When I wake up tomorrow, it will be just THREE DAYS until my second marathon!  Soooo excited.  And sooo nervous. 🙂 🙂

 

Today was a typical Tuesday – lots of writing, e-mailing, secretary-ing at the clinic, and a little volunteering with Girls on the Run.

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Ever since I read about the 200 Texas high schoolers forgoing make-up at school in honor of Operation Beautiful, I’ve been thinking a lot about make-up.  Now, I am NOT saying there is anything inherently wrong with make-up, but I do feel compelled to wear it every day, especially when I go out in public.  I appreciate the way those girls have made me think about make-up.  I feel like I’m not “finished” without it, which is so silly because I’m fine just the way I am!  So I’ve decided to skip make-up when I coach at Girls on the Run.  It’s kind of weird for me, but I want those girls (who are 8 – 10 years old) to know that’s its OK not to wear make-up.   Under eye circles, pimples, blemishes, and all!

 

Lunch was a hummus sandwich with Baked Apple:

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Pre-Girls on the Run snack:

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Post-coaching snack of olives (I ate about half):

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And dinner featured another Vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe!  (Other recipes include Lean, Green Casserole Machine and Baked Apples.)

 

This is one of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes!  It’s not vegan, but it’s awesome and will definitely be making an appearance at our table this year.

 

Corn Casserole

 

Ingredients:

 

  • 1.5 cups cornbread mix (if you want it to be vegetarian, do NOT use the blue box of Jif, which contains animal fat, just an FYI)
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 can creamed corn
  • 8 oz. sour cream

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Directions:

 

  • Pre-heat oven to 375.
  • Grease a casserole dish (if you use a 13 X 9 dish, baking time will be shorter than a 8 x 8 dish).
  • Mix all ingredients together.
  • Pour into casserole dish and bake for 35 to 50 minutes or until center sets.

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For dinner, we had a piece of corn casserole, some homemade pizza with green and red pepper and mushrooms, and roasted broccoli.

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Hanging out with my in-laws and my Dad!  We’re having a big get-together tonight.

{ 112 comments }

 

  • Caitlyn (A Spoonful of Life) October 26, 2010, 8:50 pm

    I like the “make-up free” movement! Not only are you being your true self, but it saves a lot of time in the morning!

    And what a great idea to try Thanksgiving recipes out before the holiday. Manybe I can convince my family to let me make a few new recipes if they know beforehand they taste good!! They’re tough critics!!

  • Jacalyn October 26, 2010, 8:51 pm

    You are beautiful without makeup! Way to go! I only wear makeup twice a week when I see patients in clinic. Luckily, the other three weekdays I am in surgery, so there is no need for even mascara. I don’t wear makeup on the weekends, either and guess what… my pores thank me for it!

  • Vicky @ eat live spin October 26, 2010, 8:53 pm

    You look great sans make-up! by the way, you inspired me to make baked apples… going to incorporate them into breakfast tomorrow. SO excited!

    • Vicky @ eat live spin October 26, 2010, 8:58 pm

      I think there is an upside to make-up and a downside. The upside is that people with burns and real facial issues can feel a bit better about themselves. The downside is teenagers being obsessed with how they look at all times!

  • Stacey October 26, 2010, 9:00 pm

    Good for you Caitlin 🙂 you are just as beautiful without makeup! P.s. I get to run the airport 5 k with my old girls on the run team this weekend 🙂 so excited to see them again. I love the message that you are sending your girls

  • holly @ couchpotatoathlete October 26, 2010, 9:04 pm

    I think you look great without makeup Caitlin! I don’t think there is anything wrong with making yourself up — I just choose not to.

  • Annie October 26, 2010, 9:05 pm

    You look stunning without a stitch of makeup on!
    Some mornings before class I set my alarm a bit later so I don’t have time to fix my makeup. I head to class ready to learn without being all done up. Sometimes it can be fun to mix things up!

    I didn’t know that little fact about the Jif mix. But you can be sure I’ll be making the casserole for Thanksgiving. It is SO easy. I can’t mess it up 😉

  • Hope October 26, 2010, 9:05 pm

    That pizza looks soooo good! I love homemade pizza!
    I actually hardly ever wear makeup, I always run out of time in the mornings, and to be honest I’m not that good at applying it anyways! My mum used to always call it ‘war paint’ lol
    You look great without makeup though!

  • mindy @ just a one girl revolution. October 26, 2010, 9:12 pm

    I rarely wear more than moisturizer with an SPF and a bit of mascara anymore! I felt self-conscious at first, but I feel so much more confident without it!

