Stripped bare

I was thinking the other day, it's been a while since I spent a day naked in public. I mean, if I know I'm not leaving the flat, I'll do it. But outside? With nothing on? No, not for quite some time.

If you haven't clicked on the link above yet, by now you may well be wondering what on earth I'm on about - or just what kind of place Stirling is these days! If you have clicked (digitally or metaphorically), you'll know I'm talking about having a make-up free day. Perhaps not quite as daring as the full Lady Godiva, but in some ways no less scary.

The good news is that my skin is so much better these days, and the thought of braving the outside without make-up is therefore much less daunting. I put that down to a couple of things - wearing less, and better, make up on a day to day basis, and a more consistent skin care regime. I only have to look at my friends who don't wear make up to realise that if I'm probably on the right track with that. 

But I'm convinced it's also due to a more stable, content and positive me. Less stress and angst really does seem to benefit my skin.

The bad news? Well, I'm not sure there is any, to be honest. Other than me still feeling the need to disguise my flaws and imperfections on a daily basis. Is that a bad thing? Yes and no, I guess. The make up I tend to wear is so light that it doesn't do much more than just smooth things out. It certainly doesn't change my face to the degree that I see some women trying to. But the fact that I feel the need for cover-up probably says something about my (lack of) confidence.

I don't think I'm vain, but I am conscious of how I look. Right or wrong, I feel people will judge me by how I look as much as by what I do or say. Part of me is bound up in how I look, perhaps too much. Not all of me, but hiding my imperfections is still something I feel the need to do to bolster my courage. Maybe that's what I need to work on next...

Warming up

Ok, so yesterday I let you in on the challenge I've set myself for next week while I'm on holiday. And I even posted a photograph of me sans make-up - admittedly in suitably bright light so that the skin definition wasn't too sharp!

I deliberately picked next week for my 'naked' challenge since I'll be far from home and the chances of anyone I know seeing me without my usual defensive make up is fairly remote. But having had a bit of a dry run yesterday when I went to tango class au natural and managed to get away with it, I thought I'd try thinning it down a bit for work too.

So this morning instead of my usual foundation, powder, concealer, eye make up base, eye shadow, mascara, blusher and lipstick, I made do with just concealer (and not much at that!), powder and mascara. Ok, and a tiny touch of blusher. And some lipstick - but I didn't touch it up during the day!!

And do you know what? I hardly even noticed. There were a couple of times I looked in the mirror and thought I looked a bit pale - but I also thought I looked more natural and less tired. Maybe there's something in this no - ok, less - make up challenge after all!

(and why that picture - well, it's one of my favourites anyway, but I'm also hidden - behind my nephew rather than my make up for a change. But perhaps that's why I like it so much?)

Naked

No, not completely before you get too excited dear reader, just my face!

I've decided to set myself a no make-up challenge for the week of my holiday and this is me practising. I intend going to tango class today without any make-up at all. Not even my usual minimum of tinted moisturiser and mascara.

'So what?', I hear you ask. Well for me this is a big deal for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I really feel I'm beginning to show my age and that I need a little extra assistance to get by in public. I'll never forget my sister saying, as a bold 20 something, women over 30 shouldn't be seen without make-up. I laughed at the time and thought how unliberated of her, and while she might have been out by 10 years, I kind of see what she means now.

My second reason is the state of my skin itself. Now, I realise that the constant make-up wearing and the spots may well be connected, but it's a fact that I have a worse problem with (the delightfully termed) blemishes now than I ever did as a teenager. It doesn't seem fair somehow. Wasn't one of the compromises for losing my youth supposed to be not having to deal with acne, puppy fat and teenage angst. So far it only seems to be the puppy fat that's gone, and it's been replaced by cellulite! Hmm, who said life was fair?

So, next week when I head off for my solo holiday to Wales I'm going to try a whole week without any make-up whatsoever. And today is the practice run. I've already managed the supermarket facially naked. And met people I know and survived!

I'll let you know how I get on. Wish me luck!