My Beautiful Self | 24 Days of Modedeviebel

"You're not pretty enough."

"Who would like her?!"

"You would look better with a little makeup..."

These are just a few of many comments a young girl will hear at least once in her life time, but what do we expect? With unrealistic representations and stereotypes of women headlining todays media, young girls are put under more pressure than it would seem. I should know, I was one of them... That's why on Day Eleven of 24 Days of Modedeviebel I want to talk about confidence in wearing no makeup.

When I was eleven I bought my first mascara. You know, one of those cheap tacky ones you find as a gift in the bottom of a magazine (I believe mine was from mizz - I used to love that mag!) From there I was hooked. Being a teenager is hard enough as it is; you begin to discover who you are and the type of person you want to become, however wearing makeup nowadays has become some form of social acceptance and the desire to look beautiful is undeniable.

Truthfully, have you ever woken up and not spent ten or so minutes doing you makeup?

Have you ever simply walked out the door without checking your reflection?

A few years back I would've thought that was absurd, I felt constantly under pressure to look my best. However, this idea of 'looking my best' snowballed winter pun; at one point in my life I wouldn't even leave my room to go down for breakfast without a little foundation and concealer. I got nervous going swimming knowing that my eye makeup would smudge, annoyed when the little mascara left on my lashes from the night before stained my pillow. I felt so incredibly insecure without makeup on...

Wearing no makeup can be exhilarating, but for many women it feels like a massive dare. That's why I have come up with three tips that have helped me (and hopefully you) with my confidence in wearing no makeup.

First off, like any other skin related post, taking good care of your skin will make the world of difference! If you have barely any blemishes or spots you are more likely to feel confident. Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise - even without makeup, your skin can still get extremely grubby so it is important to take care of it.

Secondly, (from personal experience) I know that when your hair looks good, you feel good. If I go out without makeup on I always ensure that my hair looks nice. Once my hair is curled and pinned I feel more assured and I immediately come across as more outgoing. If not I lack confidence that not only I can notice.

Lastly, smile. People won't notice your flaws (not that you have any to begin with) but the smile you wear. They will be envious of it! I know this is harder said than done, but think of it this way... If you are constantly putting yourself down and believe you look like sh*t the lack of confidence in your appearance will show. Believe you look beautiful and the world will see it too!

I am only eighteen - I'm still developing, challenging myself everyday. I'm learning how to be confident in myself which is precisely why I am not quite ready to publish a non-makeup photo on the internet for all to see and I hope that this time next year I will feel positive in doing so. Never the less, I challenge you to go simply a day without makeup if (like I once was) you're lacking confidence in your beautiful self.

"The empowered women is powerful beyond measure and beautiful beyond description" - Steve Maraboli