  • Eliza October 26, 2010, 9:12 pm

    makeup is a tough topic for me. I am pretty self conscious about my skin, which tends to break out a lot (despite dermatologist interventions, trying every product under the sun, and three different birth controls…and despite being 26 years old). I find that my emotional state is connected to my skin, which makes sense but is kind of sad. Makeup definitely helps me feel more confident. But on the days where my skin is cooperating with me, I happily go without makeup, or just use a little bit, and feel much prettier than the days where I feel the need to do a lot of “covering up.”
    Man, isn’t it such a giant topic to begin thinking about the ways that social constructions of femininity/gender roles impact our identity formation?

  • Coco @ Opera Girl Cooks October 26, 2010, 9:14 pm

    I think it’s awesome that you’re foregoing makeup for your sessions with Girls on the Run. Not only is it okay to go make-up free all the time, it’s much better for your skin when you exercise! Sweating with make-up on is just no fun for your pores anyway =)

  • Claire (Low Impact Fashionista) October 26, 2010, 9:15 pm

    I often go without make-up and only recently have I begun to feel like I don’t always need it. I used to always feel “gross” or “sloppy” when I didn’t wear makeup. I’m happy that I am beginning to accept myself with out makeup…but I’m definitely still happy to have it when blemishes pop up 😉
    Also the corn casserole looks sooo good. It might make an appearance at my thanksgiving too!

  • Liz @ Blog is the New Black October 26, 2010, 9:16 pm

    Good for you! Natural beauty is the best beauty. I don’t wear makeup to work, etc. It’s more of a lazy thing but I’m not ashamed!

    • Lesley October 26, 2010, 9:20 pm

      I totally agree! It’s not so much that I don’t like makeup, but since I’m comfortable without it I become too lazy to bother. It’s extra time I can sleep in!

  • Lesley October 26, 2010, 9:16 pm

    I think your girls on the run coaching gig is a perfect place to rock a bare face! And I’m sure all those high school girls will be thrilled when they find out you’re participating in their project. 🙂

  • Candice October 26, 2010, 9:19 pm

    Makeup is kind of a big issue with me right now. My skin has been breaking out really badly for about the past couple of months. Because of that I feel like I don’t want to go anywhere without makeup, which I hate! The more I feel like I have to wear it, the more I dislike it. And even though I’ve worn makeup for as long as I can remember, I think almost every day that if my face ever returns to normal, I’m not going to wear it at all anymore!

    Right now I’m really trying to focus on feeling beautiful, not because of what my skin looks like, but because of who I am. Maybe that’s why I’m breaking out…God may be teaching me something through this.

    You look beautiful even without makeup:) And what a great example for the girls.

  • Katie October 26, 2010, 9:20 pm

    I wish I could go make up free! I do on days when I don’t have a breakout. I am still pretty minimilist concealer, bronzer maybe some under eye concealer. I don’t own eye shadow, lip gloss or mascara anymore. Too much upkeep 🙂 My Girls I coach for GOTR wear more makeup then the coaches do 😉 Middle schoolers though so at that age.

  • Balanced Healthy Life October 26, 2010, 9:20 pm

    I like that you are not wearing make up when you coach Girls on the Run! I think you are sending them a positive message!

  • Kelly October 26, 2010, 9:22 pm

    I didn’t wear any make up when I went to work today, it was kind of liberating!

  • Meaghen October 26, 2010, 9:23 pm

    I wear makeup every day to work, but not a ton. I went though a no makeup phase a while ago because I too didn’t feel “finished” without it and hated that feeling. My skin is far from perfect, but I don’t mind going out without it now. The thing is, I really love makeup! I love mascara and playing with eyeshadow when I go out. I think as long as you can go out without makeup if you want and not feel self conscious about it, there’s no problem with wearing it the rest of the time!

    • Hannah October 26, 2010, 10:10 pm

      I agree! I do love wearing my make up. My identity is not tied to it, but experimenting with different shades and looks is fun for me on the weekends/nights out. I’m in front of teenagers all day, so I feel the need to look my best for my own self confidence–and my best just happens to be with a touch of make up!

      But good for everyone who can go without. Rock on!

      • Caitlin October 27, 2010, 9:55 am

        I really love makeup too. I’m not saying its inherently bad. I think it just becomes bad when we feel uncomfortable without it, which I do!

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound Weight Loss!!! October 26, 2010, 9:24 pm

    Ditto on the no makeup wearing, great example you are setting! =) My daughter is 10 now and isn’t into make up, YET, she doesn’t even like lipgloss, unlike most of her friends. I have a little “Tom Boy” on my hands I think, no problem here of course, just hope she stays that way for awhile.

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey October 26, 2010, 9:25 pm

    I totally went makeup free on Sunday! I went to church so I was out and about in the morning, and I really didn’t feel self conscious at all!

