someone who can "own it" regardless of how they're dressed or what is (or isn't) applied to their face. We all should try our best to take care of our skin. The more you care for your skin then the better it will be in the long run as you get older. Finding a healthy balance that works for you is what's most important. When it comes to my #aesthetic I am focused on clearing up my skin in order to get to a place where I can go completely without foundation; wearing some makeup at times such as mascara, liquid liner, and/or lipstick (when I feel like it).
Below are some links to articles I've found of interest for your consideration as well as links to a couple of my past posts on being "foundation-free" and my "e.l.f makeup haul":
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/18/fashion/weddings/no-makeup-on-my-wedding-day.html
https://www.bustle.com/articles/137940-i-didnt-wear-makeup-for-two-weeks-this-is-what-happened-photos
https://mariahfranklin19.wixsite.com/aesthetic/my-aesthetic/freedom-from-foundation
https://mariahfranklin19.wixsite.com/aesthetic/my-aesthetic/eyes-lips-face-mynewfav
Also be sure to checkout my "Do-It-Yourself Aesthetics" section for posts on #diys that are natural (and affordable) ways to treat your skin!
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