I hadn’t thought about it in this way - low exhibition value vs high. And there are barriers in place to participate in a more bare faced look, though. Having clear even toned skin and desirable facial features make it easier to embrace. Thinness even, too. If you don’t already have defined bone structure, is aura devalued? Wellness, access to treatments and the genetic lottery - or altered - all factor in here. It’s easier to wear a blemish like a badge, or with neutrality, when everything else is working in your favor. I’m not sure there’s a right answer, but it’s worth exploring.
Yes I love this! is it okay if I quote you in an upcoming article that I am writing on peptide’s? I feel as though peptides are interconnecting and building a dangerous dark side to the bare face for this exact reason. ‘Who is allowed to be bare-faced?’ and does bare(ish) apply if we don’t change our personal standards for ‘beauty’ …
@Caitlin, I loved your thoughtful article. And @Lyra, your comment too.
I thought about this too. I come from a culture where makeup is really just taking off. But when I was growing up, you were judged a lot for wearing any makeup at all (slutty, vain, attention seeking, even arrogant). Being bare skinned wasn’t associated with high aura in the way that Walter Benjamin speaks of, or as having ritual value as such (as per my understanding, but I could be wrong). And while makeup was seen as something bad, being barefaced didn’t necessarily make you better because you may still have been seen as ‘ugly’. Barefaced but ‘beautiful’ (according to cultural or societal standards) was really where the societal value lay. Unfortunately. And that depended on a lot things - money, time, resources, working and housing conditions, genetic lottery, etc.
This topic is endlessly interesting. Loved this point: "It is higher ritual to hold your own humanness as we decent further and further into the human-tech hybrid. " Keep writing and thanks for engaging with my piece!
I am wearing less makeup because I want to look like me. As much as possible. And right now that looks like nutritional awareness, rolling around on may yoga mat
YES
Down with us all homogenising our goddamn beautiful individual faces
Me, 36, getting complimented at my part-time restaurant job last night by the most high glam woman for how great my braless boobs and makeup-less skin looked reading this and feeling even more confident. Thank you.
such a cool essay. i love my full glam, but i do catch myself more often atm wanting to do no mascara, less lipstick etc...never thought about it like that, but it totally makes sense
There is a total shift happening! Rhode just released in Australia (where I live) and I noticed that it is very ‘bare’ coded - Korean beauty appears to be going in this direction too! So interesting
All I’ve ever wanted since I’ve been self aware enough to be critical of myself, is to be comfortable leaving the house without makeup. My genetics gifted me with immensely dark brown circles all around my eyes. Without makeup I look extremely unwell, people would be concerned. So I do the no-makeup makeup to get by. Being able to don a makeup free face and still be considered beautiful, or in the least, not ugly, is a gift and a luxury that many of us do not have.
I hadn’t thought about it in this way - low exhibition value vs high. And there are barriers in place to participate in a more bare faced look, though. Having clear even toned skin and desirable facial features make it easier to embrace. Thinness even, too. If you don’t already have defined bone structure, is aura devalued? Wellness, access to treatments and the genetic lottery - or altered - all factor in here. It’s easier to wear a blemish like a badge, or with neutrality, when everything else is working in your favor. I’m not sure there’s a right answer, but it’s worth exploring.
thanks for the thoughtful take!
Yes I love this! is it okay if I quote you in an upcoming article that I am writing on peptide’s? I feel as though peptides are interconnecting and building a dangerous dark side to the bare face for this exact reason. ‘Who is allowed to be bare-faced?’ and does bare(ish) apply if we don’t change our personal standards for ‘beauty’ …
Absolutely! I’d also love to read it :)
@Caitlin, I loved your thoughtful article. And @Lyra, your comment too.
I thought about this too. I come from a culture where makeup is really just taking off. But when I was growing up, you were judged a lot for wearing any makeup at all (slutty, vain, attention seeking, even arrogant). Being bare skinned wasn’t associated with high aura in the way that Walter Benjamin speaks of, or as having ritual value as such (as per my understanding, but I could be wrong). And while makeup was seen as something bad, being barefaced didn’t necessarily make you better because you may still have been seen as ‘ugly’. Barefaced but ‘beautiful’ (according to cultural or societal standards) was really where the societal value lay. Unfortunately. And that depended on a lot things - money, time, resources, working and housing conditions, genetic lottery, etc.
This topic is endlessly interesting. Loved this point: "It is higher ritual to hold your own humanness as we decent further and further into the human-tech hybrid. " Keep writing and thanks for engaging with my piece!
Thank you Daniela! And thank you for pointing my nose in this direction ♡
I am wearing less makeup because I want to look like me. As much as possible. And right now that looks like nutritional awareness, rolling around on may yoga mat
YES
Down with us all homogenising our goddamn beautiful individual faces
Homogeneous faces!!!! Perfect wording, the individual beauty tide is rolling in 🙏🍀
Me, 36, getting complimented at my part-time restaurant job last night by the most high glam woman for how great my braless boobs and makeup-less skin looked reading this and feeling even more confident. Thank you.
Yes!! Embrace and embody the self is beautiful
great insight great reporting gREAT ARTICLE!! ty for this
Thank you Julia !!!!
Being bare faced and looking good is basically the ultimate flex. Almost everyone looks pretty good in full glam.
such a cool essay. i love my full glam, but i do catch myself more often atm wanting to do no mascara, less lipstick etc...never thought about it like that, but it totally makes sense
There is a total shift happening! Rhode just released in Australia (where I live) and I noticed that it is very ‘bare’ coded - Korean beauty appears to be going in this direction too! So interesting
loved reading this!
The lacunae in your eye got me aha - love this!!
hahaha classic naturopathic speak being utilised
All I’ve ever wanted since I’ve been self aware enough to be critical of myself, is to be comfortable leaving the house without makeup. My genetics gifted me with immensely dark brown circles all around my eyes. Without makeup I look extremely unwell, people would be concerned. So I do the no-makeup makeup to get by. Being able to don a makeup free face and still be considered beautiful, or in the least, not ugly, is a gift and a luxury that many of us do not have.
Bare(ish) is a total face card flex but if it gets us to a place where we’re ALL embracing our faces as they come — I’m here for it. Great read x
Loved this