Why should you consider a makeup detox and focus on natural beauty instead?

You might be surprised to learn the only makeup I’ve worn over the past few years is chapstick. I decided to go on a full-blown hiatus from beauty products after completely losing myself under layers of foundation, concealers, eyeshadows and anything ending in “gloss.” I didn’t wear makeup out of self-consciousness – I enjoyed looking put together and ready to take on the day… only, I just looked that way.

Spending too much time in front of the mirror equaled neglecting other areas of my life that were way more important: Healthy eating, exercising, and that whole work thing. You’d be surprised at the amount of concealer you start using to hide chronic exhaustion. To save myself from myself, I decided to take natural beauty for a spin.

Here are 7 reasons you should do the same:

1. You’ll save oodles of time
And not just in the morning, either: You’ll spend your lunch breaks mindfully munching instead of inhaling your food to squeeze in a pre-meeting touchup. You won’t have to look at everything with a reflection to make sure your face is just right. You’ll also get to enjoy the summer without worrying if your face will melt off.

2. You’ll save oodles of money
The less makeup you use, the less you have to buy. Your bank account will finally come out of overdraft! (It’s tough not to foam at the mouth when a new mascara comes out though, so make sure not to make eye contact with the sales girl during your next trip to the drug store.)

3. You’ll be able to simplify your beauty routine
New products come out every 35 seconds, and the commercials are uber-enticing. They all act like buying their products will help to enhance your natural beauty, when in fact the opposite is true. A makeup hiatus will help you simplify your beauty routine and define what you really need versus what you’re influenced to need.

4. You’ll focus more on skin care
Ironically, many of us end up wearing makeup to cover up the breakouts and other skin irritations caused by the makeup itself. Once you let your skin breathe, you’ll focus more on how to enhance your natural beauty in healthier ways – a little moisturizer goes a long way. The more TLC you give your skin, the less makeup you’ll feel you need.

5. You’ll appreciate your natural beauty
There’s nothing more liberating than a clean face (seriously!). Once you take the time to focus on things that legitimately enhance your natural beauty – such as healthy eating, exercise, and ample time for de-stressing – not having to chisel makeup off every night before bed is just the cherry on top.

6. You’ll learn to have fun with it
Remember stealing your mom’s makeup and pretending to be a grown-up? Remember how you didn’t focus on how it made you look, but the fun of putting it on? You’ll find yourself experimenting with makeup because it’s fun to try new things – think Jenna Rink in “13 Going on 30” – and your inner 9-year-old will love you for it.

7. You’ll use it as a form of self-expression
You’ll stop thinking about what the latest beauty trends are and become your own trendsetter. Once your beauty habits are less about wearing makeup out of necessity and more about creatively expressing who you are, you’re officially showcasing your natural beauty.

How do you enhance your natural beauty?

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Image: Helga Weber

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Less serious than black, natural hues are great complements to bright colors and make for good investment pieces.

Everyone seems to be talking about the bright colors these days, but there were plenty of natural hues seen on the runway during the latest edition of fashion weeks. For those of us who like to invest in fashion that lasts for a long time, the good news is that shades of beige never go out of style. In eco-fashion, it’s always the new black. To combine some of the hottest trends this winter, mix these natural hues with some poppy bright reds, plaid or orange lips.

Organic by John Patrick Flare Pants
These flared pants are truly figure-flattering. Made from organic cotton linen they are durable, comfy and easily take you from the office to a fancy vegan restaurant as they literally go with anything.
on sale for $137.50, 11th Moon

The Cortes Blanket by Heather Heron
Made from organic hemp linen, organically dyed and hand-knotted, this gorgeous blanket becomes softer with use and with proper care (i.e. hand washing) will last you a lifetime. And there’s no reason to leave it on the sofa, make it work double-duty by wearing it as a poncho or scarf.
$395.00, Heather Heron

Dace Patience Dress
This simple, stylish silk shirt dress features a flattering shawl collar and front and back pleating detail. Made from 100% sand washed silk, it comes with a belt and looks as good worn alone or paired with a leather jacket for a bit more attitude.
$395, Dace

Saami Bracelet
Based on traditional techniques from Sweden’s native Sami people, this handcrafted leather bracelet features delicate tin-silver alloy braiding. If beige is not your thing, don’t worry, it comes in 23 colors and is available in reindeer leather or lambskin.
approx. $147, Saami Crafts

Kork iPad Case
Made from recycled and recyclable natural cork, this cool case will keep your trusty iPad safe. It has outputs for everything you need to plug in and is ergonomically shaped for a natural feel. Available for the iPad 1 and iPad 2.
$39.95 – 49.95, A Produkt

Desert Antilope/Duna Boots by El Naturalista
Spanish shoe brand El Naturalista is inspired by nature and people. The company requires that all suppliers, the factory and agents and sales people adhere to their eco policy. Walk the talk in these stylish yet comfy desert boots, which will only look better with time.
approx. $220, El Naturalista

Izzy Lane College Cardigan
British designer Izzy Lane combines ethical fashion, luxury and animal welfare by sourcing wool from her own flock of rescued sheep, who get to live out their lives in a sanctuary in North Yorkshire. This short Wensleydale wool cardigan features side pockets and recycled nickle buffalo buttons.
approx. $469, Izzy Lane

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