How to Love Yourself Without Makeup

By Catherine Santino 

Women have been wearing makeup for centuries. It is such an old tradition and has become such an expected practice that the sight of a bare-faced women with under eye circles or (God-forbid) a few blemishes is enough to provoke a reaction from those around them. Personally, whenever I go without makeup, I can be sure that at least a handful of people will ask me “Are you okay?” or “Are you sick?” We are simply not used to seeing women’s faces in their natural state. We’ve become socialized to expect smooth skin, fluttery eyelashes, and flushed cheeks. 

But, the reality of the situation is, we aren’t perfect. Spots and discoloration and dark circles are real and we have to start admitting that to ourselves. I think this is one of the biggest steps we can take towards self-love. Our worth is not derived from our appearance; we are so much more than that. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to look our best or be the prettiest girl in the room, but at the end of the day that is not what’s important. Once you start to realize and cultivate the personality traits that make you uniquely you, you will begin to love yourself with or without makeup. 

Celebrities with very little makeup, Angelina Jolie (left), Marilyn Monroe (center) and Penelope cruz (right)

A lot of the blame for our society’s obsession with appearance rests on the media. Shows like The Fashion Police that nit-pick every aspect of a celebrity’s red carpet look, to the many “celebrities without makeup” articles that cause a lack of makeup to appear as a fault of the person who chose to go without it show how superficial we have become. 

Club Fashionista girl, Amra B., without makeup

My advice to you would be to tune out these negative messages. It is difficult to do this when we are constantly surrounded by it, but if we stop giving this kind of media the attention it’s begging for, it will eventually (hopefully) be a thing of the past. 

Club Fashionista girl, Elma B., without makeup 

I love makeup. I have a great appreciation for the artistry of it, and I enjoy using it in my everyday life. But at the same time, I’m not afraid to run errands without any makeup on a day when I am too busy or lazy for it, or of my friends seeing me without any on. It’s not a necessity, it’s just an enhancement. 

Ultimately, the amount of makeup you choose to put on your face is entirely up to you. But feeling pressured to wear it 24/7 for fear of being ridiculed or judged by those around you is when it becomes a dangerous thing. You are more than your appearance, and you should love yourself for what makes you you.