You're Not Beautiful if You Don't Wear Makeup

12.05.2013

FIRST OF ALL...
thanks to those of you who took my survey!
I have over ONE HUNDRED responses so far!
holy wowza.
I have no set end date for it (not yet anyway), so if you want to answer 9 easy questions and contribute to a forthcoming pie chart, go here.
Bonus: you will see an awesome picture of Jordan's crazy eyes. You're welcome.
Now back to today's post.
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As someone who loves taking pictures and looking at pictures and printing pictures, it has always bothered me when people, usually females, refuse to be in pictures. Usually what I hear is that they can't be in the picture because they don't look good. Why don't they look good? Because they aren't wearing makeup. "Don't take one of me right now!" they say, hiding their face. "I'm not wearing any makeup."

So then what you have are a bunch of pictures, and none of them are of you. It's as if you were never even there. All because you didn't want to show your face without a bit of mascara.

Before some of you start freaking out, let me be clear: I don't hate makeup. I wear makeup, and I like wearing it when I want to look especially nice or be fancy or professional for work or whathaveyou. I don't think makeup is the devil, and I'm not saying we should all look like homeless slobs. But I don't wear makeup all the time, and more importantly, I don't feel like I have to wear makeup. I even went to work last Friday with no makeup on at all. Mostly because I woke up late, and then I forgot.

I've seen bloggers post pictures and apologize for the way they look. "Sorry I look so terrible," they say. "I'm not wearing any makeup. I just got back from the gym." 

Um, aren't you supposed to look like crap when you get back from the gym? That's kind of the point. (Don't even get me started on girls who cake on the glittery eyeshadow to go running.)


Why do we think wearing makeup is what makes us beautiful? 

We should be proud of our natural look, and we should never apologize for not wearing makeup. Why can't we believe that we can look our best without makeup?

Of course, it's true. Sometimes I look better than others. Some pictures I like better than others. Sometimes I feel prettier than other times. I'm not brimming out my ears with self-confidence, and there are a lot of times I don't feel beautiful. In general, I think I have terrible skin, and I don't really like people touching my face or getting too close to it, Jordan included.

But I always take the opportunity to be in a picture, whether or not I'm wearing makeup.

If I'd been too scared to take a picture shortly after waking up, in my sweats with no makeup, I would have missed out on this photo gem last week when my grandma was visiting from Illinois for Thanksgiving:


I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one.
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Do you feel beautiful without makeup?
Do you jump in pictures or shy away from them?
Lauren @ Love is the Point said...

Wowzers - your skin is so flawless! Gorgeous!

Niken said...

i don't wear make-up. never. unless there is a function that i should attend to and require me to look decent a bit. then i'll put something on my face so i will look less pale. i'm not against women wearing make-up, but i hate it when it rules their life. i have cousins who refuse to get out of the house before they put their make-up on. i mean, FUCKING SERIOUS PEOPLE???? bleh.

i'm generally just shy being in the picture. but i never refuse to be in the picture just because i look bad/pale because i don't have make-up on my face. usually, it's just because i'm the one who takes pictures. and to be honest, in that occasion when i must wear make-up, i look to the mirror and i feel like that's not me. haha.

Amber Marie said...

Glitter eyeshadow for a run seems like a huge safety hazard. Sweat. Glitter in your eyeball. Instant blindness.
That makes no sense, man!

When I was a teenager and mostly through college, I hated going anywhere without makeup. I think mostly because my face was ALWAYS broken out from lack of sleep/poor diet/stress, stress, and more stress. My blemishes made me feel like a big walking pimple! It's weird how exercise plays into this topic because it was when I started to exercise (and eat better) that I became more comfortable without makeup. Probably because I knew better than to exercise with makeup on since that makes acne worse. And then the whole being unemployed thing…I have barely worn makeup the past few months because why waste it simply on a trip to the grocery store. Also, I switched to BareMinerals about a year or two ago. Yes, a little more pricey than the stuff at Wal-mart, but since I don't wear it everyday now I can afford it better, and since its so gentle on my skin I can continue to feel like I don't have to wear it all the time because I don't have as many breakouts to hide. Anyway, the point of all this is that I went through a transformation in the past few years (honestly it has been over the period of dating Chad, and I think it's because he makes me believe I'm pretty without makeup), and I can see the prettiness of my face with makeup but I also can see a natural beauty without it.

Jenna Griffin | Gold & Bloom said...

I love this topic! I did a study in college on how media affects women and the way we view ourselves. Media (movies, TV, magazines, social media) has made women believe, truly believe, that we have no worth unless we have the best makeup on. It's a shame. I definitely struggle with self image and when I have no makeup on, or feel fat, I refuse to be in photos. But then I see the photos on facebook and there is no trace of me sharing in the joy of the event. It's sad. :( So, I'm trying to do better and sometimes I prefer my messy, curly hair and fresh face with no makeup on. It just feels good! Besides, God is the one who crafted us, and he did a perfect job. I need to remind myself of that every day.

