Like the title suggest; I did not put on make up for more than a month.

Earlier in May 2019, I had a slight break out. I suspected that it might be due to the stress that my body went through due to long haul flights and I was experimenting with new sheet masks. I figured that I had dry skin, and the usage of the wrong mask caused the outbreak. I wanted my complexion to improve fast, so I decided to go without makeup for a month.

The first week was not easy for me, as I was quite self-conscious when I go out. I did not dress up since I am not putting on makeup. I try to be as plain as possible to blend in with the environment. After a while, I am used not to make up. I feel pretty neutral on most days. The makeup does not define me of who I am. No one seems to care if I have makeup on or not. Once in a while, I do get one or two asking me why do I look so tired, which is pretty reasonable.

Nevertheless, when I did put on makeup, I do feel a little fancy and better on those days.

Now, I am more conscious about skin care products and makeup that I used. I gave away the masks that do not suit my skin type. I tried to keep my skincare as organic as possible. I am using the term "organic" loosely here. I meant I used pure aloe vera by exacting the gel from the plant, or I applied raw honey as a mask. These are simple skin care regime that works. Other than that, I shorten the number of steps of my skincare routine too. There is no need to add on more products to my face to irritate the skin. Now, I used a hydrating mask as sleeping mask daily. It helps to cool and soothe the skin. My skin is getting better now.

Here are some lessons that may be useful to you if you want to explore skincare or have better skin based on my personal experience:

• Find out what type of skin you have

• Use products that work for you, don't chase after the hype! If particular skincare works for you, stick to it. If it doesn't, find out what's the ingredient that is causing the issue. Then, avoid the product at all cost.

• Everyone's skin is different. What may work for your friend may not work for you! You can take their recommendations but only get those that are beneficial for your skin.

• Put on a hydrating mask on the plane!

• Drink a lot of water and eat healthily. Your diet would affect the condition of the skin too.

• Put on sunscreen!

Currently, I am staying away from makeup for a couple of weeks more. I wish for my skin condition to stabilise before I put on makeup again. Hopefully, with this post, it would educate you to know your skin better and learn to treat it better too. After all, the skin is the biggest organ.

That's all for now!

x, Esther