April 3, 2013

Can You Go Without Makeup?

barbie without makeup

Barbie sans makeup

Good question right? Is it possible to leave the house without make up on? Are you comfortable in your own skin not wearing anything at all and leaving the house, facing the general public, friends, and family without a stitch on your face?

Mmmm….

Debatable for me. My skin is clear and blemish-free so I’m very comfortable without foundation or BB Cream however, I feel dull without makeup. My skin is lackluster without at least a little cheek stain or blush to liven it up. I also feel like I can’t get away without a little concealer.

At one time I wouldn’t leave the house without at LEAST the bare essentials on like a little concealer, Benefit Lemon Aid, and at least blush. But in recent years I’ve grown a little more daring and I do run out and do my errands and such without a stitch on my face. GASP! The horror of it all!

Call it lazy but sometimes I just can’t be arsed to even do concealer when I’m just making a quick trip to Whole Foods or picking something up at the store. Hell I’ve even done mad dashes to the MAC store without a spot of concealer under my eyes, a slick of gloss, or even a dusting of blush.

It wasn’t always like that though! This just happened the past few years.

I’m comfortable with at least blush and concealer. I can do without eyeshadow, without mascara, bb cream, etc..but I am not comfortable facing the world without these essentials and feel a little self conscious when I’m staring at someone, chatting, and not having them in place. I know they aren’t but I feel like they are staring at my eyes and counting the fine lines and tsking over the puffiness. I’m silly I know.

Are you comfortable without makeup?

Do share!

image source: imgur.com/viralmente

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Heather

    I usually can, but that was because I knew very few people. Recently, I was with my son digging through lego minifigures (which is embarrassing enough) and I ran into a mom whose son is my son’s friend. UGG. She looked at me like I was falling apart.

    • the Muse

      yeah but I bet your son was totally digging you spending time with him and legos and that’s all that matters ;-D

  • Lori

    I like a full face, because I know I look better with foundation, concealer, blush, and mascara. If you don’t like to wear makeup, then more power to you. But if makeup makes you feel good, then wear as much of it as you want! Wearing makeup makes me feel feminine and pretty, so I wear it whenever I can!

  • Wendy

    I wear makeup Mon-Fri and on the weekends only if I have a social event…I don’t put on makeup to go to the grocery. I did in my 20’s and 30’s…but not anymore

    • the Muse

      I’ve been stepping on on weekends myself more and more with just the basics Wendy ;-D at a time I wouldn’t go out without full eyeshadow, mascara, the works…but now it’s a little bit of concealer and blush and i’m good.

      • Wendy

        Yes! Exactly!!! There was a time when I wouldn’t be seen by anyone but my hubby without FULL FACE! LOL

        Funny, how we relax as we get older…but you’re not old yet 🙂

        • the Muse

          honestly, I’ve always felt weird being in front of any of my boyfriends without the essentials but I absolutely grew out of that the past few years. I def think with age you get a little more relaxed ;-D ooo I’m getting there girl ;D I’m just in denial about getting there lol!

  • Louise

    Ever since I had my son a year ago, my naked skin is always red and splotchy. I still go without makeup (right now I am sans makeup since I just dropped my daughter off at school and picked up coffee), but I am still self-conscious. I love makeup; it boosts my confidence, it’s pretty, and it’s FUN!

    • Tammie

      This is my problem too, sort of…before I had my son all I ever wore was a little concealer (I wasn’t too into makeup anyway). Now I feel gross without at least a little coverage (TM smeared on at the very least) because after I had him every little blemish leaves a spot :X. If it wasn’t for that I wouldn’t mind going around bare faced on non-work days and without foundation at all work days, really…I would be fine with just concealer and the “fun” stuff (eyeshadow, blush etc) if I didn’t have the spot problem.

      • Tammie

        Oh and I don’t do my brows on the weekends/when I go out but I won’t be seen without them done at work…people would notice since I fill them pretty dark but they are kinda sparse on their own.

