Bare Faced Beauty
I often wonder what’s lurking underneath the pristine mask of make-up donned by celebrities in magazines. If we knew what they really looked like without their slap on would it provide some relief for us mere mortals who often have neither the time nor the inclination to make ourselves look like porcelain dolls just for nipping to the shops for some milk. If you’re anything like me you turn up in your jim-jams and slippers.
In fact if you’re anything like me then you’ll not bother putting the slap on, well, ever. I’m frequently shocked and amazed in equal measure at the number of women who, like me, are bare-faced beauties. But the thing is, if your skin is healthy then why cover it up? So I’ve got a couple of pimples and a few spot scars from my teenage years lingering around for posterity, so what?! I’d rather save make-up for special occasions so that when I do wear it the heads of people who see me every day turn with gasps of surprise at how well I do actually scrub up.
Being a bare-faced beauty isn’t necessarily simple though. I do take good care of my skin but I try not to overdo it. Here’s my top 5 ways to have bare-faced beauty:
- Drink. But not alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates you and robs your skin of precious natural moisturisation so stay hydrated. I’m a big fan of a nice brew to count towards my fluid intake.
- Find a cleanser that works. I’ve tried and tested lots of cleansers and soaps and have found a nice gentle one for my skin. It’s not the most expensive but it works so I’m sticking with it.
- Find a moisturiser that works. Despite my proclamation of great skin I have hideously greasy patches so an oil-free moisturiser is a must for me.
- Keep it clear. On the rare occasion I DO wear make-up I never ever leave it on longer than is necessary. A baby wipe before I go to sleep takes seconds but lets my skin breathe during the night.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff. Pimples, scars, freckles etc are part and parcel of having this massive organ called skin. Embrace them. No one is actually perfect so why try to make it look that way.
Every now and again I do treat myself to a facial. Aside from being good for the face, it’s just nice to relax while someone else is taking care of your skin for you. Groupon regularly has some excellent deals at local spas and salons; like this one for a one hour full body massage, plus choice of manicure, pedicure or facial for just £16 at Shine Nail and Beauty. Keep ‘em peeled (no pun intended) and look out for great deals in your local area. .
Although male, I would quite agree with Carrie.
Her comments remind me of the TV advert (cannot remember what it’s for!!) of the beautiful young lady who enters the house and then “dismantles herself” even down to taking a tooth out!!
Beauty is only skin deep !!
Thanks for the comment. I remember that advert, it’s for a medicated mouthwash again highlighting the need to take care of the basics. You can have the whitest teeth in the world but if you’ve got gum disease it counts for nothing. Same preach, different choir.
Nice to see a beauty article focusing on the canvas rather than the paint. Good skin comes from within and a good cleansing program so top tips there Carrie on having a good face. No amount of ‘slap’ can compensate for this.
I love the way you put that, ‘focus on the canvas rather than the paint’. I hadn’t thought of it that way before but it’s a perfect analogy!
Some sound tips there. Thanks Carrie, I look forward to your future blogs.
Thanks, although I forgot a crucial tip – fresh air! Exercise is much cheaper than blusher ;o)
I don’t think it’s one or the other… I look after my skin AND I Love make-up!! It’s my form of creativity… I don’t paint pictures but I can transform my face as well as change clothes to create a whole new look which is still ME. I don’t use make-up to ‘cover’ or ‘hide’, but to emphasise and enhance the face that nature gave me! It’s a sign of appreciation. But make-up looks best on good, well-cared for skin…
I’m new to groupon so I will definitely be looking for those pampering offers!
As someone who until recently would not have crossed the doorstep without a full face on, I agree with this article! I have recently become a fan of make-up free days and my skin feels so much better for it.
I always envy women who are confident enough in their own skin to never bother with make-up, even if they have the odd spot. And as for the oily skin….. the oil keeps us younger looking for longer – so bring on the shine!
Oooh just after I hit submit I was reminded of one of my fave quotes which is from Roald Dahls the Twits which is along the lines that if you think nice thoughts they shine out of you like sunbeams. If you think nasty thoughts… makeup cant hide it for long