WHY I DON'T DO (MUCH) MAKEUP

A few years ago, I took my health into my own hands and adopted a vegan lifestyle. Not only did I become healthier, I became more aware. Initially I began my hunt for make-up that was solely vegan, I was only concerned about not applying animal products or products that had been animal tested to my skin. This manifested into a bit of late night research into what ingredients are actually in make-up, foundation in particular.
Our skin is the largest organ of our body; any products that come into direct contact are absorbed through our skin into our blood stream - the fact that I had not a single idea about half of the ingredients made me really step back and consider my make-up routine (WTF is Imidazolidinyl Urea). If you have any consideration for your health (ie celiac, don’t eat trans fat and all those random and often self-diagnosed health concerns) you should definitely want to know what synthetic ingredients are in your products - especially if they are going onto your face.

Commencing work in the retail industry forced me to wear make-up on a more frequent basis and suddenly, my acne reappeared. I felt dirty smothering my skin in a layer of grime that rubs off onto not only mine but my boyfriends clothing constantly (not easy to wash out either - so I could only imagine what my skin was feeling). The fact that you cannot touch your face without transferring beige sludge when wearing make-up actually freaks me out. I actually started feeling more self conscious wearing make-up and the fact my applying skillzzzz weren’t up to the standards of 12 year old YouTube contour pro’s my - I was left feeling like I was constantly needing to reapply or touch up or start again all together midway through the day.

Now I’m not saying I am a saint and never wear make-up - I've just toned it down a hell of a lot. I now simply wear a blend of natural face oils, a intensive hydrating toner mist & natural highlighter, a dash of mascara and alternate between wearing eye shadow or lipstick (all obvs vegan and predominantly by Lush Cosmetics). On the rare occasion that I attend an event that requires a bit more of a made up look, I opt for a BB cream or a very light coating of a pre-existing foundation I have. Since I have removed the process of suffocating my skin with foundation laced with toxic chemicals, a noticeably dramatic change has happened to the texture and entire look of my skin. Adding to the list of benefits, I receive more compliments than I ever have on how clear it is looking - some people don’t actually believe me when I tell them I have no foundation on. Compliments are 100% totally good for your mental health (*not clinically proven I don't think).

Hydration is also the key to keeping that skin glowing. Literally every single day I keep a hydrating mist right by my side. Working in air-conditioning severely dehydrates the skin which in turn causes the skin to produce more oil to compensate for the fact that the skins liquid retention is being depleted in such an environment. Hydrating mists that are predominantly H2O are most desired however some brands will pop essential oils in the mix which is never a bad thing (aloe vera is awesome for redness, a natural moisturiser and helps fight ageing) - just make sure you aren’t applying anything constantly that is filled with synthetic ingredients. Blotch papers are also a must for removing excess oils instead of touching your beautiful face with dirty hands. Most Asian $2 stores or grocers will stock these tissue-paper-thin wipes which simply remove oils - turning the paper into a transparent material once used - you need these, trust me.

Society makes us feel as though we have to hide our unmade self, as if it’s shameful or untidy to have bare skin. Without foundation, I feel clean, I know I can touch my skin or wipe my forehead or scratch the tip of my nose without copious amounts of foundation being transferred onto the next object or person I touch. I actually feel beautiful, free and happy that I can look at myself in the mirror and like the face looking back. Obviously like everyone I have my bad days but it honestly has given me a confidence I didn’t know I had in myself- I strongly urge young girls to remove the makeup once in a while.

What are your thoughts on my opinion?! Leave yours in the comments section! XX