On a sad note, though...I've worn no makeup on two occasions to work and both times, countless people asked me if I was sick. :( That was definitely a bummer!

Jen@Almost Gypsy Soul said...

I'm also not a big makeup wearer....even to work....a bit of eyeshadow and mascara and I'm out the door. I know I've said those words, but it was when they were wanting a close up.....otherwise I agree....take the picture, you'll thank yourself later. Great post!

17 Perth said...

Okay so I love this topic today. First off--I don't like being in pictures. Lol. Don't hate me. I AM in them--but it has taken me a while to get comfortable in being in them. Why? It has nothing to do with makeup--I wear very little anyways....it just has to do with the fact that I am more comfortable behind the camera. It is where I love to be. BUT--with that said--you are so so right about missing out on opportunities and I realized that a few years ago.

I want the moments to be captured.

Also--can we talk about races when girls cake on makeup? I mean..the start is usually early--at least 7. I just don't have time to worry about that! lol. And I love the photos of before and after---groggy and sleepy (dark circles) and then after--sweaty and wide eyed. what's better!?

Michelle said...

This is such a nice post. I love that picture with your Grandma! Can I shrink you and put you in my pocket and whenever I need a self-esteem pep talk you'll pop out and give a little speech?

Courtney Rose said...

I have so much to say about this post, but I'll spare you! All I say is agreed, agreed, agreeeeed!!! :)

Unknown said...

I LOVE this so much!!!

Areeba said...

Oh I really don't like when someone says this. I usually don't wear make up, not even in casual weekend gatherings. I am a big sucker of taking selfies. When anyone does this, I seriously get pissed off! You must be grateful of having all 2 eyes, one nose & lips and must sit peacefully for a shot! Make doesn't make you beautiful, just polish you a bit!
Ahh I think it's enough hah!

Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often said...

I seriously hate having my pictures taken not because of makeup or anything but I never think they look like me. It is so flat and I look so different from picture to picture even if taken on the same day. I have tried to be more comfortable about it for blogging purposes but I will always prefer to be behind the camera.

Kate said...

I didn't start wearing make up until I was a senior in high school. We had it done for my senior pictures, and my mom insisted on buying everything the girl used on me. I think it was because she knew I would feel guilty enough about the money that I'd wear it. It worked.

I'll admit that I put on mascara before my half marathon. I even hid while I did it because I didn't want Michael to laugh at me. It's just the one thing I hate going without. I have such long eyelashes, that i've been told far too many times I look weird when I don't have it on. (working with teenagers sucks sometimes. they're so honest!)

But with all of that said, I still try not to ever wear a lot of make up. I want to still look like me with it on, ya know? And I get so so so so so so sad when I see middle schoolers wearing makeup. What happened to childhood?!

Christina @ The Murrayed Life said...

amen sista! I love having makeup on some days, just a little bit, but am actually usually too lazy to do it. I think it always feels like a luxury to me to make the time, and it does kickstart productivity, but not being in pictures because I don't have it on?! no sirreee!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, totally guilty of this. I think that I wouldn't care so much if I knew these pictures wouldn't show up social media. If they were a picture that would stay within my family, that's fine. I would have to say that I rarely feel "beautiful." Presentable or "pretty" maybe, if I'm having a good day. I do have to say, I've been going out more without makeup on because I'm starting to relax a little. I think I get it from my mom she WOULD NEVER leave the house without a little makeup. Thanks mom! hahaha

Rachel Sedaker said...

I'm with you on this. I was never cool, so I did not wear makeup as a teenager, unless there was a dance or a play I was in. For the longest time, I never felt comfortable in makeup- I was afraid people would stare at me and point out that I was wearing makeup. I didn't really start wearing it until I started working a real grown-up job, and even then, I'm too lazy half the time to put it on. I value sleep far more than I value a put-together look. So I have plenty of makeup-less pics, and I wish more women were okay with that. Besides, when you're looking at pictures of people you care about, you're not thinking how ugly they look without makeup- you're thinking how happy they look, or remembering fun times. I'm so with you on this.

Unknown said...

make up is overrated. well, I do feel better about myself with a bit of mascara and a tiny bit of blush honestly but besides that I say no way. I once hated being in photos without make up but I've (recently) learned to embrace it.

Anonymous said...

By jump in do you mean photo bomb or actually be invited? Hahahaha just kidding I do both!

I did a post about me with and without make up including pictures, my determination was that make up makes me FEEL better about me but it doesn't necessarily make me look that much different.

Ashley said...

