Goodbye August! Hello September! (geez this year is flying by)

I shared this photo on Instagram two weekends ago and thought it was important to also share here on Pardon Muah and to talk a little bit about feeling confident with or without makeup. I’ve never posted a picture showing off my bare skin and figured it was time. It’s not that I’m scared to post my no makeup face, but you never know what people are going to say, and usually I just don’t think to do it. Luckily, everyone was so sweet and kind! I’ve been incredibly fortunate to meet such nice people and new friends via social media. Always so supportive and uplifting!

Playing with makeup and perfecting your daily routine can be incredibly fun and can do amazing things (see picture above hah), but there’s nothing more important than feeling beautiful in your own skin. I know some of you may be thinking, “Amanda, you always wear makeup what are you talking about?” And to answer any inquiring minds, yes, I do wear makeup daily, but it’s a lot of fun for me and I look at it as an art form, not a necessity of life :). I know that may sound strange, but I like the creative aspect of makeup and beauty products. I love testing new items and using tools and palettes I haven’t played with in a while. And I’m always learning. And that’s a lot of trial and error…okay a lot of error. Thank goodness for makeup wipes (right?!).

In my opinion, the best makeup enhances your favorite features without distorting what you were already blessed with. Yes, sometimes it’s fun to be ultra dramatic, but there’s always a time and a place. I truly believe women should do what makes them feel confident, whether that’s wearing makeup or not wearing any at all. And in the end we should all uplift each other for expressing ourselves in our own way. One negative comment can completely tear down someones self image and unfortunately those comments usually stem from a place of insecurity. So next time a little judgmental thought creeps into your mind stop and think where it’s coming from and try to turn it into something positive. I always feel it’s much more fulfilling to give a compliment. It brightens the recipient’s day and also your own – and the more you do it the more natural it becomes! 

Just some food for thought and I felt like sharing some encouraging words today. 

I hope all of you have a wonderful day and a fabulous week. Mine is already fairly chaotic so here’s to a nice glass of sweet blackberry wine and hoping the weekend comes around quick!