  • Lauren

    I can go without foundation and concealer, but brows are a must. My hair is a natural ash blonde and when the sun hits my eyebrows, they completely disappear, so I need to fill them in before I head out

      • Leigh

        Actually Muse-Chan the fuller someone’s brows are the younger they look *winks*. Reason why I love mine! In illustration you always use fuller brows to make people look a few years younger because kids don’t pluck! so our brains associate fuller brows with younger age. Actually, I’m taking a character class right now and the character I made up looked too old to be the age she was supposed to and didn’t have the right facial expression (angry instead of reluctant) so I thickened her brows. Worked a treat! That’s why I only shape mine because mine are only slightly less full than yours and the same color (I’m also about as pale as you in some of your paler shots) but mine are perhaps a bit more arched? Perfect for sarcasm (it’s a family trait, I choose not to fight it but instead master the sarcastic arching of the eyebrow). LOL. 🙂

    • Beth

      Me too! I’m a redhead, but my lashes and brows are practically translucent. I am fine without concealer, blush (thanks, ruddy cheeks), or foundation, but I look borderline albino without my brow pencil and mascara.

  • cas

    Without a doubt, I feel much more comfortable with make up on, but in my recent years (I’m 23, hahaha) I’ve been confident enough to go anywhere without makeup. Even dinner! I had really bad acne for awhile, but now that’s cleared up and I guess I found my confidence! 😉

  • Janelle

    Ok so I look like Barbie without makeup! I do go out without makeup though as I think my skin needs a rest at times. I wear makeup to work most days, but there are some days that my face is looking good and I do not need to 🙂 I just feel better with makeup–I do it for me and not others. I feel that if you are doing it for you and because of what you like as opposed to what other people think it is a good thing. I feel bad for those that are always worried about what others think. My dearly departed grams (she passed in Feb) always said “do it for you who cares what others think!” and I feel that is a great piece of advice applied to so many things in life.

  • Cj

    Damn Barbie… Just damn…

    I think makeup is very addicting, I remember when I first started wearing it, I only wore it on special occasions, but now I pretty much wear something everyday. I have pretty good skin, I get an odd blemish once a month but other than that I’m good. I think makeup gives you a real confidence boost, and not just that its really fun, I enjoy picking out what foundation and blush and which brush I’m gonna use lol. On days when I really don’t feel like wearing a lot, ill put on the flower foundation with the buit in primer and curl my lashes and I’m out the door lol.

    Ps: Does anyone else feel really weird wearing blush without putting on foundation first?

    • Patricia Couto

      I feel!! When I don’t do my face makeup (foundation, concealer and powder) I only wear a lipstick ou gloss because I feel weird putting something colored on my bare face!

  • Caitlin

    I’ll go without makeup in front of my husband and out to do errands sometimes. I have on occasion appeared without makeup in front of my girlfriend, but I was uncomfortable–not really ready to be at the “warts and all” stage yet. I really, really don’t like to appear without makeup in front of other people I know–work or friends! I have very uneven skin tone, so foundation is a must. But full coverage saps color, so I really have to add it back in with a little blush and lippie, and then it’s weird if my eyes aren’t done, LOL!

  • kiwikiwidragon

    In my twentys I went without makeup regularly, when I worked the early shift in retail, never wore any. Now I prefer to have it on as opposed to not but I will go out and hope not to run into someone I know, lol. I have found as I {cough,cough} approach 40, I am less prone to being without it.

  • Abbi

    Yes I absolutely can and often do leave the house without makeup and feel comfortable and confident in doing so, however I do prefer my under 5 minute routine of mascara, under eye concealer (a little blemish concealer when needed), tarte blush, and a lipsurgence that coordinates with my blush. If I’m going all out I do a whole face, different everytime and FUN! 😀

  • Pramudita

    I actually am very comfortable without make up. My skin doesn’t have blemishes, but it has dark spots and i don’t have an even skin tone. Wearing make up helps to ven out my skintone, but i dont really mind it either. I like wearing make up in the weekend though. I find it fun!

  • Bryn

    I’m a college student and I went through a week where I didn’t wear makeup because of how much studying I was doing for midterms but I really enjoy putting on makeup. It’s relaxing for me. I can go out with just concealer, powder, and mascara but I like taking the time to put on eyeshadow and eyeliner and blush.