Awesome post. I'm in college, so I still have to fight with the last few traces of teenage acne, but when that's not driving me insane, I feel pretty enough without makeup to leave the house. As for pictures... I'm not photogenic at all (with or without makeup) so I prefer to be behind the camera if at all possible. Lol. :)

Anonymous said...

I am one of those who rarely wears makeup. Not that I'm against it, I just don't feel the need to wear it. Chapstick is about all I have on many days. And heck, I'm not even really good at putting it on, so I figure why stress. I'll wear it if we're going out for something, or if its a special event, but even that is some cover up under the eyes, mascara, and eye shadow (if I remember it). Plus, the field I'm in, makeup is not always needed. I'm outside in the weather, inside, may have to wrastle with someone, makeup not needed. Some think I should since there aren't many girls, but eh. People just see the uniform anyways, and probably wouldn't even notice if I was wearing makeup or not.

I also will jump in for any picture, because, like you, I figure if its an event worth pictures being taken, why would you want to "not be there" for them?

Katy

From Foothills to Fog said...

This is such a great post! Using that photo with your Grandma was the perfect example of why we shouldn't be so worried about this. With all the images online, women are bombarded with perfection and the pressure to look just so. But you're right, we need to feel beautiful for who we are, not what we look like. I really liked this post! Something to think about for sure :)

Curly Pink Runner said...

so no, I'm not terribly fond of my face sans makeup, but I won't put my life on hold because my face isn't 'camera-ready'. as a child I was taught that beauty is from within, and I believe it, so I'll take my stark naked face splitting with a grin over a perfectly painted grimace any day. :)

Anonymous said...

My skin is horrible so I NEED makeup!

LeAnna said...

Well I think you know how I feel about this.

What IS that stuff on your eye balls?!

;)

Stacia, Paper Swallow Events said...

You go girl! I may not love all the pictures of me without makeup, but I don't love all the ones of me in makeup either. I just take a photo and then at least there's proof that I was there and I can capture the memory again later.

Jamie said...

I rarely go out in public without mascara, but I've been known to participate in photos anyway. I have a whole blog post of photos of me on the beach one morning with crazy dirty messy hair and glasses and no makeup but 1. it was vacation and 2. I had a blast taking silly photos with my friends. I'd rather take photos and decide later if I don't want to share it, rather than not have a photo at all. I've also found that unless you wear a lot of makeup normally [or have really light eyelashes] most people don't notice whether you're wearing it or not.

Raige Creations said...

I used to wear makeup all the time. Now? Just a dab of cover up to hide the bags that are ALWAYS there, and it doesn't hide them really, just takes the focus off a little. Then some brown eye liner, to accentuate my brown eyes. Take all of 60 seconds, and all I have to do is wash my face at the end of the day, no makeup remover gook. I can't stand foundation, too heavy, powder wears off too fast, what's the point? I show my flawed and increasingly freckled face all the time. (I don't mean cute freckles either, the age kind....) I would much rather be comfortalble than all goo-ed up. I always take time for the eye tho.

The Lady Okie said...

Thanks so much for saying that! I actually think I have terrible skin, and I'm really self-conscious about it. But I think I've been trying to embrace my natural look more. Hence the post, as it's been something I've been thinking about lately.

The Lady Okie said...

Ha! I love that. Instant blindness. Seriously, though! Thanks for the comment. I love what you said about Chad making you believe you are pretty without makeup. Jordan does the same to me, and I think that's awesome to find a guy who builds you up in that way. Thanks for the comment!

The Lady Okie said...

I definitely do not have this problem, but I totally get that!

The Lady Okie said...

That's a good point. Sometimes when I'm feeling really bummed out or self-conscious, makeup does make me feel more put together.

The Lady Okie said...

I do wear chapstick all the time! And I love the Buxom lip gloss. It's expensive, but that's probably my most-used "makeup" (if you can call lip gloss makeup!).

The Lady Okie said...

That's good you have a system down! I hate that makeup remover. Another reason I don't like wearing makeup!

Saxon @ Lets Drink Coffee, Darling said...

I'm like you - I like wearing makeup and if I know ahead of time that I'll be taking pictures, I'll try to make sure I fix myself up a little bit, but I'm not going to miss out on picture opportunities because I don't want to be seen a certain way. The memories of being there will be so much more important than whether or not your complexion is flawless! I've tried to stop wearing foundation or anything besides eye makeup because I'm 23 and still dealing with acne issues. I try not to give my skinany more reasons to break out. lol

Claire@MyDevising said...

I am almost completely anti-makeup for anyone and everyone. :) I'd say 95% of the time, I wear nothing and when I DO put it on for special occasions, it's only mascara. I just love/prefer the natural look more on people!

Erika from America said...

