Recently, I was asked if I ever went on a date without makeup. I took a second. Once I realized this wasn’t an attack on the amount of makeup I wore, just a genuine question from the person I was dating. I responded, “no”.

I couldn’t recall a date that I didn’t get all dolled up for. I enjoyed makeup (I wear it often) and the entire process of getting ready. She asked me, “well would you like to go on a date without makeup?”       

I then thought a bit more. Every date I have gone on, I am always pressed for time. Often stressed about if my hair or outfit was right, and then the need to do my makeup. And do my makeup well or I’d spend the entire evening upset my eyeliner wings weren’t equal. Sometimes I’d even go as far as doing it in the car on the way there.

Such a big contradiction to a date. The purpose of  a date is to spend quality time with someone. To get to know your partner in different settings. To share/create an experience or moment. Maybe not wearing makeup could reduce the stress and focus more thoughts on enjoying time with each other.

But why was she asking me this? This person had never commented on their preference on how I looked. If I was happy, then they were happy. I asked her these questions. Her response was that it was just a question.

A question that sparked more conversation. My thoughts led me to realized I didn’t even have a postable picture in my phone with no makeup. I love taking photos and all of my favorites I had a full face. So to go on a planned date, in my natural face was a pretty big deal. I love who I am but I don’t often glamorize my natural self. Nor do I celebrate my natural self enough in a public setting. Maybe behind closed doors, after a hot bath I’d acknowledge my natural beauty and would say “wow you are beautiful”. But not in front of others.

Before, I went any further with my rambling she said, “I’d like to take you on a date this weekend, without makeup. And let’s take your picture while we’re at it. If that okay with you?”

Still I didn’t respond. Completely thrown off my her request and why I was so hesitate. The date was one thing but a photoshoot too. This would be a different experience for me. I take photos pretty serious. Every photo I take must be picture perfect and makeup unfortunately creates a level of security for that perfection. But, I said I accept. Interested to see the outcome.

Now please be mindful that this is not meant to be some life changing case study. I am not creating ground deep evidence on why you shouldn’t wear makeup on a date. Because I can ensure you, I am not going to stop. However, I did accept the request. Even if going on a date without makeup doesn’t reveal anything. Even if I still stress on my natural appearance or I don’t save time getting ready for the date. Even if I feel just as equally beautiful on a date without makeup. Even if the pictures are stellar or trash. AT least I can say, yes I’ve been on a date without makeup and I have “POSED” pics too!

Getting out of my comfort zone all 2021.

I’ll be back to let you know how it went.

#selflove #justaquestion #challengeaccepted