    • Vi

      Same here, Bryn! I usually don’t bother with much at the end of the semester, but on my very last final of each semester I do something fun and dramatic: a cat-eye, smokey winged eyeshadow, etc. It’s fun. 😀

  • Vi

    I absolutely can go without much makeup at all–I’m in college, so I see tons of girls walking around without anything on their faces. So it’s not like I’m going to stand out if I feel lazy that day and decide to skip a lot of my usual routine! However, my essentials are brow powder/pencil and some tint on my lips. I have really dark hair but kinda thin, washed out brows, so it really makes a huge difference in my look to fill them in and use a bit of clear mascara to keep them in place. And my lips are naturally a kind of ashy, dusky pink, which makes my warm complexion jut look sallow when I don’t wear any color on my lips. So those are the two makeup items I would not feel comfortable going out without. 😀 Thanks for asking, Muse! I’ve really enjoyed reading all the other comments!

    • the Muse

      aw my pleasure vi! I was enjoying reading your reply (and everyone else’s) it’s a fun topic to discuss ;-D!

  • Shelby

    I will go out without makeup but I feel uncomfortable & gross. I have blemishes and acne scars so its not pretty!

  • Deb

    I am in my mid fifties and have pretty good skin. I go out without makeup all the time. The irony is that when I was younger and had even better skin, I wouldn’t leave the house without it. I do wear makeup for going out to dinner or social events and so forth. But not to the grocery store or to run errands. What I finally figured out, and the younger ladies will finally figure out…..no one is paying nearly as much attention to what you look like as you may think.

  • moja31

    Comfortable enough? Sure. Lazy enough? Certainly! More often than not, I don’t wear anything on my face.

    • the Muse

      you’re my hero wish I could just say screw it 😀 but mostly feel like I need a full face at work ;-D

  • Kris

    I usually have a mostly done face before I leave the house, even on weekends. The hair, however….I have no problems going out with unkempt hair. Weekends are made for ponytails and baseball hats! I HATE doing the whole blow-dry, curling/straightening iron thing on weekends. It takes too long when all I do is go to Costco and take the kids to the park.

    • the Muse

      oh I am so lazy about my hair kris! I totes get that. typically bun and headband for me ALL week I hate it flying around in my face, I hair having to deal with it in the morning, etc…so def don’t spend too much time on it during the week when I’m running around ;D

  • Julie

    I don’t mind to leave the house without makeup, but I inevitably run into EVERYBODY I KNOW. I have bad dark circles, dark spots, and some redness…so I really shouldn’t go without makeup. However, unless I’m going to dinner or some sort of event or concert, I’m okay with going without.

    If they don’t like me as I am without makeup, then I guess I don’t really care what they think!

  • amy

    Absolutely! I’m the type of person who always has something going on, and it’s been that way since I was a kid, so there are times makeup just isn’t an option. now that I’m a parent, there’s even less time to deal with it, but I’m honestly okay with that. I do, however, always, always, always wear some form of sunscreen, even if it’s just taking out the trash, walking out to the mailbox, etc., but most of those are contained in a TM and/or MPF, so does that count, LOL? I also happen to be very dark featured, so mascara, brows, and liner aren’t “musts”. having said all of that, if I had a few more hours in my days, I would definitely wear it more; not only is there the process of applying makeup, but removal can be just as tedious, especially if I decide to squeeze in a skin treatment on any given day.

  • Mary

    I’d probably feel comfortable without it if I had good skin, but my skin is really dry, red, and acne prone, so I always at least put on mineral foundation, concealer and powder just to cover up my blemishes and reduce the redness.

    I tend of think of eye and lip makeup as “fun” makeup; I really enjoy buying and using these products, but they’re not something I feel like I HAVE to wear if I’m pressed for time.

  • Diana

    I used to have acne in my teens and early twenties that obviously affected my self-esteem so I was always prompted to wear a full face of makeup nearly everyday, even on days when I didn’t go out. Now that my skin’s mostly clear and blemish-free thanks to topical treatments, I’m more confident in going out without anything and have, but I still prefer some makeup on me to make me feel made up. This is just my personal preference, I’ve never noticed or cared if others go out makeup-free.

  • Kimmwc03

    I used to never want to go out without at least foundation and concealer in my late teens and early twenties due to cystic acne and scars (although I did for a year due to a derm’s recommendation-which did not help any btw). My skin has cleared but I still have some scars. I prefer wearing makeup esp. foundation, blush, highlighter and some mascara but I can go without now with little concern. Luckily, I do not look as bad as Barbie without makeup! LOL.

