Sometime I'll make a post showing how different lighting can (sometimes drastically) change how one looks as well.
For those of you whom are new, up until the pandemic, I would not leave my house without makeup on. Getting comfortable enough in my own skin to be seen in public for how I actually look has been a big part of my healing journey.
I do enjoy wearing makeup, so I still wear it out often. I think it's expressive and fun. I love clothes and dressing up so hair and makeup are a part of that for me. They're kind of like the final artistic polishing touches I do when I'm getting ready to go out. But I'm definitely grateful to no longer feel like I have to wear it. I've been putting a lot of emphasis on skin care. When I go to the gym, for example, I want my skin to sweat and breathe, therefore I do not wear makeup to work out like I used to when I was younger.
I am well aware that I am not the only woman who has been fooled to believe they are only beautiful when their face is made up. Yes, makeup can be artsy and expressive, but we are all absolutely beautiful as we naturally are too. For me, it's been about learning to keep that same confidence I feel when made up while not wearing the mask.
Photos (both): Amy Frank, October 2023