Since initiating my first beauty regime as a teenager, I've used foundation in one way or another for over ten years. Be it tinted moisturiser, BB cream or full-scale foundation - my skin has been covered in something. It was always the norm and an unquestioned part of my dailyroutine - after all, beauty standards are hard to ignore. However after a decade of near constant makeup use, I currently wear barely any - and haven't worn any kind of base in over six months. The catalyst for these 180 degree changes was a rather traumatic breakup, that left me with the inability to function with most things in life - so any shred of a beauty routine and grooming was immediately discarded (along with many other things).
When you strip away all elements of façade, effort and the indulgence of appearance you are left with a bare canvas - finding yourself quite literally face to face with the reality of your appearance, not to mention the effects life has had on your face. Faces tell a story, from every freckle and broken capillary to smile lines framing the eyes or the flush of a rosy cheek. There's honesty and truth to a bare face and unadulterated skin - equal parts vulnerable and brave. Likewise life upheavals call for reassessment and change with regards to everything, none more so than your perception of yourself and how you want to present yourself to the world.
The more I look, the more I notice that I'm not alone. The majority of females in my close social circle choose to eschew makeup most of the time - instead letting everything from pigmentation, moles, eczema and bare lashes go uncovered and uncorrected. This subtle, unspoken shift shows there is a growing reaction to beauty standards and their dictation of "flaws" and "perfection". More and more I found myself intrigued by the almost alien appearance of a made-up face when I do see one; with disconcertingly even skin, washes of colour and sculpted contouring becoming almost jarring and unnatural.
Although I personally prefer a completely bare face, a natural and restrained beauty look is an art itself - requiring a carefully considered and refined use of product.
Recent runways and editorials were awash with bare skin - from the most pared-back "natural look" possible at Chloe, Proenza Schouler and Dries Van Noten to literally bare skin at Marc Jacobs.
Granted models have youth and genetics on their side, however there was something so real and refreshing about seeing clean skin and unadulterated features with the likes of discolouration, dark circles - their unique beauty un-homogenized by extreme makeup looks. Whilst runway makeup looks often manifest as an ironically face-less (albeit beautiful) uniform, this season saw an altogether different kind of uniform - that of normality.
There's no need to burn your entire makeup arsenal - rather, reassess your approach and explore stripping back and choosing one feature only. Whether it's a strong, lush brow paired with a naked eye and completely bare lashes - or clean, scrubbed skin with all its refreshing imperfections worn alongside a rich red lip or with a thick swipe of inky mascara. Contemporary and modern yet timeless - a bold lip has far more impact (not to mention is far cooler) when worn against the backdrop of bare skin.
Bare faces on the catwalk at Proenza Schouler, Chloe and Marc Jacobs. Photos / Getty Images
2: Your skin will thank you
Giving your skin a break from chemicals, preservatives, irritants and everything else (no matter how "natural" that foundation on your dresser is) does wonders. Stripping back your beauty routine also means your skin can have a break from overzealous cleansing and cleaning, as there's nothing really to remove. I've always found cleansing products to have just as much an impact on my skin as cosmetics. Using just water and a small amount of Dr Bronners has given my skin the chance to clean itself and find its own balance. No longer aggravated by exfoliants, toners or makeup wipes - it just does its own thing all day with no radical surprises to have to deal with. After all, it's the largest organ in your body. Redirect your funds from makeup to premium skincare and invest in things that are going into your body.
3: So will your clock
Rather than spending at least 20 minutes in front of the mirror applying warpaint and fretting about perceived flaws, use it on other things your body needs - be it extra sleep, a vaguely healthy smoothie or indulging in a moment to relax and reflect before the day kicks off.
4: No more rude surprises
When a bare face becomes your norm, no longer are you or anyone else shocked at the occasions you go makeup free. You will stop thinking you resemble an ogre on a Saturday morning once you drop the safety net of makeup. Imperfections and features that would once be anxiously obsessed over become a non-issue. Best of all, any "you look tired" comments from well-meaning family or co-workers triggered by a half-hearted attempt to put your face on completely disappear.
5: You can be sexier
The rawness and honesty of a bare face is the ultimate foil to give other parts of your look more sex appeal. A plunging neckline or flimsy silk slip dress becomes sleek and effortless; whereas pared with a full face of makeup they can read as somewhat vulgar or desperate.