Now that I am in grad school, I really don't wear makeup often at all. I wear it the way you do -- to up my look, get a little fancy, for presentations or whatever. When I do wear makeup, I feel great -- but that's because I feel like it's enhancing certain features. That said, I am not afraid to walk out my house or go places without it on. And I have a wonderful boyfriend who doesn't really care either way, so yay! I like it, but like you said, I won't stay shut-in if I don't have it on. :)

--Erika
http://www.chimerikal.com

Erin LFF said...

What an awesome post, friend! I was just telling Jared the other day that's it not fair that guys don't "have" to wear makeup, and if girls don't we get comments like 'you look tired, are you sick?' etc. While I don't wear a TON, I do feel totally naked if I don't have at least a couple swipes of mascara on.

Rachel said...

I'm so the person to jump into pictures, and I do think it's very sad when women and girls feel that makeup is such a part of them that they can't be seen without it. I really saw the dangers of makeup when I was in beauty school--18 and 19 year old girls who didn't even feel comfortable being seen by their own families and friends in their own skin--I hate that! For that very reason I often go without makeup purposely--I want to be an example to others that hey, makeup can be fun and all, but it's a good thing to not be tied to it!

Betsy said...

AH have you read this? it was making the rounds a while ago. I think you'll like it :)

http://myfriendteresablog.com/so-youre-feeling-too-fat-to-be-photographed/

Anonymous said...

I dive right into pictures even if I'm looking less than, um, photogenic. That's how I look in REAL LIFE and if people can tolerate being around me in REAL LIFE, every. single. day., and not run away screaming, then who cares if a snapshot captures the moment?

Preach it.

-Amy

Cece @Mahogany Drive said...

I just spent a week in Maui with our DSLR camera (and my husband) and not a stitch of make up. I briefly thought that my pictures might look better with some make up but I couldn't bring myself to put any on the whole time. I'm not the biggest fan of make up. It may enhance my appearance but 8/10 I don't want to be bothered with it.

Tamara said...

I wear makeup nearly every day. I'm kind of a junkie, I mean, this mauve is not the same shade as that mauve so obviously I need both. With that said, I also don't shy away from pictures whenever I happen to not be wearing any (or wearing only a little, like just mascara). I read a blog post (or article, not sure which) a few years ago that talked about learning to love yourself enough to be photographed because the people you love who will cherish the photo of you when you were 22 and you're no longer here, won't notice that you have an extra chin roll or a zit by your nose. They're just going to see someone they miss and love.
Once I had my daughter I realized that first year (I was so self conscious regarding my wieght) that I had practically NO pictures of myself and I just couldn't allow that. I don't have a lot of photos of my mother at my age now but th eones I do, I cherish. So, I made a conscious effort to just let it go and be in pictures and let people tag shitty pictures of me on facebook or instagram or twitter or wherever. Because those photos are me and I shouldn't be ashamed. It's also helped me embrace my crappy race photo pictures.
I've learned to love being IN the memory instead of being around it. It took a while, but I'm grateful for taking that article to heart (I wish I could find it!)

Megan said...

I love this post! I actually don't ever wear make-up, barring special events like holiday parties or job interviews. And I really mean no make-up: no foundation, no mascara, nothing! Just chapstick for about 29 or 30 days of every month. Then, when I do wear make-up for special events, I automatically feel fancier haha. Although I do admit - I will wear make-up when I know I'll be taking lots of photos. ;) So I guess I am guilty of this perception!

Unknown said...

This is very encouraging! Thanks for writing it. One thing does confuse me though...I just read your '5 posts I won't read' and at the end you said
"posts about makeup. Why? Because it reminds me that I have looked like a homeless person all summer long, and posts about makeup just remind me that there are pretty people in the world who own more than one color of eyeshadow."

Doesn't sound like the same you that wrote this article here.

Unknown said...

I am not saying this to be mean! Just wanted to let you know :)
You are really beautiful. I am encouraged to go makeup-less more now. Society's pressure is hard though. :P

The Lady Okie said...

I don't think you're being mean at all :) Actually, you make a really great point. Something I never thought about. I guess the difference is that I was going for more funny in the 5 posts and serious in this one, so I wrote those with a different tone in mind. However, I think there's probably some truth to what I said about pretty people, and I should probably take my own words to heart here about being beautiful without makeup. Because you're right: society does make it difficult to be confident without all of that stuff. Anyway, thanks for the comment! And for challenging me and making me think about what I say and write :)

Betty C said...

Many, many moons ago when I was in school I didn't wear makeup one day. Several people asked if I was being pledged because that was one of the requirements - no makeup. Well, was interesting because I was probably the last person who would ever be pledged!!
I did wear makeup off and on but not religiously. Then I found that I was sensitive to many brands and that slowed down the use of makeup. Now I only wear makeup if it's a very special occasion like a wedding (even then I don't go all out).
I don't know if people think I'm attractive without it because it doesn't really matter to me.

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