Makeup Free For A Year And Loving It

So I never thought I would get to a point of not wanting to put on makeup. But, I’ve been makeup free for a year and loving it. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m still a huge product junkie and love to play in makeup but I also love my skin and believe in giving it a break. In actuality, I love my bare unfiltered skin more and more everyday.

It started a couple years ago, where due to a tornado that damaged my office, our office became anywhere we can find space, so we were going to work very casually. It was hot and humid, and we were working with what we had left from the damage.

I began to feel like, you know what, I don’t want to be walking out here in 100 degree weather. Worried about if it’s sweating off, disappearing, and yes oil blotting like crazy. But I had this huge fear of not looking put together, professional, or like I cared about myself if I didn’t put on something.

I was having all these emotions because I wanted to give my skin a break and I wanted to feel free. I was conflicted because some in my office thought makeup was an essential to come to work. On the other hand, I didn’t want to be so dependent on makeup. Also, I know for a fact makeup doesn’t have any reflection on work performance.

So when the tornado hit, it kicked that feeling of wanting to be free in overdrive and I felt like it was the right opportunity for me to break free.

But one of the biggest obstacles, was yes I wanted to be free, but I didn’t want to look oily or greasy all day. Um, yeah I’m one of those girls who have oily skin and I love my oily skin. The benefits of having oily skin helps with my anti aging, but that’s for another post. Anyway, I began to play around with products and minimizing my routine as much much as possible. I settled on a primer to keep the oil at bay and it blurs my skin as well, apply two coats of mascara, brow gel, and some lipgloss. I felt like hey, it doesn’t look like I just rolled out of bed and no one will be able to fry eggs on my face. That was cool but I still didn’t feel “free”.

Fast forward to quarantine and that desire arose again. Yes, I was going to the office but, it was for a couple of hours and I was alone with the door locked while I was there. So you guessed it, I felt no need to get up extra early to apply makeup 💄 .

I have been literally makeup free and loving it for a year now. I don’t even do the primer, mascara, and lipgloss. Actually, Carmex has been my go to lip moisturizer because I will not have crusty lips. And I feel good and it feels good to show up bare face as myself, without a “mask”. I no longer care if others feel like it isn’t professional and I no longer feel like I’m not put together. Me going to work, grocery store, or wherever else without makeup has nothing to do with what I have to offer or my performance. In fact, I feel more comfortable, at peace, and free.

Now I didn’t set out to be makeup free with a certain time frame. It just happened that I love being free so much that I haven’t went back. Of, course I still play in makeup when I have free time. It’s still a hobby of mine and a way for me to have my “me time”. Self Care Beauty Routine

Going out bare skin, has given me so much more free time in the morning. Here’s a big one, I don’t go down the makeup aisles as much anymore. First I’m not using as much so I don’t need to replenish. Because the desire isn’t there daily I no longer feel like I have to try everything that has launched. So yes I’ve saved a lot of money being makeup free. I stick to my skin care regimen and keep that simple as well. I’ve been thankful to find products that I can wear that doesn’t give me the greasy look and still keep me moisturized.

I’ve noticed how much more confident I am when I go out. It’s so ironic, because you would think that the makeup will give me that boost. But me showing up bare and myself has mentally and emotionally been beneficial. I’m loving my natural glow and wouldn’t trade it for a highlighter.

If you’ve been struggling with skin issues, time in the morning, confidence, or feeling trapped by always having to be made up, then I encourage you to show up and bare it all. There is a liberating feeling that you’ll receive. Think of it as taking the mask off, many of us hide behind masks of all sorts. Removing the mask will set you free.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

AFFORDABLE BEAUTY PRODUCTS I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW

I’m back at it again. Rotating some oldie but goodie and affordable beauty products I’m loving right now is my thing. These are some products that I’ve decided to give another try. Also there are some that I picked up on a whim because they were on sale. 5 THINGS I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW

Freeman Deep Clearing Manuka Honey & Tea Tree Oil Clay Mask +Cleanser.
This is my first time trying this cleanser/mask and its AMAZING!!!!!! I picked it up for $3.99 and its worth the price of a luxury beauty mask. My preference is to use it as a mask at least 3x a week. I apply it to clean damp skin and let it set for about 15 minutes. Upon rinsing with warm water my skin is soft, pore less, blemish free, breakout free, and hydrated. If you are wanting a cleanser that is a 2-n-1, helps with breakouts, dryness, clogged pores, texture, or blemishes, give this a try.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser
This is my second time trying this exfoliating cleanser. I must say I’ve been successful this go around. Before when I purchased it, I had experienced dryness and burning of the eyes. After about two weeks of using this in morning, I love how glowy and soft my skin is in the morning. I don’t have problems with the dryness or burning of the eyes. The exfoliation is small enough to where it doesn’t irritate my skin or cause redness. However, I will say I use this about every other morning. Side Note: On the days I don’t use this I use the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleansing Gel. Once again for under $10, if you want soft, supple, and exfoliated skin, give this a try.

No.7 Resurfacing Peel.
For some time now I’ve been realizing I need to incorporate some treatments to my skin care routine. I’ve been a lover of No.7 already so I got this Resurfacing Peel in a goodie bag. This is a bonus booster to my routine. This helps my everyday products work better and how they are supposed to. My skin appears more soft, dewy, and my dark spots has drastically faded. I use this once a week, coupled with my other skin care. This peel is on the pricey side of drugstore, at $32.99 at Target. However, this will last you a while especially if you only use it once or twice a week.

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Shea Butter Soap
Little fact about me, is that I’ve moved back to bar soaps. They are mild, last a long time, and have an endless supply of scents. This has been my all time favorite bar soap. Your skin is clean, fresh, and doesn’t feel dry. Furthermore, for only $5 you can have this bar for a while.

Dickinsons Hydrating Toner with Rosewater
So this is another product I revisited. The first time around I didn’t see any results and felt that it dried my skin. However, after looking at it in my cabinet, I decided to give it another try. Well, I’m in love with it. I’ve noticed a difference in my pores being smaller. My skin doesn’t have texture, and I feel it helps my serums, mists, and moisturizer work better. I use it morning and night for the best results. I haven’t experienced any dryness or burning. This toner will definitely be repurchased. As you can see in the photo I’m just about done with this bottle.

The last month or so I noticed a difference in my skin and I had to think of what I was doing differently. I always love trying new products, revisiting some old ones, and adding to my routine to give my skin a boost. Especially as seasons change. If you are needing some extra TLC or just want a boost in your routine, give these products a try. I’m a firm believer in you don’t have to spend a lot of money on beauty products to get amazing results. These are just some of my affordable beauty products I’m loving right now, if you have any more suggestions please let me know.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Self Care: Hobbies and Activities

We all have that one thing that makes us smile, calms us when we are angry, and won’t get tired doing. It could be collecting something, sewing or knitting, or having a hobby like drawing or gardening.

Well for me my “thing” is makeup. I can sit and watch video after video on makeup tutorials. I can wonder the aisles of the store for hours examining the shade range, packaging, scent, names of products, and anything in between.

For me though it isn’t about the makeup itself, it’s about the action of purchasing it, taking it home, and trying it out in many different ways to see how I look. The look or outcome of the makeup is always beautiful but thats when I lose my enjoyment. I enjoy the application process of it. It’s something about me blending foundation, applying mascara, and putting on lipstick that makes me feel good. The thought that I’m taking the time to enhance my beauty or see how different I would look with certain products is liberating, fulfilling, and makes me smile on the inside.

What’s your thing? Don’t ever be afraid to tell someone what your pass time is. That is what makes you unique. That is your gift. Something you are great at, constantly find ways to get better , educate yourself on, and never get tired doing that is you.

Most of the time we don’t realize our “thing” is what we need to tap into to fulfill ourselves.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.