  • Littlecreek81

    Being pregs killed the need for makeup. I’m tired and don’t care what people think so if I’m not up for it I just rock my naked face to the world. It also helps that pregnancy cleared up my acne (weird I know) so that makes it easier. Heck I even tweeted you a pic with my new glasses sans makeup. I save it now for days when something is planned or I feel like “dressing up.”

    • the Muse

      oh no must go see! haven’t been on twitter past few days 😀 hehe…i want tweet pics of baby brooke when she arrives ;-D hehe!

  • Peachy

    I go out pretty frequenly without makeup, but I’m also in my early 20’s and reportedly have a ridiculous baby face/good skin. That said, I do prefer wearing a full face to work since I think it makes me look older (I work with people old enough to be my grandparents!)…. of course, I tend to oversleep and run out with no makeup! For more casual outings I’ll skip my bb cream altogether and just go for some light eye makeup. My mom complains I don’t wear enough makeup though since I prefer light, natural makeup.

  • Nadia

    I only started wearing makeup about a year and a half ago. I use to be able to leave the house without nothing on! This past year though, I have noticed my dark circles and started breaking out a lot so I feel uncomfortable without at least some concealer. I also feel better with a bit of blush and mascara on.

    • the Muse

      it’s funny nadia, all through High school I worn minimal makeup and I started college and started getting a little more involved now I feel like I cannot do without makeup…I never wore concealer in high school or even college or even after college…I guess it’s age lol 😀 either that or I just got used to seeing myself with it and can’t do without it ;_D

  • Cat

    I am 21 and have never been fussy with makeup…until this year when I found your blog! I’ve always just been a mascara and lip balm girl and have been blessed with very fair, clear skin. My ‘dramatic look’ was usually just adding eyeliner and occasionally dabbling in a bit of eyeshadow. I’ve never worn foundation or anything like that.

    But since following your blog I’ve come to appreciate blush as a beauty must have! Even though I’m still foundation free I feel kind of–as you say–‘dull’ if I go without a little colour on my cheeks! I also have been doing alot more research on beauty products before buying them in the last year or so and having more successes is making me bolder with my makeup routine. I’ve finally mastered some eye shadow looks and have been known to rock a lip colour on days I’m feeling bold.

    So…to answer your question. Years of minimal makeup has made me comfortable going out with a naked, or nearly naked face…but thanks to your influence I feel my best with a bit more colour on my cheeks!

    P.S. I’ve been experimenting with skincare products lately and thank you SO much for introducing me to Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel. I love that stuff and how it makes my face so soft! …and sorry for the crazy long comment!

    • the Muse

      i love this cat! I tempted you to the dark side hehe ;-D no but seriously, I think it’s awesome you’re getting into makeup. I’ve always loved makeup but I really started getting into around the same age as you, 22ish! 😀 I am SO so happy to hear you enjoyed the Rose Petal Witch Hazel 🙂 It always makes me grin when someone says they enjoyed a product I love! <3! Thanks for commenting today Cat!

  • charlotte

    When I was younger, yes. Now that I am almost 40, not so much. I will go without foundation, but primer is a must because I’m an oil slick without it. I have fair skin, prominent dark circles, some redness around my nose and above my brows, and my brows are very light. I seldom leave the house without at least concealer, liner, mascara, brow gel and lipstick… that is pretty much the bare minimum. If I’m home all day I will go bare faced.

  • katrosado

    I was always “finished” when I left the house in my teens and 20’s. Then in my 30’s I had my last four children so I went years without bothering with makeup on most days. I started wearing it again on a regular basis in my late 30’s. Now, at the age of 51 I do go out without it at times but I prefer to wear it. If I don’t, I just look tired–even more tired than I feel most days. For me the aging process hasn’t been about fine lines or wrinkles yet—it’s been a gradual softening of my jawline and cheekbones. Also, the skin over my browbone is looser and well—all of that just makes me look tired all the time. A little definition to the eye and a flush of color to the cheeks and lips can make all the difference in the world when your 51. 🙂

    • the Muse

      i think aging has done the same too me too katros, I’m not in 50’s but I feel like aging for me has been about looking tired not about fine lines so much. If I don’t have makeup on I always feel like I just woke up, my skin is duller, puffy eyes, etc…I just look like I haven’t had sleep :-/

  • Van

    Up until 37 (last year) I was easily without make-up. I loved to put on a full face for nights out or movie nights, but for every day, even work, no. Then, all of a sudden, i started to wear a full face every day, even for grocery shopping. I know why; I developed horrific cystic/hormonal acne that can’t be cured and not even my age can help relax me enough to be able to go out with a bare face.

