Embracing the natural look

Ok, however much I talk about, and practice self-love, self-acceptance and knowing that I am enough, I am the first to hold my hands up and say I very, very rarely leave the house without mascara on (as a minimum).  Being bought up in a family of models make-up was part of my life from a very early age and has become so ingrained into who I think I am I never stop to question why I wear it.

Last weekend we were going out to our local store to pick up something for dinner before heading off to London to see a show.  I haven't been well for a few days and my energy levels were on the floor.  Throwing on a pair of jeans and a jumper I said to my partner "I'm ready, I'm not going to put on any makeup today".  He looked at me questioningly and, with a raised eyebrow asked "are you sure"?

Now he is a pretty amazing boyfriend who was (I hope) either joking or making sure I was happy (well that's his story and he's sticking to it) but it has made me query why I feel the need to look a certain way, and, more importantly,  who do I do it for?

Is it so I will like myself more or is a misconception that others will treat me differently? I know the better I look the more confident I feel.  First impressions count and people can and often do judge by appearances.  For the days I have to use a wheelchair I am treated differently but then I do feel different so probably act accordingly.

Anyway, I have decided to bite the bullet and ditch my make up bag for a week.  I want to see how I feel, how others act towards me and try to figure out if I feel differently about myself, why that is.

So do I completely, unconditionally love myself?  I will let you know next week!