How to Live Foundation-Free
There is so much to love about foundation! Nothing else changes the way skin looks as quickly and drastically, and I loved them for this fast transforming ability. However, when my skin was at its worst, I grew a serious dependency to it. The need to hide the true state of my skin grew, and I could not go out without it.
If you feel the same way, or perhaps are currently trapped in the bad skin-foundation-cycle, literally afraid to be caught without any sort of skin cover up, this is for you.
I know, you know not wearing foundation will improve your skin. But, our addictions are emotional. Forget about logic/reason when we see 3 giant zits that popped up overnight. They’ve never seen me without makeup ever – they will FREAK out at how bad my skin really is! *puts on foundation*
So, first things first. Ending foundation dependency begins with a shift in perception.
1. People focus on themselves
Impressions matter and we have all judged someone based on appearances. But for most, attention on others is short-lived and we quickly go back to thinking about ourselves – how we want to look or be, what we should do, how others perceive us etc.
Just as you mostly focus on you, people mostly focus on themselves. How you look does not change the way people already see you. At least, not to those who matter.
2. Small first steps
Now that we’ve established that others are not really looking at you, be bold! Take one small first step of showing your skin as it is.
You don’t have to jump in bare-faced on a full work day packed with presentations (although you absolutely can!). Start with your weekend grocery errand, or Spin class after work on Tuesdays. Wearing your ‘true’ face, even for a short period of time, allows you to experience firsthand, that it is okay for you to be in front of people without makeup. You know this logically, but you need to be convinced experientially.
3. Spot conceal
When you feel more comfortable with showing your less-than-perfect skin (who has perfect skin?), it’s time to make an adjustment to your daily makeup routine.
Most, or in fact all of us, do not need complete coverage of our whole face. Strategic spot concealing on certain areas or even just on blemishes alone will make a significant difference. Find a high coverage concealer that matches your skin and blends well, so that it appears seamless with your skin.
Start with the big areas you want to cover, then take a step back to assess the overall uniformity of your complexion before using more. There is no need for your face be a piece of spotless canvas – it looks unnatural, unbelievable and unapproachable. Who wants that?
4. Good Skin Care
With reduced reliance and usage of foundation, your skin will already show substantial improvement. However, we must address your skin health to extract the root of this dependency.
Good skin care is not using a lot of products, a lot of actives, or a lot of products with maximum actives. It is about consistently using the right products for you. Product compatibility involves more than actives alone. It requires the perfect blend of actives and functional ingredients.
Functional ingredients form the base of the product, and are overlooked because they are not that interesting. However, they are crucial to the product’s success as incompatible functionals are the biggest cause of congestion and irritation. This is why many products still cause breakouts despite having anti-blemish actives in them.
Every skin is unique. Complete bespoke formulation of your entire regime enables the creation 100% compatible products. Precise combination of the right actives and functionals allows you to achieve and maintain clear skin. Farewell foundation forever!
I hope these tips inspire you, and help make your first move towards the freedom to wear your skin just as it is.
