Makeup Give Up

alpinepunch2021 · 2022-03-10T20:40:06+00:00

I never wear makeup - not to parties, formal events, work, on special occasions etc. I also stopped removing any body hair five years ago. For what it's worth, nobody ever commented on it (not even men), I had no issues getting the jobs/positions I was gunning for, and I had no issues meeting or dating men either. Basically, if a man doesn't have to do it and I've noticed no appreciable negative consequences, then why would I?

notochord · 2022-03-10T18:28:53+00:00

Nice! I agree that good health and skincare do all the work for having a fresh face and nice appearance. Too much of what’s simply normal human experience is erased/demonized in women. We DONT “expire” after 18/25/30/whatever. Save your precious time and ditch the makeup.

atreegrowsinbrixton · 2022-03-10T20:32:43+00:00

scream it out loud queen!!!! i had the same realization over quarantine. i take care of my skin, but who am i wearing makeup for when i hate the process of putting it on, taking it off, and i hate the way it feels? i noticed one day at my old job, i was putting time into doing my makeup every day because i felt insecure without it, but i looked around and realized so many women were not wearing makeup and looked good, and i didn't think they were ugly without makeup. why did i think that about myself? and men don't spend money or time on makeup and no one criticizes them for that. why would i force myself to do this if i am not benefitting from it at all? this applies to so many things. if men don't feel the need to do it, why should i? for what? just another way to put less money in my pocket so beauty companies can profit off of our insecurities. no thanks

PigeonCities · 2022-03-10T21:30:46+00:00

Just wanted to hop in and say that I love how everyone is embracing their natural features. The makeup industry and co. bombards us with messages to tell us that we’re unworthy to exist naturally from a very young age. Every woman fighting years of indoctrination and taking a stand to say “fuck you, I am worthy of respect just by virtue of existing and I don’t owe anyone ‘prettiness’” is a fucking badass. So honoured to grow with y’all 😭🥰🥰

shelballama · 2022-03-10T18:12:30+00:00

That and makeup is not great for the skin, you're doing yourself a favor. I hope we start trending this way

Suitable_Echo_6380 · 2022-03-10T18:11:32+00:00

Yes!! Women are gorgeous just how we are. I’ve been wracking my brain as to why we try so hard to live up to such unrealistic beauty standards when men have been ugly the whole time!

Star-Crossed-Girl · 2022-03-10T20:32:19+00:00

I gave makeup up almost 5 years ago when I started to look at my inner beauty and the obsession surrounding makeup and how we are told to wear it to look more professional or just more pleasing in general, but then still mocked for however we choose to wear it. Also a nice easy way to be more environmentally friendly.

all_or_nothing_bet · 2022-03-10T19:15:21+00:00

Me and all my friends have been mostly make up free for years. We do wear it sometimes for an occasion, but that's it. I can't be bothered with it anymore.

Lost_Kale90 · 2022-03-10T20:09:28+00:00

Yes! There's much more I'd rather do than paint my face everyday. Lol.

ceramicunicorn · 2022-03-10T18:23:12+00:00

Not doing it myself, but here to say I respect your choice. However, I have abandoned the expensive, purely aesthetic beauty treatments that do not serve to financially/professionally pay off for me in some way, in favor of using that money to invest in my future (as I do not work in beauty/real estate etc. where it would be applicable, there are far more profitable investments I can make to level up professionally than, say, keratin treatments), so this post is somewhat relatable.

ETA: have also ditched heels over 3 inches. It’s just not healthy for the lower body at all.

denimbastard · 2022-03-11T00:49:52+00:00

I wear makeup like I wear sequins. If I want to be flamboyant and fun. No other reason. 99% of the time I'm jeans and t-shirt with my hair brushed out of my face. I love getting glammed up but no way I have any time or energy to spend on all that every single day.

Equipoisonous · 2022-03-10T18:40:16+00:00

I've switched to just using a very lightweight tinted moisturizer. I'm not sure I can give that up. But after dealing with terrible acne in high school, and never feeling comfortable without lots of powdered makeup, I think it's still a big win for me to be this minimal now!

Quirky_Confusion_235 · 2022-03-10T18:23:49+00:00

I have a love/hate relationship with makeup. On one hand, it’s so much fun! But on the other hand, I hate how it feels on my skin. It tends to block my pores too and cause breakouts which I don’t like.

