Makeup-Free Monday? Hmmm.

Makeup-Free-Monday

A few weeks ago, Alexis Wolfer, founder of The Beauty Bean, asked if I would participate in its “Makeup-Free Monday” experiment. Wolfer sent me some information headlined, “Makeup-Free Mondays: How You Can Show Your Support for Casual Fridays’ New Sister!” Sounded like a bizarre idea—I wasn’t sure it would be for me. Could I go out without a single drop of makeup? It was a scary thought! But this idea started as a way to remind women that they are beautiful, inside and out, with or without makeup.

I should support this, right? Why not. Here’s why not—I NEVER leave the house without makeup. So, this wouldn’t be easy for me. I’ve worn makeup every single day since I was a teenager. Today, I even put on a little makeup to go to the gym or run errands. But, one day is one day, so I chose the Monday after a beach vacation because I had a tan—was that cheating? I prefer how I look with a little color—natural or chemically enhanced! It was so easy to get ready for work that morning, because I got to skip my makeup routine. I loved saving the time, but something was missing.

I felt naked, especially when I walked into the office. I was very conscious of my bare face, like plain Jane. I had dressed casually, and I purposely wore a beautiful vintage necklace so people would focus more on my jewelry than my face. (How insecure of me!)

Later in the afternoon, I started to feel more confident. It was an adjustment, but I was actually getting used to it. I picked up my son at school and realized that no one seemed to notice, or if they did, they didn’t say so. I then asked him if I looked different, and he said, “No, Mom, why?” Phew! My kids are brutally honest with me. Maybe this wasn’t as obvious as I thought.

Could I do this again? I think so. Next time around, I’ll try it without the tan!—Melissa Meyers

Filed under Blog · Tagged with Alexis Wolfer, Casual Friday, Makeup Free Monday, Makeup Routine, Melissa Meyers, Tan, The Beauty Bean

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Golden Perfection Tinted Self-Tanning Gelée for Body: The Safe Way to Golden Perfection

estee-lauder-self-tan

I have always been a sun goddess of sorts—for me, there was no substitute for an authentic tan from the sun. That is, until I discovered Estée Lauder Tanning Gelée. The tan looks so real, I no longer need to spend time getting that golden glow from dangerous UVA and UVB rays. I instantly look sun-kissed without a carcinogenic threat.—Libby Henry

Buy Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Golden Perfection Tinted Self-Tanning Gelée for Body, $28.50, at esteelauder.com

Filed under Blog · Tagged with Bronzer, Estee Lauder, Self-Tanner, Tan, Tinted Gelée