I remember waking up at 6:30 AM every Monday through Friday of high school so I could lather eight pounds of makeup on my face. Now, as a college student, I roll out of my extra long twin size bed, grab my backpack, and sprint out the door in my pajamas never leaving any more than ten minutes to get to class. Some people wake up early, peer deep into the depths of their wardrobe, and find the perfect outfit to make a statement. Some people wake up early and study their notes or finish homework assignments. Some people don’t wake up, stuck in bed binge watching Grey’s Anatomy for hours (I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t done this before). It’s obvious everyone has different daily routines, but what seems to connect most people’s everyday lives is what’s seen on Instagram, Twitter, television, magazines,
EVERYWHERE.
We live in a world where Photoshop modifies and perfects everything around us. We see Kim Kardashian’s PERFECTLY contoured face all over Instagram and on the covers of magazines one day while the next we see body shaming headlines and shocked tabloid journalists degrading Hollywood’s most famous for not wearing any makeup at all. When we see articles humiliating our idols and calling them ugly for not wanting to spend 30 minutes and hundreds of dollars painting their faces with chemicals, we start to apply the situation to ourselves. But what’s so wrong with allowing your pores to breathe in public? Is it so bad to want to feel pretty without wearing a full-blown smokey?
Thankfully there are some celebrities that are taking a stand and embracing their natural beauty. Demi Lovato recently took part in a nude, untouched, makeup-less photo shoot for Vanity Fair. As it is super uncommon for people in the spotlight to do such a thing, it came as a shock…but a good one. We’re finally beginning to see a world in which makeup is no longer a necessity. Here are 5 reasons why you should learn from Demi and embrace your natural beauty:
1. Your blemishes need to breath.
I know the feeling, the day of an important event and a huge zit pops up in the middle of your face. Great. Immediately, our urge is to to hide these unavoidable imperfections, but the truth is, covering your blemishes won’t fix them. Covering your acne can cause even more. If you don’t feel comfortable not wearing makeup in public, try going without it while at home. This will give your acne the chance to heal itself and you’ll still be able to wear makeup when leaving the house.
2. Beauty takes time, and ain’t nobody got time for that.
Seriously, makeup can take hours. Why waste time applying the perfect cat eye, when you could spend that time finishing the math homework you forgot about? Not to mention the amount of time we spend in Sephora and Target looking for the PERFECT mascara. Deciding to go without makeup can save valuable hours in this fast-paced world.
3. SO. MANY. CHEMICALS.
There is an absurd amount of unhealthy chemicals that we plaster on our faces. Seriously, there are cancer-causing chemicals in your mascara, lipstick, shampoo, and even your sunscreen (which, might I add, is supposed to help you AVOID cancer). We spend so much time using these harmful products hoping to increase our appearance, when in the long run it could end up hurting us. If you are curious as to some of these harmful chemicals, safecosmetics.org offers a list of what you should be looking for.
4. Animal testing.
Many of the companies we buy, test their products on animals. And many of them are large brand names like, CoverGirl, MAC, and Mary Kay. These tests poison, blind, and kill innocent animals, and even after an animal is injured like that, the product can still end up on your vanity table. Peta, an organization against animal cruelty, offers alternatives to these bunny hating companies and provide a list of cosmetics that are cruelty-free. Think of this adorable furry baby bunny before the next time you want apply some eyeliner.
5. You’ll start to love your natural beauty.
Saving the most important for last. If you start wearing less makeup more often, eventually you (and everyone else) will get used to what’s in the mirror. During her interview with Vanity Fair, Demi stated, “When I think of confidence I think of many things, but one thing in particular is feeling comfortable in your own skin.” Ladies, let’s all take a note from Demi and get comfortable and confident with our individual beauty.
The best part is, Demi Lovato isn’t the only celebrity making a stand and going without makeup. Emma Watson went without makeup for Vogue UK’s 2015 September issue and Shailene Woodley is often seen au naturel. PLUS Vanity Fair itself has been a huge supporter in promoting positive self-esteem. Back in June they shared Caitlyn Jenner’s story and transformation to the world, empowering others to be their true self. So try your best to ignore all the ridicule and make a difference. Set aside the concealer and put away the eyeliner, it’s time to embrace the natural beauty we were all given. I promise it’s worth it.
Featured Image via Vanity Fair.
She’s such an inspiration in so many ways!