I only wear it when I want to, which is maybe once or twice a week at most. And I’ve definitely gone multiple weeks without it too. As an adult, I get a few comments here and there but not often. My work is very diverse with many women opting to not wear makeup while others do. People are so used to my bare face I don’t think it registers with them or they simply don’t care.

And when I do wear it, I opt for really minimal stuff like tinted spf and tinted chapstick. Maybe blush and eyebrow gel if I’m feeling fancy. I use pimple patches now instead of concealer and that alone has helped my skin so much.

We all break out, have scars, freckles, etc. and I am not ashamed.

But I also see nothing wrong with wanting to wear it everyday if you like it. Some friends have told me it’s almost like a morning ritual for them to help start the day. My ritual is just getting a bit more sleep haha.

lolmemberberries · 2022-03-11T00:31:58+00:00

I stopped wearing it when quarantine hit because I had to wear a mask at work and I didn't see the point of putting on my pretty highlighters and blushes if I couldn't show them off. When I saw how good my skin started looking and how much more comfortable I was with myself, I was hooked and I barely ever wear makeup anymore (I still like a little sparkle every now and then).

Biracial_tooth_fairy · 2022-03-10T20:14:17+00:00

Sis, yes. For me, makeup is for dates and other special events. Most guys don't earn the pleasure of seeing me that dressed up anyways.

clithoodwink · 2022-03-10T22:24:54+00:00

Every time this topic comes up, I see quite a few women get triggered. Of course, the choice to wear make up is each individual woman’s decisions. However, as much as we may hate it, the personal IS political, and while it absolutely should not be a judge of character whether a woman wears make up or not, it IS a statement, and one that benefits women as a whole to try to disengage or minimize our engagement with.

I mean, ladies it’s a multi-billion dollar industry (owned mostly by men) that feeds off of and enforces our insecurities. Those are the facts. It’s a beautiful thing when a sister who feels trapped in that is able to break free.

liminalgrocerystores · 2022-03-10T23:36:20+00:00

My mental health is soo much better since I stopped wearing makeup. And my wallet is happier and my skin is happier, so many benefits and absolutely no drawbacks

AphoticEnigma_ · 2022-03-11T01:46:00+00:00

I’m glad for this :)

I hope natural hair can also be embraced too, I’ve always gone without makeup but I’ve felt the pressure to style my curly/wavy hair rather than just leave it be

itsirrelevant · 2022-03-10T21:43:55+00:00

I would totally stop wearing makeup if my lashes were dark and visible rather than short sparse and hardly pigmented, my skin was pigmented enough to not be translucent exposing all my blue veins and red capillaries (I have multiple times been asked by concerned acquaintances whether I'm being hurt at home due to the severe massive uneven blue veins under my eyes) and if my brows were more than a few dirty blonde sprigs scattered above my eyes (again repeatedly asked why I plucked all my brows, when I was one of the only girls drawing them in back in the day since they were so minimal even then they were too small)

With enough pigment to camouflage my circulatory system and the desired female facial hair? I look great! Hot even. But my genetics do not make it so. I use less and less makeup over time but for those of us lacking melanin and hair to the point I am it's never going to look good. I can tan, although it fades very quickly, but it's so damaging to the skin that the amount needed is not worth it.

I'm happy makeup is becoming less of a necessity, but damn I am one of those that really do benefit from it.

Of course looks don't mean everything but seeing myself with those "normal" attributes most take for granted made me realize the structure of my face really isn't hideous, it's just hidden, which puts me in a very unsettling position regarding makeup. I hate that women are expected to change themselves so much, but without it I really do not look normal.

Carneliancat · 2022-03-10T18:45:50+00:00

My makeup routine has been slimmed down to a bit of under-eye concealer, a bit of brow gel, and a good red lipstick. I love a good red power lip. It makes men uneasy.

ironglaciers · 2022-03-10T23:35:08+00:00

I like wearing eye makeup because I like eyeshadow. It is fun for me. But I would love to get my skin looking better to ditch the concealer altogether. Working on it!

The_Cat_Empress · 2022-03-10T19:57:32+00:00

Hell yeah sister!!

A good face wash, some moisturizer and essential oils makes me feel f r e s h.

I hope more women go for a minimal makeup routine or take “face breaks.” Your skin a giant organ and soaks that stuff up. Not good!

Mcccy · 2022-03-10T19:30:50+00:00

You really don't need it, you'll thank yourself you stopped.

