A Month Without Makeup

As mentioned a few weeks ago, I dedicated the month of February as “A Month Without Makeup.” Initially, when I heard that Constance from the True Campaign and Finding Balance was doing this, I thought it was absolutely crazy. She asked for others to join her, but that was definitely NOT going to be me!

But something about a month without makeup struck a heartstring and I could not get my mind off of it. I knew God was asking me to break out of my comfort barricade (not a shell) and just do it!

To be quite honest, the first day was pure, unadulterated torture. I would not consider myself a girl that can never leave the house without makeup, because sometimes I’m at school with sweats, a ball cap, and a tube of Blistex. I was just overwhelmed with the daunting thought of 27 more days without the glistening bronzers and other complimenting colors. I’m not going to lie, I really do love makeup.

I set my mind on making it through this month. After the first day, the excitement and my stubborn determination beat out the doubt and self-consciousness. On campus, I coincidently only saw other girls with the best makeup. I think other women will relate on the whole comparison thing (not that it is acceptable). I kept telling myself that there were more pros to not wearing makeup.

1.     I can get ready for school 15-20 minutes quicker.

2.     When I wake up in the morning, I do not have raccoon eyes from leftover mascara.

3.     I am actually saving money. Cosmetics are expensive.

But, the most wonderful blessing from dedicating a month without makeup has been the way God has revealed himself to me. He has show

n me that His word is real and alive. Psalm 45:11 says, “The king is enthralled by your beauty.” The Lord has engraved this truth into my heart. I have found a confidence in Him that I never knew before. As stated in 1 Peter, my beauty should not come from outward adornment, but from a gentle and quiet spirit. I have learned that “the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 5:6).

Though I am somewhat eager for the end of February because I want to try out the new makeup I ordered, A Month Without Makeup has been a truly wonderful time of self-reflection and growth.

Me and Cassie at the WSU women's basketball game vs OSU