The Naked Face Project

Beauty routines.

Most women have them, ranging from the laborious to the cut and dry. We engage in these routines as a way to accentuate various facets of our beauty. Habits like applying make up or perfume, shaving, waxing, plucking, styling and dyeing hair, painting nails, and applying anti-wrinkle or anti-acne creams are a few examples.

To what end though?

To feel better about ourselves? To be prettier? Because we feel like we have to? To find a boyfriend?

As I considered these questions myself, I came across the entrenched hypocrisy that exists between my words and actions. I profess to believe in the ideals of embracing inner beauty, loving oneself, and focusing on what’s really important in life, like being kind and giving. These are things that I try to impart on my little sister especially, every day.

I tell her that she’s beautiful just the way she is, but my actions towards myself don’t reflect that statement. I tell her that it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but I still judge people for how they look on the outside. I can’t help but wonder if I spent less time focusing on what’s outward, and more on what’s inward, if I’d see a change?

I’m about to find out.

For the next 30 days, I will be partaking in The Naked Face Project, started by Girls on the Run founder, Molly Barker and Operation Beautiful founder, Caitlin Boyle. I will abstain from traditional beauty habits such as: wearing any make up, removing any body hair, altering my hair from its natural state, and painting my nails.

I will however: wear deodorant, shower, brush my teeth, wash my face, and dress as I normally would.

If you’re still wondering why I’m participating, allow me to clarify a few things.

This is not meant to be a feminist statement of any kind. I fully recognize that some women don’t make a habit of any of the things I’ve described above, my older sister included. This is also not a tirade against make up, nail polish, hair straighteners, etc. The fact is I like the smell of my perfume and I like pretty nail polish.

What this project is about for me, is practicing what I preach and finding authenticity in my life. This WILL be a challenge for me. Given that I’m leaving for the Peace Corps relatively soon, certain aspects of this project might become the norm for me, as most volunteers have relayed. That makes this hard, as I’ll surely want to be embracing these “luxuries.” But that also makes this the perfect opportunity to push myself.

I think life should be about constantly evolving, making changes, and taking on challenges. Truth is, this project makes me uncomfortable, but also curious and excited. I’ll be updating the blog with my experiences and thoughts every Thursday. I look forward to sharing them with you. For more information on The Naked Face Project, head to the site.