I started home LED light treatments to fix my skin problems and now 2 years later my skin is completely flawless.

The only makeup I'll wear are lip stuff tho cause the pale lips my iron deficiency gives me

Meredeen · 2022-03-10T22:13:20+00:00

I just paint my nails now, it's all about doing what makes you feel nice 💅

millions_ofpeachs4me · 2022-03-10T19:14:01+00:00

As long as you don’t start calling women who use makeup “pickmeisha,” you do you.

thelittlegirlblue · 2022-03-10T21:50:55+00:00

I personally love makeup. But I like it for me and no male gaze. And I fully support any woman who chooses to not wear makeup. As long as we are doing it for us it’s a positive in my books

NoodleEmpress · 2022-03-10T21:52:47+00:00

So, I'm not demonizing your decision OP, I just want to pipe in after reading some of these comments to say that people should be wearing things like makeup, lingerie, sexy clothes for themselves anyway.

I mean, if you have a partner and you want to feel sexy for him and yourself then great. More power to you, but women/girls should never be pushed to buy and do all of this shit to attract men when the lot of them can't even find it in themselves to bathe or practice good hygiene in general.

If you stop wearing it for yourself, like OP here, that's awesome. But I discourage casting makeup as something that's used for Male attraction or something that's required.

Wear makeup because you looked in the mirror and fell in love with yourself and your artistic abilities.

Wear that lingerie because you looked in the mirror and fell in love with yourself

And again, no shade or attacks on you OP. I know what you meant, I'm not being obtuse. But in the effort of detaching men from their center and focus in life, many women tend to attach things to men that should be attached to them no longer. Make up doesn't have to be war paint, but it c out old be... regular paint. That you would use to paint beautiful colors on your canvas (your face).

It sounds corny, but I guarantee for a lot of, when you start doing things for yourself, you'll find yourselves to be much happier in life.

*Disclaimer: I don't even wear makeup either lol, sensory issues and such.

myheartisfulloflove · 2022-03-11T00:07:48+00:00

I made the mistake months ago with buying makeup. It's organic and whatever, so I feel safe using them, but now I'm back to being critical against makeup again, and it sucks that I have a lot of it leftover to finish. I brought mineral liquid and a pencil eyeliner, mascara, a brow gel, and lipstick. Nothing I can do but use it up and just don't ever do it again, lmao.

But I agree. Eating healthy, exercising, decent skin care, sunblock, basic hygiene, making better fashion choices, taking care and of and styling my hair since it frames my face, and so on, can make a dramatic difference without the war paint.

Makeup in general is quite expensive. The cheaper ones are fine and all, but still, it's so much minutes and energy wasted that can be put into better use of our time. Lots of cosmetics have questionable ingredients that can be toxic to us and the environment. It tells us that we aren't worth living as women unless we practice femininity perfectly all the time.

FUBARfromLSA · 2022-03-10T18:46:46+00:00

Nope, I love makeup, am a MUA and will wear it every day, all day.

But you do you.

chinchaslyth · 2022-03-10T18:49:22+00:00

I just do moisturizer and sometimes I’ll do eyeliner and mascara. Sometimes just curl the lashes and mascara. Occasionally for a party I’ll put on blush.

It feels so good to be natural and let my skin breathe. Do what makes you feel happiest!

limeholdthecorona · 2022-03-10T18:14:11+00:00

I wear makeup to impress other women.

ferociouslycurious · 2022-03-10T19:44:44+00:00

I never thought makeup was fun. I wear eyeliner, mascara and lipstick maybe twice a year tops. And that’s IT.

bamboohobobundles · 2022-03-10T21:07:25+00:00

I stopped wearing foundation quite some time ago, although I do wear a tinted moisturizer once in a while. It's not because I want to look "pretty", it's mostly because I have some health issues and sometimes look kinda rough (my skin is basically translucent and you can see every vein in my face and chest, and I get very deep dark circles under my eyes). If I am attending a work meeting or going to an event where there will be pictures, I like to at least look a bit healthier.