  • Mitheena

    I only wear makeup on weekdays(school days) and when I’m going out on a special events,to the mall..ect.
    I don’t wear makeup when I’m just going to the gocery store with my parents ya know. And also I’m learning to accept myself without makeup and natural beauty in everyone 🙂

    • Mitheena

      Also I am a teenager and I have pretty good skin.
      It does feel better with some concealer over my dark circle and a little mascara though haha 😛

  • Chynna

    I go out more often without makeup than with. I like makeup, but it takes a backseat to sleeping in, breakfast, etc. Plus, when it’s 100 degrees and humid for days on end, it’s just too hard to get anything to stay on and I feel more comfortable without it than wondering if it’s sliding down my face.

  • Eileen

    Yeah, I go out without makeup to run errands sometimes.

    My main concern though isn’t that someone will see my bare face, it’s that I work freelance and so I’m basically representing my own business whenever I’m in public, so I feel like any time I’m not just doing quick errands and might actually be having conversations with anyone else, I need to look polished enough makeup and outfit-wise that I wouldn’t feel unprofessional. It’s a bummer because otherwise I’d be lazy waaaay more often.

  • Amiee

    I’ve never really been a make-up wearer. I haul it like crazy because I’m insane but when I was old enough to wear make-up, I had cystic acne and make-up didn’t really seem to have a point (it’s hard to cover a volcano on your face naturally and I didn’t want to further irritate my skin). I’m a nanny now so make-up doesn’t seem all that realistic or needed. So most days, I’m completely bare faced.

  • sarah

    You know this post really made me think. I’m so self concious about my bad skin (acne and its lovely scarring, and also a severe case of melasma)so I usually have some sort of base (TM, bb/cc, or foundation)literally every day. I wish I had nice skin (like yours) and maybe i’d forgo it more often. But I just turned 35 and it ain’t lookin’ better :/

    • the Muse

      aw sarah….! we all have something we dislike about ourselves…I have puffy eyes and they are just the worst! I am terribly self conscious of them! I feel like I look old if I don’t use concealer because of them :-/ Don’t worry there are worst things than acne/acne scarring! Work what you got chica 🙂

      • zoelarue

        I have to jump in on this one. Melasma is my nemesis too and feel like my spots show when I go without make up. But Sarah darling don’t feel you have to hide. No one as perfect skin! It’s ok to be you, spots and all! FYI I have great luck with dr jart bb creams doing a decent job of covering fr a quick out the door look. And make up forever new powder foundation des an excellent job of covering too. And it’s fast. Big hugs Sarah being spotted isn’t easy!

  • Jae

    I definitely go sans makeup on the weekends. And with 2 little boys, I KNOW I look tired but my little dudes tell me I look beautiful and that’s enough for me. Besides, it feels good to just let my face breathe so I don’t mind! =) BTW, I absolutely *heart* your blog and have made it a part of my daily morning rotation!

  • Kim

    I will go out sAns makeup if i am in a hurry, but the one thing i need is eyeliner on my waterline. I have dark eyes and light lashes and something about that combo just makes me look sicklly if i dont have any liner on.

  • Saiba

    Because I have a skin condition Keratosis Pilaris Rubra Faceii I’m not exactly comfortable going out in public without at least covering some of my splotchy cheeks. They’re actually not noticeable except when I flush. There are times when I flush and my cheeks are noticeable without something on I hate it so much. There are people who have worse but I’m still self conscious about it. Though when I’m home or with my boyfriend or friend and family I don’t really care, because they know my problem and don’t make fun of it. I got made fun of a lot in school for it and it just made me self conscious about it still today. I hope I get over that as I get older, or my skin condition goes away lol

    But I can definitely leave the house without a full face of makeup like concealer, mascara, eyeshadow, eyeliner, etc. I use those for fun and it makes me feel more feminine haha

    Though I noticed if I don’t wear a full face of makeup people take me less seriously…makeup makes me look older. I have a baby face (which I don’t mind lol) and people keep mistaking me for 15 and I’m 23. They ask me and I say my age they’re like “I thought you were 15!” EVERY single time!…How in the 7 hells would I be out here working otherwise people?? XD So at work they wouldn’t take me seriously :/

  • Blee

    That doll has my eyes (LOL:D) in the morning and Im not a big drinker, late night doer and my face has a few spots here and there, but yes,I do makeup and a full face most days. I like me in my skin that is far from perfect and in my makeup too.

