It wasn’t until my early twenties that I started to experience acne. My skin was covered in pimples and I used makeup almost every day to help combat the embarrassment. I hated it. Makeup was time-consuming, messy, and usually made my acne worse. A couple of years ago, I decided to stop relying on makeup and go bare-faced, even on dates. Here’s how that decision impacts my dating life.
- I still feel pretty. I don’t need makeup to feel confident. Honestly, I think my face looks better without foundation and concealer. It’s smoother, clearer, and less oily. Plus, people actually like me bare-faced. Yes, you read that right. Guys still find me attractive and I still feel pretty without makeup. Can you believe it?!
- I’m Applauded For Being “Different.” I don’t usually tell my dates I’m not wearing makeup, but when I do, they think it’s so cool. They say I’m so “brave and original” for going out in public without makeup. I don’t necessarily like that. What’s brave about not pasting a load of makeup on my face? Why can’t I just be who I am?
- There’s No Sneaking Around. It used to take months for me to feel comfortable enough to show a guy my bare face. I’d have to sleep in my makeup and wake up early to retouch. It was insanely extra and time-consuming. Now, I can get a good night’s rest without waking up to smeared makeup on his bedroom sheets.
- They Either Like It Or They Don’t. Listen, if a guy doesn’t want to date me because I don’t wear makeup, that means they’re not my type, period. I don’t want someone who’s expecting perfection out of me 24/7. If they think poorly of me because I don’t dress up for them, then so be it.
- I’m The Simple Girl. Not wearing makeup makes me a little less concerned about my appearance as a whole. I’m not saying I look like trash when I leave the house. I just don’t spend hours focusing on my looks. I’ve become very low maintenance. But I’m still confident, which is what makes me comfortable being so low-key. I know my inner vibe shines through.
- I Don’t Judge based on Outer Appearances. The problem with makeup is very few guys take advantage of its powers. And yet, girls still expect them to look perfect. It’s unrealistic, which is why I try to ignore outer appearances. It’s not because I’m holier than thou, I just don’t want to be hypocritical. How can I judge his pimples when my face is filled with them?
- No One Seems To Notice. Maybe guys notice I’m not wearing makeup, but if they do, they don’t say anything. I’ve never been on a date where the guy said, “Oh, you’re not wearing makeup.” I don’t think it’s obvious and if it is, it’s never been a serious deal-breaker. The more time I spend bare face, the more I realize people don’t care whether or not I’m wearing makeup.
- I Feel Less Insecure. Not wearing makeup makes me feel secure and way more spontaneous. I’m not constantly wondering if he likes my lipstick color. And I don’t have to avoid outdoor dates because I’m afraid my eyeliner will smudge. I don’t want to sound dramatic, but rocking my natural state makes life so much easier.
- I’m Labeled A “Hippie.” It’s not just on dates, my co-workers and friends think I’m granola. Which is crazy, considering I don’t own a single pair of Birkenstocks. But to them, not wearing makeup means I’m apart of a subculture that enjoys walking around naked in the woods. When guys find out I don’t wear makeup, they assume I’m a free spirit (which I am, but I don’t love the assumption).
- When I Do Wear Makeup, It’s Known. Because it’s so rare, I’m really appreciated for the times I dress up and wear makeup. I like that. It makes me feel good when someone likes me bare-faced, but it’s also great when they realize, “Damn, she looks good ALL THE TIME.”
- It Leaves An Impression. If I can help shatter the “beauty means perfection” ideology, then I will. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with wearing makeup! Sometimes it can be nice to add a little something-something. But I don’t want to feel like I have to wear makeup to look good. And I don’t want guys to feel that way either.
