Attending a women's college has taught me more things than I ever imagined. It has taught me that I can have a personal relationship with professors that care about my future, that I can achieve feats I once thought were unreasonable, that I can accomplish just as much as any man (though I may not reap the same benefits), and that being myself is the easiest way to be happy.
For me, being myself is laughing with my sisters in our TV room trying to guess what is going to happen next on "American Horror Story." What also makes for a happier me is waking up not worrying about putting makeup on to impress the people around me or myself.
Don't get me wrong, I'll put makeup on for special occasions (nothing makes you feel hotter than a strong eyebrow game), but over the last four years I've learned that there are so many things I can do without makeup on. Here's just a short list:
1. Any Activity Related to Water
Unless you've got professional stuff, its tough to keep that "Kardashian contour" after hopping in the swimming pool. Working out with makeup on is just as annoying. Between wiping the mascara from under your eyes (waterproof or not, it's down there) and blotting your face with your towel in attempts not to wipe off all of your foundation, it's a difficult task!
2. Hugging People
I always feel so bad when I give someone a hug and leave a huge smudge of makeup on their collar or shoulder. Oops.
3. Getting Ready Quickly
When you don't have a face of makeup to worry about, you can almost cut your "getting ready" time in half! Half!
4. Imroved Complexion
I think my skin has gotten dramatically clearer since I've taken better care of my face and stopped trying to cover blemishes with three or four different products. Now I just moisturize and go.
5. Packing Less
When my boyfriend and I go hiking or camping, I know I can leave my makeup at home. That means I have more room in my bag and less weight to carry. No worrying about whether your makeup will break or explode in your bag. It's great!
6. Looking the Same Before and After You Wake Up
"I woke up like dis."
7. Meeting Someone Who Sees You
One of the best things I've ever done was meeting my boyfriend when I was wearing no makeup. That made me think, "Wow! He thinks I'm beautiful. He's seeing me." Now, he doesn't care if I contour my face or put on mascara. To him, my happiness is his priority, not my looks.
8. Learning That You Are Flawless Without It
In the words of Sophia Loren, "nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful." Beauty doesn't have to be applied to the face; it can be radiated naturally.
For some, makeup is art and creativity, to others it's a security blanket, but for women like me, it's an accessory that isn't always needed. Regardless of your stance, know that no one can determine your worth or your ability but you. Neither looks, nor clothing, nor your reputation can take away from what you can accomplish tomorrow. All that you can do is be the best version of yourself.
