makeup-free zone

Since getting our puppy Oscar, it's fair to say I've been feeling tired, disheveled and lazy. The day we shot this I didn't have the time or energy to put makeup on, but the blog must go on! While I don't consider my beauty routine high maintenance, I do have my go-to products and I never leave the house without makeup on. So, I decided this would be a good opportunity to talk about my naked face and why the struggle is so damn real.
Confidence is hard to come by, and something I have always struggled with. I remember being teased about my skin from the time I was 11. A classmate came over to my desk in the morning and said "Hi Jenn, have you ever heard of cover up?". I was at a loss. No, makeup was not on my radar at age 11. I remember going home and asking my mom why the girl had said that to me. She explained that there was nothing wrong with me and I didn't need makeup to look beautiful. She still assures me of that today.
I continue to struggle with breakouts in my adult life and I've gotten pretty good at treating & covering them up. But even when I'm not having a breakout, I have scars and red marks on my face. It can be hard to feel confident when you feel like you need makeup to look "normal". 
Sometimes when my skin has taken a bit more abuse (like heavy makeup 3 days in a row), I opt for just a little mascara to give my face a breather. When I go out like this, people ask me if I'm sick. And I'm like, no...that's just my face. How weird is it that my foundation-free skin makes me look like I'm ill?
I get that people are used to seeing women in makeup. It's the norm. I just wish we could all wake up in the morning and make the choice, without worrying about fielding questions and comments about our appearances.
I will say it's gotten a little bit easier since being with my husband. He tells me I'm beautiful every day and encourages me to let my naked face live! I wish I could say I don't need that encouragement, but I do. It's hard! It's a daily struggle.
If I'm going to the grocery store or to the gym, I'm ok. Those are low-stress environments. But you won't catch me headed to dinner without my full face on, and that may never change.
But then again, I never thought I would post my makeup-free face on the internet for all to see. Baby steps!

Do you struggle with your skin? What is your relationship with makeup? Let me know in the comments! And always remember - you are beautiful! ♡ 

Top - H&M
Shorts - Aritzia
Bag - Tory Burch
Sandals - J.Crew
Necklace - J.Crew
Watch - Michael Kors
Bracelet - Brass & Unity * a very special jewelry company that gives back to veterans in need. Check them out here!