  • Nat

    I can go without on the weekend, but going to work or wanting to look at least a little presentable (heehee), I can get buy with just BB cream, mascara, and lip gloss. If I have time, I will also apply (in order of importance) brow enhancement, eyeshadow, blush, finishing powder and spray, luminizer, bronzer. 🙂

  • Amy

    I use to never wear make up back in my high school and college years because my skin was sooo clear and smooth until I hit my mid 20s and then..I got rosacea. now I feel like I’m not myself without at least some BB cream and powder (ESSENTIAL!) to even out the redness on my face =( I’m ALWAYS on a hunt for an awesome face product to cover up redness. Let me know if you know any!!:)

  • Angie

    This is why I carry makeup with me lol. I have very oily skin and the place I work at makes it even worse so I don’t even bother with face makeup. I never leave the house withouth mascara and usually have a liner with me.

  • Veronica

    Yes. I work in an IV room, so it’s not always a choice about whether I get to put any on. 🙂 As it is, I always try to have at least one make up free day a week to remind myself that I need to feel happy with or without anything on.

    The only thing I’m REALLY self-conscious about is my dark circles, since my eyes are deepset and hooded, so the purple/blue of their shading tends to make me look tired no matter what. My allergies can also flare up occasionally and give me some redness in the cheeks, but I’m less concerned about that since it tends to wear more like a light flush.

  • Jenny

    I’ve never been much of a make-up person mostly because I’m not very good with sticking to a “routine” but I do like wearing clear mascara and a berry color tinted lip gloss. I’ve always done that at the very least but now as I’m getting older I feel like I should be taking better care of my skin. I’ve been trying to get myself into a better skincare regime and have been trying to find a face lotion that is helping and hydrating. Let me know if you have any good brands I should try.

  • Christine

    I actually only recently got into wearing a full face of makeup. Prior to this year (i’m also in my mid-20s), I just had basically a layer of powder on my face and some lip balm or gloss. I was always so lazy to get a full face of makeup on and I didn’t really feel I needed it, just the powder to cover up acne scars and stuff. But now that I’ve gotten into makeup, I’m finding it hard to not put it on everyday! I feel weird when I don’t wear eyeshadow on now, but I may sometimes just have my bb cream, concealer, powder, some blush, brows, and lipgloss. I feel I can’t go out with at least all of that! Kind of weird. But I love makeup now, it’s just so fun to play around with!

  • Christine Joy Luikuo

    On most days, I do not wear makeup even when I go outdoors but a loose powder is a necessity for me when I go out because I have a VERY oily skin. When I was studying, I would only wear makeup to school when: 1. I still have time to do it. 2. I am in a good mood. 3. I need it to feel better about myself. And of course when there is a special occasion, I will wear makeup and will allot plenty of time for it. But sometimes I wear makeup at home, when I only want to have fun of myself, I want to enhance my skill or if I’m going to take pictures of myself. Haha!

    Makeup makes a woman noticeable and confident of herself but I don’t think that it must become a basic necessity. It’s best that people appreciate you as who you are, without pretensions and masks. =)

  • Jade

    I used to wear makeup every single day except for Sundays (and sometimes I would still wear it anyway). I used to say that I could count on one hand the amount of times I had gone to work with no makeup on – I wasn’t exaggerating either.

    However! I recently started a new job as a trainee Vet Nurse. I leave the house by 6.30am in the morning, so I choose to sleep in as late as I can. Then, once I’m at work, I work my BUTT off! As I’m not yet qualified, I’m doing mostly kennel hand work at the moment, which is cleaning, and feeding, and poop-scooping, and dog walking, and more cleaning, and putting on washing, and hanging out washing, and bringing in washing, and folding washing, and doing dishes, and vacuuming, and mopping, and MOAR CLEANING! Not to mention the FUR – it gets everywhere, and once it’s in your eyes, ain’t no makeup lasting through that! I also live in Australia, so the temperature at this time of year is frequently about 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Long story short – I often go without a scrap of makeup! I still prefer to wear makeup than go barefaced, but I’m much more comfortable barefaced now. I actually feel like my face is much less “ghostly” now – or maybe I’m just more used to seeing it bare!