I actually enjoy wearing makeup once in a while just for the hell of it -- I'll literally just sit in front of my mirror and do a full face for fun, and not bother going anywhere. There was a time in my life where I wouldn't even walk to the corner store without foundation, mascara, brow and eye liner... Those days are long gone. Makeup is fine as long as it's used on one's own terms, I'd say.

gel_peron_acid_horse · 2022-03-10T20:35:17+00:00

wealthy people don't wear makeup, the "prep look" is a fresh face and natural-looking hair color.

for women trying to attract rich men, you should know that they see done-up makeup perhaps as sexy, but in a low-class way.

fresh face or "no-makeup makeup", preferably good skin rather than layers of foundation, and maybe a bold lip for a special event, are really all that you need with natural beauty.

and in prep culture, women wear this look whether or not their facial features are "conventionally attractive." being healthy and having nice skin and hair are enough. then the confidence shining through takes care of the rest.

Mysterious-Tea8763 · 2022-03-11T04:24:45+00:00

Good for you! I stopped wearing it about 7 years ago and never looked back. It helped with my self love journey and men still tell me how beautiful I am. Not to mention cleared my complexion up nicely. Good luck!

Ok-Mouse-7644 · 2022-03-10T18:16:41+00:00

Why wear nice clothes when you can wear basic tshirt and jeans? Because people have the choice to. So if someone wants to slay their face one day, it's not always because they're insecure or "fake."

CroneRaisedMaiden · 2022-03-10T20:46:09+00:00

I can go with or without, its war paint to me in a sense a good foundation prevents the enemy from knowing what makes me blush or get flustered 😌🤣

Tharwaum · 2022-03-10T20:25:06+00:00

Personally i don’t think id look better with a full face makeup (at least not to myself) but mascara is important to me, usually wear it when out plus top liner and or a bit of pearly shadow and powder is great over all the lotions and sunblock. I notice a lot of women with fake lashes and brow tattoos, this must be kind of expensive and to me (maybe it’s just where I live) it rarely suits the person, sorry. Less is more, keep your money, and think twice for anything that lasts a while! It makes me sad to see ugly weird brows on a lovely young girl who somehow (society) didn’t realize she was already beautiful and paid for that. Once in a while it’s done well for sure though. My personal against the grain choice is dressing modestly. I save time and money with sun protection (or for some this would have the same savings on your self-tan lotion, perhaps?) on my body if my body is already covered and hair removal is not connected to if I’m going to the store in the summer. Also I use an epilator on my legs and love to have my legs smooth but they can get red after use but since I cover up I don’t have to plan anything around that. Can’t believe the time I spent on being “presentable” by following what magazines etc said back then. I got the modesty idea from a boyfriend from a country where women dress modestly and I have not looked back, it has only improved my life to be covered up, especially as I have an elevator in my building and men do not have manners. Glad they cannot see more of me when they have a staring problem.

CattyKitty13 · 2022-03-10T21:53:01+00:00

I do it according to my mood. Sometimes I just feel like a bold red lip or some crazy winged liner and other days I go out with just SPF on my face. I think the issue with makeup is, when you're doing it for men. As with everything really. Don't let anyone tell you what you should wear on your face or your body. Do what you like.

I once had someone tell me I look slutty with makeup. Next time I met them, I went all in.

I also had a guy tell me that I should wear makeup more often because it looks "more put together", so I naturally didn't comply.

What I look like is my choice.

beccawrecka69 · 2022-03-11T00:41:43+00:00

I no longer use foundation and it’s done WONDERS for my face. Only a little power and some mascara I’ll use, if I’m going to work or out.

Peak_Tree · 2022-03-12T22:02:18+00:00

I use makeup when I feel like it (a couple times per year usually, with the pandemic 0 times in two years and counting ) and I'm the kind of socially inept person that has gone to college or work ( not the ellegant kind of work) with pollution alergy, pimples, acne scars, etc... in plain sight without giving a sh*t about concealing them tbh.

It wasn't always like that tho. As a teenager I would die before touching the stuff because unconsciously I felt the pressure to conform and resented very much the idea that the men I was attracted to without them having to paint themselves for me couldn't reciprocate. And fuck that. Now that I'm older I've seen some MUA ( cofcof LisaEldridgecofcof) that have shown me other sides of makeup ( her videos/ book on the history of makeup are gems) and I've come to appreciate it some.

But NEVER enough to make it even a weekly thing. And I will die on this hill.

WritingThrowItAway · 2022-03-10T21:14:54+00:00

Do what you need to do to get ahead professionally. Yeah, you shouldn't have to but the women who get the "you look low energy today" at work with a fresh face don't deserve to have systemic sexism stunt their advancement.

