The back story to this post is a simple and interesting one. I was packing up my stuff to drive home from Charleston last weekend, and thought ‘I’m only driving home, I don’t need makeup.’
I got home, unloaded the car, and hung out with J. In the midst of this I found myself glancing in the mirror, and thinking “I don’t dislike how I look right now.”
That may sound strange. Let me explain.
While I am not the type of gal who wears a lot of makeup (my routine is pretty simple), and while I am not afraid of people seeing me without it, I rarely think of myself as pretty without it. Maybe you can relate.
In that moment I felt fresh, pretty, and unique.
Fresh because I didn’t have chemicals all over my face.
Pretty because I could see more clearly my God-created skin and eyes.
Unique because the world constantly screams that beauty is/can be made by a ‘well-done’ face. To learn how to do apply better or to use more expensive products.
Up until that moment, when I thought of beauty, my default immediate thinking was external: hair, eyes, makeup, body shape. It’s a habit long ingrained. As I looked at my bare face in the mirror, I realized I was a little sick of that perspective.
I talked about it with J later and unofficially decided I wanted to minimize my daily makeup wearing, and reserve it for special occasions — Sunday mornings for church or a special date night or wedding.
I’ll wash my face, put on a slightly tinted moisturizer and a little mascara and call myself lovely.
This experiment could only last for the month of April, or the rest of my life, I’m not sure. I do believe I’m going to be made new through this.
God created me in His image; He created me beautiful and wonderful (Psalm 139:14) with no added chemicals or aids. I am the one who adds those things.
I am praying that He renews and refreshes not only my external skin, but also my soul. I’m asking Him to help me redefine ‘beauty’ in my eyes.
I want to learn confidence in my own skin, just as it is, nothing added or altered.
I believe this process will help me use more encouraging language with myself, celebrate qualities in myself and in others that are not physical, and practice gratitude for the function of my body’s features.
Three cheers for the grace of simplicity and change!
PS – I don’t think there is anything wrong with wearing makeup. I don’t feel above it, or above those who are passionate about makeup and using it. This is an opportunity to learn to feel beautiful the specific way God created me.
And I want others to know that they can be free, to embrace the idea that makeup isn’t the only source of beautifying. I want women to know they are beautiful just as they are, by the light in their eyes, joy in their laughter, hope of their hearts, uniqueness of their DNA.
I’ll keep you posted on my discoveries.
I would love to see you bring this message to the junior high and high school girls. Of course, I am thinking of my sweet ACS, but it would not need to start or stop there. This message of love and acceptance can be so vital, as it focuses on God’s view versus the world’s view. Your center seems to be in Jesus, and that center can never be rocked or destroyed. Miss your sweet face. Blessings to you today.
Such a beautiful message. I hope you’re able to find the beauty in your identity in Christ this process! :)
This is so freeing, for so many! Good luck with your break, and you are lovely! BTW which tinted moisturizer do you use? I use an Aveeno one, but like to try new things from time to time.
This is awesome! I can relate to so much of what you said above. I don’t wear much makeup at all…especially compared to “most” girls, but I rarely let people outside my family see me without it and don’t necessarily feel exceptionally good looking without some form of makeup on. As I’ve grown up I find that I use less and less and reserve the full on make up for weekends or special occasions. Thanks for sharing your perspective and the amazing reminder that our beauty has nothing to do with what we put on our skin and that God creates us all in His image and things we’re beautiful the way we are. :)
This is awesome – women need to be freed up from this notion that we are only beautiful if we are painted up! If I were as beautiful as you, makeup would NEVER touch my face again!
What a great post! I’ve never worn much makeup either. What a great revelation it is when we realize we are beautiful just how God designed us!
I don’t know if I could do this! I’m loving what you’re saying, Chelsea!
Thank you, Rachel! I hope so also. :)
Laura, I use Aveeno also! But I did try a Neutrogena one and liked it.
Rachel, we are kindred spirits on this. I’m glad you can relate. We sisters have to stick together to remember the Truth :)
You definitely could, Daisy. ;)
Everyone’s seasons are different; thanks for commenting!