Sure, Michael Kors did famously send out all the models down the runway with zero makeup with explicit instructions to the makeup artist to use a smidge of concealer if there’s a breakout or redness but to otherwise leave the model’s faces alone. This was a huge moment for the fashion industry that set a great example. Now, you must be sitting here, reading this and thinking ‘yeah, but they’re still supermodels, they’re beautiful anyway and their skin is well-groomed and pampered with all kinds of expensive products and facial treatments’. You may be within your rights to be a tad skeptical and even cynical, but bear in mind that models are still real people, and even such current modeling icons as Kendall Jenner have been open about their skin issues and how she doesn’t let them get her down. Instead of being full of distrust, this should serve as a helpful nudge towards taking a cue from the runways and going makeup-free this summer as well, and if tips from famous designers aren’t a convincing enough argument, perhaps our list of reasons will tip the scales.
Heat, so much heat
Summer has officially begun, and we’ve already had more than our fair share of hot days during spring – a kind of a sneak preview if you will. You were probably out and about during those days, and quite possibly under at least one layer of foundation and concealer, some lipstick and mascara – and that’s if you’re a makeup minimalist. Admit it, you felt uncomfortable. You felt the sweat piercing through the foundation making you look blotchy, shiny and just feeling like your face is melting. That is reason number one to bench your makeup bag for the season and finally let the skin breathe. You’ll feel odd the first couple of days, but the sense of liberation that comes after the adjustment period will be more than worth it.
Money in the wallet
Perhaps you haven’t ever sat down and calculated the amount of money you spend on makeup. We advise that you do because the number you will find when you reach the total amount will leave you perplexed but will also answer the question you’re constantly asking yourself – ‘where did all my money go?’ You know that that money will be better spent on something else, perhaps better skincare products that will actually enable you to finally be more comfortable in your skin and feel like you’ve got nothing to hide.
You can finally do some custom-made grooming
If your initial thought at the beginning of the article was what we anticipated – that models get royal treatments at spas and clinics, well, if you save the money you would spend on makeup you could afford to get your skin in spick and span shape as well by turning to professionals. For instance, there is an amazing skin care clinic in Perth that Australian women absolutely trust and love (no surprise because they tend to their skin religiously), and what is special about this clinic is that it conducts a personalized assessments of what your skin needs, which is paramount when you think about it as we are all different, and as with everything else in life, we are well-aware that the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach doesn’t work when matters of the skin are at stake. So, it’s vital that you find a clinic that will establish your skin type, concerns and have the ability to address them and bring that youthful plumpness and radiance back to winter-tarnished skin. Then, when you’re naturally beaming with that JLO glow, you won’t even think of clogging it up with makeup again.
Time is ticking
Summer is a time to be carefree, enjoy life and spend every precious moment outside, either alone or with the people you love. Do you really want to lose up to an hour ‘putting your face on’? Save the time, nurture your skin with incredibly powerful serums, protect it with great moisturizers that contain high SPF and go enjoy your days without worrying if a certain activity will ruin your look.
Going bare is hot
You don’t even know it, but you are actually so much more beautiful with no makeup on. It may sound like something a guy would say, but it’s totally true. When your skin is healthy, exfoliated and moisturized, there is nothing more gorgeous than a bare face. Besides the obvious beauty, there is another reason a bare face is the epitome of hotness – it exudes confidence, and you may think what you will but there is nothing sexier or alluring than confidence, and once you love your face enough to not slather it with makeup, that the ultimate sign that you are full of both confidence and self-love, and we know this is the least important factor of all, but guys will go nuts for both the look and the message it sends.
Even Alicia Keys, who was one of the first to start appearing on TV shows and performing with zero makeup has returned to it to a certain extent. We’re not telling you to forgo makeup for good. Consider summer a kind of a trial-run, see how you feel, and if it doesn’t work for you, go back to your old ways. But we have a sneaking suspicion that you’ll be ecstatic with the confidence and sense of liberty bareness brings, so even if you do go back, you’re bound to turn into a makeup minimalist.
About the author:
Roxana is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find out more about her writing following her on twitter and facebook. She is also one of the editors at Higstylife Magazine.