  • Rae

    I wear make-up about four days out of the week. I’ve regularly go to work with just a clean face. It isn’t that I think my skin is amazing or that I look drop dead gorgeous, I’ve just come to realize that sleep is more important, also as horrible as this sounds, I’m not trying to impress anyone at work.
    When I had a job where I had to meet with people regularly I wore make-up everyday, or at least kept the basics (concealer, stain, & mascara) in my desk drawer.

  • Jessica

    I don’t feel unconfortable without makeup, i really go out with clean face very often.
    I have imperfections but i don’t really care or others opinions!

    I love makeup but i try to not use it to cover my insicurities!

  • Cindy Ramirez

    I absolutely love that picture for the record, cracks me up every time!

    I wear full face makeup pretty much 5 days a week. I enjoy the process of putting makeup on, and I tend to wear either a really bold lip or drag queen eyes. It’s fun, and it’s artistic for me.

    I have no problem leaving the house without makeup. I look incredibly different though! A lot of time friends and co-workers tend to either not recognize me or ask “Are you sick?”. I find it funny!

    I use to refuse to leave the house without makeup, but I got tired of putting makeup on to go do laundry or have lunch. I finally became comfortable enough to let my friends and loved ones see me without my ‘face’.

  • yuvee

    I didn’t really start wearing makeup daily up to around a year ago, and I’ve been trying to stop wearing face makeup for about a month now to give my skin a chance to breath. On weekdays I only wear eye makeup, brows are a must! On Sundays it’s usually no makeup whatsoever, and my skin has been a lot happier.

  • lily

    I feel fine going out bare faced and do so often. But makeup is FUN to me and its the only “me time” I get so I enjoy it. I have good, clear skin and have color in my lips and cheeks. That Barbie pic though…LOL. I bought a Barbie not too long ago for my 5 year old cousin…and I noticed that they have fake lashes now! I was so shocked! Really really long, dark lashes!

  • Amy

    That’s a no brainer. I spend most of my time bare faced. Makeup is actually an exception for me. I can count on my fingers how many times I had it on.
    That’s probably because I’ve always lived in a place where most people don’t wear any makeup. I enjoy learning about makeup but it’s so not a necessity.

  • Megan

    Great topic!
    I do not leave the house without some makeup…even for a run, to take my kids to school or to a workout class (during which I sweat most off…love those Urban decay 24/7 liners). And I have really good skin.
    I do it for me. Sure…people treat me better…but I even add lip stick and sometimes perfume post workout…sweaty and messy and all but still run my errands since I’m so busy. We don’t have to be perfect or polished but we do need to add enough polish and pizazz to feel good about ourselves. I feel prettier with a little makeup…one person’s opinion…

  • Tiffany Martin

    I think asking if you feel comfortable going out without makeup on is a similar question to: “do you feel comfortable going out wearing dirty clothes?” To me it’s not about being a certain way for someone else, but more about personal care. I like to look my best, and thankfully I live somewhere and was born a person who can play with makeup (;

    Once, a long time ago i used to sanctimoniously swear off makeup as vacuous and stupid. I love it now, and will never go back to my old judgment. Art, perfecter, self care, all good things makeup can be about!

  • Amanda Elisabeth

    With being a college student (usually means laziness for me) and working in kitchens, my face is bare 75% of the time. I really love makeup, but I don’t feel like I have to wear it. Going out without makeup doesn’t particularly phase me. 🙂

  • nakwon

    Like a few above, I enjoy makeup and the “ritual” of getting made up, but it’s not really part of my daily routine. I want to say I almost always go bare-face (with SPF and chapstick) unless I look like the living dead, which I will then add just BB cream of a tinted moisturizer and some concealer. I tend to worry more about my skin than the makeup so if my skin’s behaving then I’m even less inclined to put on makeup.

  • Miranda

    I am actually much more comfortable without makeup in public. Whenever I wear foundation and not neutral eyeshadow in casual situations I feel like I am way too “done up” and that everyone is staring at me. I do have a lot of redness from acne that I’m still battling, but I feel like people are pretty understanding of redness as there are so many adults still battling acne. Also, all that makeup can’t be good for getting rid of the acne either.

