August 05, 2025

Finding Your Confidence in the Nude (Aka without Makeup)

What’s With Our Makeup Obsession?

Exploring Beauty Standards, Skin Health, and the Freedom of Going Makeup-Free

The desire to enhance our appearance with makeup isn’t new. In fact, it’s been a global obsession for centuries. But as we reflect on how far we’ve come—and question where we’re going—it's time to ask ourselves: Are we still in control of our beauty routines, or are we letting unrealistic standards define us?

Beauty Through the Ages: A History of Extreme Measures

Let’s go back—way back.

The ancient Egyptians are famously known for their bold eye makeup, especially the iconic kohl-lined lids. It wasn’t just for show; it was believed to protect against the evil eye and the harsh desert sun. Cleopatra, the ultimate beauty icon, even wore lipstick made from crushed carmine beetles (yes, really).

Fast forward to ancient Greece and Rome, where women painted their faces with white powders made of ground stones or lead-based concoctions to achieve a pale, “noble” complexion. During the Middle Ages and all the way through the 19th century, pale skin symbolized wealth and class, as it meant you weren’t laboring outdoors.

Unfortunately, this pursuit of beauty came at a steep cost—some women suffered paralysis or even died from frequent use of ceruse (a mixture of vinegar and lead). The toxic cost of “beauty” has always been too high.

Today’s Makeup is Safer—But the Obsession? Stronger Than Ever.

Modern cosmetics are (thankfully) regulated and safer, but our obsession with flawless skin, contouring, and "perfection" is more intense than ever—thanks to clever marketing, curated social media feeds, and the booming beauty industry.

In fact, the global cosmetics market brings in over $40 billion a year, with ads designed to create insecurities you didn’t know you had. One moment you’re fine, the next you’re spending $40 on a highlighter to "lift" your cheekbones.

So here’s the real question…

Do You Need Makeup to Feel Beautiful?

Ask yourself:

  • Is makeup your creative outlet or self-expression?

  • Do you wear it for fun, or does going bare-faced make you anxious?

  • Are you covering up because you want to—or because you feel like you have to?

As women, we’re bombarded with messages telling us we need a multi-step routine of serums, concealers, powders, and sprays just to look “acceptable.” But at what cost?

The average woman’s hygiene and makeup routine can apply up to 515 synthetic chemicals daily. That adds up to over five pounds of chemicals absorbed through your skin each year. That’s a lot for one face to handle.

If you’re a mom like me, you read every label on the baby shampoo bottle, avoid harsh soaps for your little one, and choose organic whenever possible. But when it comes to yourself? You might be unknowingly slathering on ingredients that don’t align with your values—or your health.

Let’s Pause for a Reality Check

Take a moment and think:
What’s on your face right now?

  • Moisturizer?

  • Concealer?

  • Foundation?

  • Setting powder?

  • Highlighter?

  • Bronzer?

  • Mascara?

  • Lipstick?

That’s a long list—and you only have one face! When you pile on product after product, day after day, your skin can become dependent, irritated, or even inflamed.

At Bella Botanicals, we often hear from women dealing with clogged pores, breakouts, or dullness, only to discover it’s the result of using too many synthetic-based or pore-clogging ingredients in their routine.

It’s Time to Jump Off the Beauty Hamster Wheel 🐹

Let me say it loud for the people in the back:
“F” that nonsense!

We don’t have to play this game anymore.

You are beautiful. Not because you nailed your winged eyeliner or found the perfect nude lipstick. You’re beautiful because you are you. Natural beauty isn’t something you “achieve”—it’s something you own.

Just look at some of the most iconic models throughout history.
Cindy Crawford’s mole. Lauren Hutton’s gap tooth. Cara Delevingne’s bold brows. These women didn’t conform—they embraced their uniqueness. And because of that? They set the beauty standard.

Imagine what would happen if more women felt confident enough to do the same.


Natural Skincare That Supports Real Confidence


At Bella Botanicals, we’ve seen firsthand how switching to clean, non-toxic skincare can help women feel confident in their own skin again—sometimes for the first time in years.


Many of our customers find that when they ditch the heavy layers of makeup and make the switch to simple, botanical skincare, their skin begins to thrive.


Some of our favorites for restoring skin health and glow include:


And while some of our products are naturally scented with essential oils like lavender and vanilla, we’re always mindful about formulation—creating products that are gentle, effective, and aligned with your holistic lifestyle.

 

Does Makeup Mess With Our Mental Health?

Research says: Maybe.

A study from the Renfrew Center found that when women went without makeup:

  • 44% felt unattractive or uncomfortable

  • 14% felt self-conscious

  • 14% felt “naked” (aka: vulnerable)

  • Only 3% said they felt more attractive makeup-free

Meanwhile, other research links frequent cosmetic use to higher rates of anxiety, insecurity, and the need to conform.

It’s not just a beauty issue—it’s a mental health one.

But there’s hope:
Women who go makeup-free more often report higher self-esteem, emotional stability, and confidence. They’re not hiding—they’re choosing to show up authentically.

The Confidence in the Nude Challenge 💪

Let’s shift the script.

I’m challenging you to join the #ConfidenceInTheNude movement and go one day—just one!—without makeup. Instead, nourish your skin with simple, natural skincare and pay attention to how you feel.

Will you feel exposed? Maybe.
Will you feel free? I hope so.
Will your skin thank you? Absolutely.

Our clients tell us all the time that once they start using Bella Botanicals, their skin improves so much they don’t need makeup anymore. That’s not just a win for your complexion—it’s a win for your mindset.

Ready to Take the First Step?

You don’t have to ditch makeup forever. But let’s start making intentional choices about what we put on our skin and why.

Your worth was never in your contour brush. It’s in how you show up, how you care for yourself, and how confidently you walk through this world—makeup or not.

💌 Have questions about sensitive skin, fragrance-free routines, or switching to natural products? We’d love to help. Send us an email at Leslie@mybellabotanicals.com and we’ll guide you to the best routine for your skin.

Written by Leslie Reichgelt

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