No Makeup Challenge

No Makeup Challenge

A friend of mine today revealed to me she had never worn foundation before and that she was once told it’s ridiculously priced, ‘like £20 or something!!!’, this truly horrified her and it got me thinking… Why do we feel the need to wear makeup and with that, how much money do we spend on it??

I’d like to use this blog to tell you my experience of 8 days makeup free AND why I personally wear makeup.

As aforementioned, I suffer with terrible dry skin. I therefore decided to experiment to see if by wearing no makeup my skin improved at all. I wasn’t going anywhere special during my 8 days apart from work, and a boring weekend in the house so it was the perfect opportunity to try this little experiment of mine.

So how did it go?

I mentioned to the girls at work the fact I wasn’t wearing any makeup and to my amazement they were shocked! They said my skin was glowing and looked great, so much so they thought I was wearing foundation. During this time I also didn’t bother with cleansing and toning with my beloved Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish.

What happened?

I was going out the following weekend and wore my regular makeup and used my Liz Earle to remove it. My skin looked a little dry the following day but I still wore my makeup and removed again with Liz Earle, and suddenly my skin was on fire. I had became allergic to my Cleanse & Polish. So essentially, me not wearing any makeup actually sensitised my skin and made it react to my regular products.

Why do I wear makeup?

Two reasons, the first which I believe will be a mutual motivation for most of you reading this, I think I look better/prettier/more attractive/less scary/more alive (you get the picture) if I am wearing makeup.

The second comes about following my above experiment; I personally believe by wearing my makeup my skin is protected from the harsh weather conditions of winter and therefore does not react with my regular products.

The friend I first mentioned said she simply doesn’t know a thing about makeup, another of my makeup free friends is simply that way because she has such sensitive skin and her own mum didn’t wear makeup, so she was never influenced or exposed to this industry as a young person. I remember sitting watching my mum put on her makeup as a little girl and being mesmerised. I personally wasn’t allowed to wear much makeup to school in my late teens, unlike many of my peers. Essentially I’m grateful for this as I now HATE seeing young girls with a face full of makeup, but the sexulisation of children is a whole other debate entirely…

How much is the industry worth?

The point my friend made about the expense of makeup (£20 to me isn’t a lot for makeup) made me do a little research…

  • In 2006 the cosmetic industry was worth £6.2 billion
  • In 2010 (despite the recession) the cosmetic industry was worth $11 billion

How much do I spend?

I personally estimate that I spend around £100 per month on beauty products including makeup, creams, lotions and potions…

SO I’d like to know; why do you wear makeup? Could you do my week challenge of wearing no makeup? AND…how much do you spend on average on makeup per month?

For more beauty posts click here.

Lauren xo

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17 Comments

  1. February 22, 2012 / 8:52 pm

    I probably spend about £80 on makeup a month but I'd rather spend my money on a few high quality bits that I know work than spend the same amount on a big pile of cheapy products. Personally I wear makeup because I like trying out different colours and finishes on my cheeks and lips seeing what looks best and reflects my mood.

    I definitely feel like if I wear makeup my skin is protected a little from dirt and all the nastiness in the air (gross as that sounds)

    Great post 🙂 xxx

  2. Chi-Chi
    February 22, 2012 / 11:26 pm

    your post was a very interesting read; gave me quite a bit to think about, especially as a person who doesn't really use make-up in general.

    i have worn a full face of make-up only once – that was for a photoshoot back in 2007!

    i have make-up bits and bobs – mascara, lip gloss. i only recently bought blusher! even then i hardly use my make-up…..i can hardly be bothered to whack on simple mascara for work!

    i am one of three daughters, but despite my younger sisters using make-up on a regular basis, it annoys my mum that i don't have the same interest in make-up….though i have to say this year i'm willing to be more open about possibly using make-up on a more regular basis. or at least that's what i told her :¬)