  • Luiza

    I usually can, but I’d rather not. I believe makeup is something you put on to feel better about yourself, and my day completely changes when I finish putting my makeup on in the morning. I don’t have terrible skin or many fine lines (I’m only 23), but I do have bad under eye circles, so if I can, I at least put on concealer on my undereye and mascara. If there was absolutely no time to do that, I wouldn’t. And I have gone to my class in my college a couple times without makeup on, but I just feel more confident with makeup, not because of other people, because they don’t usually wear makeup in my college, but because of me.

  • cat

    Absolutely. I’ll have days where I wear a full face of makeup and days where I can’t be bothered. I do feel better if I can find the time to throw on some concealer, blush, and lip color as I have bad dark circles and a fairly pale complexion. But sometimes it’s almost as awkward being the only one wearing makeup as it is to be the only one who isn’t.

  • Peggy

    Yep! I love how I look with or without makeup. I get more compliments sans makeup.

  • Elena

    I am comfortable with or without makeup.

    My boyfriend prefers me with nothing but I love playing around with different products, textures, colors and I love the feeling of being ‘done’. I also try my best to take great care of my skin so that I am just as confident going out with a bare face to sunday breakfast as I would be with a full face.

    I think the most important thing is that I don’t feel the NEED to put on a full face every day. I do love the ritual, though.

    BTW, I’ve been reading your blog for years and love it soso much!

    • the Muse

      I love the ritual too 🙂 and just the shopping for new colors and products. I feel good without makeup but I def like a bit of concealer under my eyes and at least some blush on my cheeks prior to stepping out the door. but yeah, it’s just so fun to play isn’t it? 😀

      Aw thank you Elena 🙂 <3!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Kelly

    I think I am the opposite of a lot of your readers. I feel like I need to wear more make-up now than ever. I have always loved make-up and bought a lot (became an SA as a teen so I could get a discount and play with make-up at work) but I rarely wore much. Lip gloss and mascara, tops.

    But now that I am older, the pigment in my face has virtually drained away. But I can’t be bothered to HAVE to put anything on, so I get my eyebrows and eyelashes tinted every few weeks. This way I can take my son to school and do a few errands with just tinted moisturizer and lip gloss.

    Meeting with clients requires a lot more steps, and make-up, but also a light hand and good technique and modern textures. Because nothing looks worse than too much make-up on a middle aged woman.

    Thanks to your fun and informative blog, I feel like I can walk the line of fresh and polished and pretty but not over-done. So a huge thank you to you Muse, in this season of gratitude.

    • the Muse

      kelly I don’t the pigment has drained away for me but I feel you! I have dull skin and it really lacks a glow so I feel like at LEAST I need some blush! and def concealer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As I got older my eyes just seem to always look tired without it! and yes yes so true too much can really kill it. I look at some of my own fotds and I get scared lol! The flash makes me look like I have TONS of makeup on when in fact it is only a small amount 😀

      Aw thank YOU! so SWEET 🙂 <3! Many hugs!

  • Heather F.

    I’ve found myself becoming less comfortable with a bare face as I get older, but that’s because I have terrible skin (adult acne is basically the most evil thing in the world) and I feel self-conscious without a good foundation. Then the foundation erases all my natural coloring and I look super pasty, so I have to add some color back into my face, but then my face looks unbalanced since my eyelashes are pale (but my brows are dark), so can’t leave without mascara.

    I’m fine with just those three things, but I’m happier when I have time for eyeliner or a little nude eyeshadow to pull everything together. I feel SO exposed without full-coverage foundation, though!

  • Vanessa

    I find uncomfortable with makeup on. I feel like a clown with it. But I’m getting older now and I’m wondering if I’m *too* told to go without makeup anymore, even IF I feel ridiculous with a face full of stuff. Even if I do just BB cream, or even untinted moisturizer I feel just absolutely silly and unnatural. I don’t feel like it lasts long, and I don’t want to have to reapply 47 times a day. Sigh.

  • Leanna

    I, recently, started wearing LESS makeup. I feel my skin looks better, softer, & more real. I have found that wearing moisturizer, a tinted lotion for the face, & a little sunscreen is so much better than foundation or powder. And it keeps it from looking dull too.

    I basically only wear eyeliner (just on bottom lid), mascara (1 coat), & lipgloss and/or lip balm (I gave up on lipstick)….I look & feel much, more freer & happier….