WingAdventurous4011 · 2022-03-10T23:05:18+00:00

I just stick to lip stick and maybe mascara. I don’t wear fancy clothing unless I’m entering a restaurant. I’m my own housewife, my career is my husband, men aren’t even worth having as a companion if they just want to screw You over in the long run. They want everything for free but become angry when you have standards.

thegenuinedarkfly · 2022-03-10T23:33:52+00:00

COVID was a blessing in regards to makeup for me. If I’m going out for nothing special it’s just BB cream, powder and a little mascara now. Super quick and the savings are nice too!

parablist · 2022-03-10T20:58:22+00:00

You go girl! I want to do the same. I sometimes have phases where I don't wear makeup at all, and I love my natural face. I think every woman looks better without makeup.

towersita · 2022-03-11T00:12:28+00:00

Make up is not for the guys...its for you...if you like your face bare go for it, if you like to experiment with color, go for it. But it should not be for the guys.

frame_data_serial · 2022-03-11T00:14:08+00:00

Reading through the comments - I think we can decenter men/the male gaze from our lives, while still being pragmatic about how to most easily navigate a hostile society. We're part of cultures that compulsively objectify women. Our appearance communicates a lot, and impacts how people treat us. IMO the utility of makeup depends on the person (naturally great skin or no., etc) and the culture (pacific NW vs. the US south, educated rich vs. middle class, etc.)

Skipping makeup makes perfect sense in some scenarios. But in others it bucks social norms and sends signals that you don't care how you look, don't feel good about yourself, etc.

candyfox84 · 2022-03-11T04:01:51+00:00

I love the way we can have nuanced conversations here! For me, I’ve said this before but I like to apply makeup because it relaxes and centers me. I also like the expression of colors, seasons, eras that I can achieve through makeup. That said, I’ve never worn much and I almost never do all over foundation. My skin just won’t take it, I’ll break out.

I agree though it caves to the pressures and demands on women to look a certain way, not just through the male gaze but also the commercial aspects (or commodification) of specific attributes.

I’ve gone as far as seriously considering Botox but in the end that’s where I draw the line (literally!). I want to see myself age naturally and find beauty in each step of it, cuz I’ve earned it!

Thatsgrandlad · 2022-03-11T00:24:18+00:00

I ditched the makeup that I don't like that much ie foundation. The rest I do for myself and love it :)

Head-Combination-299 · 2022-03-10T20:13:23+00:00

Wonderful ! My favorite sunblock is sun bum - I get it from target.

Welcome to the no makeup life… idk how ppl do it anyways- women do so much as it is.

OTRgy · 2022-03-10T21:29:34+00:00

I put on basic makeup like lipstick, mascara, and eyeliner for the waterline. I have never used foundation, except for special days and nobody has cared about it. In my field, most people rely on natural appearances bcs we're all so busy (OT woohoo!). Only a few OTs liked getting dolled up bcs they were makeup lovers and did it for themselves.

TheLizardQueen3000 · 2022-03-10T21:55:54+00:00

The irony is, most men I know, if not all, infinitely prefer how we look with no to light make-up!!! We can't turn them off even when we try ;)

Good_crisps_73 · 2022-03-10T22:45:08+00:00

I love to wear lipstick. No foundation or blusher or anything like that. But if I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror with no lippy then I think I look like a corpse.

But I do encourage my colleagues to lay off the makeup. We all look better and healthier without all that gunk on our skin.

Noemie_Mathilde · 2022-03-12T05:04:12+00:00

I wear a bit of makeup when I feel like it, but I don't shave my legs or armpits. To each their own. Men have worn makeup historically, it's not essentially a sign of weakness or anything to be ashamed of. Love to see us all supporting each others' choices. Whenever we make a conscious decision that goes against societal expectations, it's great 💗

Delphi710 · 2022-03-10T19:43:07+00:00

I wear makeup when we go out because i want everyone to envy my man. Thats the only time tho. I see women hitting the gym with lashes on, I guess they could be extensions but I just smh.

Title	Makeup Give Up
Author	Gologic34
Upvotes	788
Comments	94
Date	March 10, 2022 6:05 PM UTC (4 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/FemaleDatingStrategy
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/FemaleDatingStrategy/comments/tb4okl/makeup_give_up/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/FemaleDatingStrategy/makeup-give-up.1105759 https://theredarchive.com/post/1105759

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