    Chi-Chi x

    http://www.thatgoodgirlchi.blogspot.com

  3. February 24, 2012 / 12:23 am

    Personally I wear makeup because I like to look more awake and fresh! I feel perfectly fine without makeup, I just hate the tired look. I have an older sister, so I always used to see her put makeup on, and even being the biggest tomboy alive as a child she still tried and tried to put makeup on me! 😀 (I thank her now lol) Girls need to realize though, that makeup isn't everything, if your not confident on the inside, your not going to be confident on the outside, makeup or not!! 🙂

    I followed your blog, care to check out mine? I don't have many followers yet. http://amyfley.blogspot.com/

  4. Sooji
    February 24, 2012 / 2:19 am

    Great post! For me, I can't imagine not wearing makeup for a week, and I wear makeup to feel much more confident about my looks 🙂 I feel so naked without them!

  5. Maryam Maquillage
    February 24, 2012 / 2:53 am

    cool post and it really got me thinking… I'm not sure how much I spend on makeup, I usually just maintain my collection and replenish it depending on my needs. I wear makeup for many reasons, first, obviously to be more aesthetically pleasing to myself, second, b/c I genuinely enjoy makeup artistry, and third, to hide or conceal a blemish or imperfection when they occur. I have no problem going outside without makeup, however, I do feel more presentable and put together with makeup on. That about sums it up :)))

  6. Blonde Ambition
    February 24, 2012 / 8:08 pm

    Totally agree, I think its more cost effective to spend on better products that work well.
    Thanks a lot for the reply hun xxx

  7. Blonde Ambition
    February 24, 2012 / 8:10 pm

    Thanks Chi Chi! I think if you're confident without makeup then there is no need!! As long as you look after your skin it doesn't matter of you're make up free or wear a full face!
    L xx

  8. Blonde Ambition
    February 24, 2012 / 8:12 pm

    Thanks Amy. Totally agree about the tired look. Xxx

  9. Blonde Ambition
    February 24, 2012 / 8:13 pm

    Thanks Sooji. Yes it is a massive challenge. I did save a lot more time on a morning getting ready though.

    L xx

  10. Blonde Ambition
    February 24, 2012 / 8:14 pm

    Thanks Maryam really appreciate the post xx

  11. AshleighGxoxo
    February 26, 2012 / 2:59 pm

    Such a good post. I dont really wear make up in the day just a bit of bronzer, mascara and lipstick (concealer if I have a blemish)! So I don't think I spend too much on make up a month. Maybe about £20? I am a bit of a tan addict and don't think I could do without putting a bit of bronzer on everyday though! I think I just like the transformation from wearing little make up in the day to a full face on a night out :). I can't believe you had a reaction from your usual products tho ! 🙁 xoxo

  12. KayleighLouise
    February 27, 2012 / 12:17 am

    Ahhh love this post Lauren! I just feel so self-concious without my makeup on. As though people would look at me like 'she could of made more effort'. My skin isn't even bad and I don't suffer with spots so I might try giving my skin a break. I probably spend the same as you a month, its pretty ridiculous really!! x x x.

  13. February 28, 2012 / 1:48 pm

    I would never be able to go without my make-up, I probably spend about £100 a week!!!!! HOW BAD IS THAT! Good post, this got me thinking! I'm your newest follower 🙂 look forward to getting to know you! xxx

  14. Blonde Ambition
    February 28, 2012 / 2:58 pm

    Ah I also love the transformation aspect of makeup! To be honest getting ready is often my favourite part of a night out. Thank for the comment. I love a good tan too! L xo

  15. Blonde Ambition
    February 28, 2012 / 2:59 pm

    I totally agree Kayleigh. I sometimes look at myself and think I wish I'd made more of an effort today. I just love my sleep too much! L xo

  16. Blonde Ambition
    February 28, 2012 / 3:00 pm

    Thanks Hannah! Wow that is a lot of money. Mind you I could easily do the same thing if I wasn't being sensible with my money (saving for holiday). Thanks for following L xo

  17. kelly marie
    March 6, 2012 / 8:32 pm

    awful that you reacted to your cleanse and polish! I love make up and couldn't do what you did and not wear it, it gives me confidence and without i feel awful! x

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