Why I Decided To Stop Wearing Makeup

I made a decision to stop wearing makeup a couple of years ago. 

I have worn makeup most of my life, like most other women I imagine do.

Right before I stopped wearing it, I was getting really into it. I was contouring, blending, wearing ombre lips and stopping by the drugstore everyday on the way to work to just take a look at the makeup section. My Instagram was full of beauty experts and makeup tutorials.

I would text my sister pictures of my lipstick look for the day just to have someone besides the internet say, “wow, awesome!”

Then one day that all changed. Here’s why I decided to stop wearing makeup (most of the time).

Some History on Wearing Makeup

I’ve gone through phases of not wearing any makeup, and being really into makeup.

The being into makeup phases (besides the teenage fascination with makeup, of course) usually revolved around two things.

Dating and working.  New boyfriend?  Better go get some new makeup.  New job? Time for a makeover.

The working thing did it for me for a long time.  I  had a job where I visit customers pretty regularly, or I was in the office.  There was not a single day of that job that I didn’t have makeup on.

Right Before I Decided To Stop Wearing Makeup

I was really loving wearing it. Even considered it part of a self care routine. It made me feel great about myself. The act of putting it on was an artistic and creative expression. I could watch Instagram experts for hours learning new tricks and combos.

I was always careful with the makeup I wore (or so I thought) but things started to change.

I was driving home from work. My face was itchy and it was a hot day. I was *dying* to scratch my face. My eyes burned and watered. I was absolutely miserable.

I decided I didn’t want to do this anymore. That was the final moment I decided to stop wearing makeup altogether.

Getting Used to Not Wearing Makeup

Besides being part of my morning routine, I was just plain used to seeing myself in the mirror a certain way.  Getting used to not wearing makeup took some time.

While I  did like to mess around with makeup, I had a pretty set daily look that I usually wore.  It was strange to suddenly see someone els looking back at me in the mirror.

But a while after I decided to stop wearing makeup:

No makeup Melissa just became Melissa.

There was no comparison. No more comments. I got used to my face without it and started to think I looked good. My skin is healthier than ever and blemish free after years of battling.?

And people started to say things like,  “You don’t need makeup.” You look great without it.  “I *have* to wear it.”

How to Stop Wearing Makeup

If you’re like me, you only think you need makeup because you aren’t used to your own face without it.  Or because you went without it one day and people asked if you were feeling okay.  How could you  possibly stop wearing makeup?

When it comes down to how to stop wearing makeup, it can be hard to quit.

Here are a couple of tips:

• Stop wearing makeup over the weekend.  This gives you a couple of days to get used to it before you have to go to work.
• Do it in phases.  If you want to stop wearing makeup, but want some time to get used to it, start small.  Stop wearing eye makeup, then stop wearing blush, then stop wearing lipstick, then stop wearing foundation.  There!  You’ve stopped wearing makeup!
• Ignore the comments of others.  Look, people can be mean.  Ignore any comments you get about not wearing makeup, and this can be a hard thing to do!

It can be a huge change…but if you’re having skin problems or just want to try something new, try NOT wearing makeup instead of getting that new eyeshadow palette.

What Happens When You Stop Wearing Makeup?

Here’s a list of benefits you might experience if you stop wearing makeup. At least in my experience.

• You’ll save money. Makeup is expensive, especially if you are a collector or buy the newest pallets. I immediately started saving money.
• You’ll feel less stress. Makeup was the most time consuming part of my get ready routine. When I decided to stop wearing makeup I found I could be out the door in just minutes.
• Your face might clear up. My skin has never looked better besides the occasional eczema I get from dry skin. I never get breakouts anymore. I don’t need soap or special cleansers for my face.
• You might look younger. Some makeup actually ages the face. When it settles into your skin it might highlight the wrinkles you’re trying to hide.
• Your skincare routine will change. Your pores will shrink and you won’t need harsh soaps to remove makeup.
• You might have new appreciation for your hair. And some extra funds to spend the money maintaining it!

The No Makeup Challenge

I would like to challenge everyone to stop wearing makeup for two weeks and see what happens. How do you feel? What can you do with the extra time? Maybe you can meditate in the morning or sleep an extra thirty minutes.

My decision to stop wearing makeup brings me joy today. There are times where my self consciousness gets the better of me. But putting on makeup to please others will never fix that.

Wear makeup for YOU. And if you stop wearing makeup, do that for you, too.