#ProjectBareAll was created by the lovely Megan // Thumbelina Lillie. The premise is to inspire confidence without makeup, to show everyone that we don't need makeup to feel good about ourselves. So, hear I am, bare faced on the internet. I have dark circles and scarring from spots and badly bitten lips and sparse eyebrows and my face is so much paler than my body, but that's okay. It's normal.
I started wearing makeup around the age of 12, but it was probably when I was around 14/15 that I started wearing it "properly". I don't actually think I've had many disasters, but I definitely was of the notion that covering my very dehydrated face would stop it from looking so dry - nuh uh, Emily. Since I started wearing makeup I did feel as if I had to wear it every time I left the house, even if it was just a tiny bit of concealer and mascara. However, in recent times I've been leaving the house with nothing on my face, and although I'm still not 100% comfortable with this, it really isn't a problem.
I love wearing makeup - I love the process and the way it makes me feel and look. Makeup is amazing in that it can make you feel confident in seconds, which ultimately is a good thing, but I do think we are being brought up in a way that preaches makeup is essential to be aesthetically pleasing. It certainly isn't. If you wear a full face of makeup every day, then I know that saying "don't wear any!" isn't going to help at all. It can be a gradual process, but it's a step I think everyone should take.
I want to reiterate that wearing makeup every day isn't a bad thing! But you should understand that it isn't necessary, that you are beautiful without it, and that your skin will thank you for wearing less too. My skin is still dry but it has definitely improved now that I never wear makeup at home, and only put it on when I'm going to be out of the house or around people for a substantial amount of time. Or, you know, taking blog photographs.
So, I encourage you to go without makeup! Feeling good in your own skin is so very important. Plus, no one is going to care if you're wearing makeup or not - believe me! If you would like to be involved with #ProjectBareAll then post your facially naked selfies to Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag to spread the word!