Written by Ariana Palmieri
Which beauty product can you not live without? For a while, mine was foundation. I would apply the stuff all over my face in hopes to cover my pimples while simultaneously hoping the blemishes would never return one day. I was so self conscious of my zits that it was literally all I could see when I looked in the mirror. I hated them so bad that I never left the house without foundation on, at the very least. There were times when foundation couldn’t even completely hide my acne: It just kind of caked over it, which made it look even weirder. So what did I do? I stopped using foundation. Here’s why:
| Foundation can clog pores, cause acne, and even hurt animals. Some of it is tested on animals (unless you buy from cruelty-free places, like I did). Still, it is something to consider the next time you purchase it (or any makeup for that matter). |
The reason I stopped using foundation
It was a never ending cycle of primer, foundation, and self-disgust every day, until I read a certain article on Bustle, that is. The article was an experiment: Was makeup just a placebo effect? Did makeup make women feel happy because it covered their imperfections or was it merely the act of applying it that generated satisfaction? In the article, the writer tricked her friends into thinking they were going to get makeovers by a makeup artist, when actually only a minimal amount of makeup would be applied. The makeup artist would pretend to put on most of the makeup. When the session was over, the women were asked how they felt, and two out of three said they felt no more or less beautiful than usual. This was pretty interesting, considering they were wearing less makeup than they usually did.
“I knew it was time for a change. I had to take a leap.”
So what am I getting at here? Well, this really opened my eyes to think about my own application of makeup. Could I give up my most prized beauty product and still feel confident? Did I simply apply foundation just because the application of it made me feel better? If I gave it up, what would the impact be on my morning routine? Would other people notice my zits more?
There is also something else to consider: Makeup in general is not always safe. Just because it is on the market does not mean it is healthy for your skin. I liked to buy foundation from 100 Percent Pure and Poofy Organics, which are both more natural, organic brands. I felt less guilty putting their products on my face, since they were cruelty-free and contained natural ingredients, yet I still didn’t feel beautiful. Either my foundation looked too cakey, didn’t cover my blemishes enough, or didn’t match my skin tone completely. I was never 100 percent satisfied, and I knew it was time for a change. I had to take the leap.
How this has benefited me
I’ve went three weeks without foundation now and I must admit the changes I’ve seen and felt are striking. Not only do I feel more confident, but I also enjoy my morning makeup routine even more. It’s become quicker and much less of a hassle. I don’t apply nearly as much primer, only on the spots I apply my eye shadow and blush. If I have a blemish that I feel is too noticeable, I’ll put primer on it and then dab some of my old foundation on it, using it as a concealer. People, including my parents and boyfriend, have barely noticed the difference too, and I had to be the one to tell them I wasn’t wearing any foundation.
“…I have noticed my skin has more of a glow to it and doesn’t break out as bad or as much.”
My skin has become even more radiant, in my eyes. Along with this, I’ve been drinking Yogi’s Skin Detox tea, cleansing with 100 Percent Pure’s Organic Lavender Honey Facial Cleansing Foam,moisturizing with Lani’s Tropical Super Serum, and treating acne with Burt’s Bees Herbal Blemish Stick. All these things combined, along with eating a more balanced diet, is starting to heal my skin. I still have some acne, but I have noticed my skin has more of a glow to it and doesn’t break out as bad or as much. I’d have to keep up my routine for a few more weeks to see further results, but the important thing is I feel better than I did before.
Should you stop using foundation too?
I truly recommend every woman take a moment to think about their makeup and question it. Does it really bring you happiness? What other things could you do with the time and money you invest in buying and using it? What does it do to your skin? It’s important to note that foundation, like any makeup, can cause blemishes too. By constantly using it, I was clogging my pores, wasting time in the morning, and avoiding my real skin underneath. If you feel it’s time for a change, like I did, take it and be brave: Your happiness will ensue.
