How to Go Make-Up-Less

The services of a makeup artist at
a fashion event for which I modeled in NYC.

Me with no make-up at Lily Inc's 1st photo

 shoot.

So you have been considering going without makeup. And why not? If you're happy and you know it, your face will surely show it! In the pics above, which Stacey looks more approachable? :)

But how to go without makeup, exactly? For years we have been tuned in to rhetoric on not going out without our "face." We see tabloid covers emblazoned with women in the public eye who dared to go out without makeup! I remember thinking for so long that I looked so bad without makeup simply because I was not used to seeing myself (or women in general) that way. Then, as I came to like who I was on the inside, I began to see how my internal character was written into the very contours of my face. I became delighted to stop masking it.

Going without makeup is actually quite easy! It starts with realizing a few cool things about your face:

1. It was created perfect from the start: Have you ever said of a baby, "That kid needs some eyeliner to make her eyes pop!" No, of course not. Children shine with the exuberance of life coursing through them, and so can you! Stop listening to/reading sources that tell you there's something wrong with you, because it's easy to internalize that even if it's not true. Even with spots and blemishes, that's just life. Isn't your face more than just a couple of spots that may or may not be visible? Doesn't it house your expressions and the very windows to your soul?

2. Your skin is an indicator of internal health, and it's in your best interest to take care of it from the inside out. You can just cover up what you don't like, but not only does it not make it go away; it also leaves potential health issues unchecked. If there's eczema, break outs, redness, etc., which have been linked to stress on internal organs, etc., find out what the problem is and solve it nutritionally.

Also be sure you're drinking water and getting enough produce, protein and carbs. Don't eat foods with preservatives and unnatural chemicals, which breaks down your body. Remember that health is about your body functioning properly, not about being thin. If you are healthy, your skin will be healthy as well.

 3. Age is a wonderful thing: Ok, maybe commercials don't say so, but that's only because they have a personal agenda that doesn't include your well-being. Silver hair, reserved only for the old and wise, is a sign of honor. Age is an opportunity to give life to others and to offer a perspective that your juniors don't have. So why hide this gift? Even as your skin wrinkles, your eyes and your smile grow more robust as your peace and joy increase. That, my friend, needs no enhancement!


So with these notions, feel free to leave out the makeup. Care for your skin by simply cleansing and moisturizing naturally if you need to, but don't mask or tweak the purity of your elegance. Going without make up will give you more time (and definitely more money!) to do things that matter to you.