  • Heather October 26, 2010, 9:26 pm

    I used to wear makeup everyday no matter what, but now I have realized who cares? I have three ways to go..no makeup, minimal (concealer and mascara) and then full makeup for going to dinner, a family gathering, etc. etc. my mom says to enjoy not having to wear it while I am young b/c when i get old I will want to as not to scare people haha

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) October 26, 2010, 9:26 pm

    Yuuuuuuuuuuum. home made pizza!! Did you make the dough ?

    some times a week goes by and I haven’t put any make up on… I love how it makes my skin look/ feel the more I don’t wear it.

    • Caitlin October 27, 2010, 9:53 am

      Naw it was store-bought pizza rounds. Too lazy.

  • Jamie @ Food in Real Life October 26, 2010, 9:32 pm

    Those olives are calling to me. I’m craving salt like nobody’s business! Have a fun get together!

    p.s. you look great without makeup 🙂

  • Alayna @ Thyme Bombe October 26, 2010, 9:32 pm

    Great that you’re showing those girls that makeup isn’t necessary, especially during exercise.

  • Michele October 26, 2010, 9:34 pm

    The make-up issue. I struggle with this one. When in my 20s, I wouldn’t THINK of being seen without it. Now in my 30s, I’m finding that I don’t want to wear it. I’m down to a little powder (I have red cheeks sometimes) and mascara. It feels good. I look around at others I work with (who don’t really wear much), and I think about how they’re beautiful women… whether they wear makeup or not. I feel like I’m more myself without it. I think maybe we hide behind it sometimes. Without it, we’re completely ourselves. And that’s perfect because there’s no one else I’d rather be.

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef October 26, 2010, 9:38 pm

    oh i love corn casserole!

  • Wei-Wei October 26, 2010, 9:47 pm

    I think that the most important thing is still to take care of yourself – we can’t do anything about hormones (pimples, etc) but we can minimise things like dark circles or uneven skin tone by trying to take care of ourselves better! I don’t wear makeup and I don’t plan to start anytime soon. I’d rather take care of my skin and have awesome makeup-free skin than use lots of makeup and have fake-but-perfect makeup’d skin. Just an opinion!

    PS: Your blog had an internal server error for a few minutes just now…? Or is it just me?!

  • Lizzy October 26, 2010, 9:47 pm

    i think you look beautiful without make up on, and i can relate to you on how you said you don’t feel finished without makeup on. i feel that way too all the time, but honestly more often then i expect, i’ll go out of the house without it on and i feel awesome when i do. Also i’m so excited for your upcoming marathon! i can’t believe its already been a week and 2 days since mine. i’m ready to start on a path to another challenge!

  • Caroline October 26, 2010, 9:58 pm

    I usually don’t wear make-up on the weekends or whenever I do not have to work.

    I cannot wait to hear about your marathon! I think it is amazing for anyone that completes the marathon distance! One day I hope to do it too…maybe when my daughter gets a little older!

  • Marie October 26, 2010, 10:04 pm

    I love the no make-up deal! You’re really lovely. I’m also still self-conscious about my acne, but I try to not wear too much make-up.

    I make a similar yummy corn casserole, but it’s more bread-like. I just make the cornbread per the package directions (Trader Joe’s is the BEST) but add in the 1 can of creamed corn and bake 30-40 minutes. Everyone always loves it!

  • Danielle October 26, 2010, 10:05 pm

    I don’t wear make-up 95% of the time… weird, I know. I usually only wear it for what I deem to be a “special occasion”… so a night out, a special event at work, etc. I don’t know why I never got into it, I guess it’s because I was a swimmer, and the thought of mascara running down my goggles was never really appealing! I still have a hard time grasping the concept that people really do wear it every single day. I’ve tried it, but I probably never will!

  • Charlie October 26, 2010, 10:06 pm

    Such a great example to give to those young girls! Sometimes I forget about makeup and realize when I’m about to remove it lol :P.

  • Carla @ Will Run for Health October 26, 2010, 10:06 pm

    I think it’s great you are going without makeup for the girls you coach! What a great message to send to them! I am in the process of transitioning to eating a vegan diet after being a vegetarian for 6 1/2 years. I can honestly say (and man…this sounds a little shallow) but one of the best benifits is my skin clearing up and looking younger. I’ve noticed since I’ve cut dairy out, I need less make up.

  • emily October 26, 2010, 10:08 pm

    Yup, other than mascara I hardly ever wear makeup! I grew up with really bad skin and it recently cleared up; I can’t even explain how happy it makes me to walk out of the house without makeup, feeling pretty. (not that I wore a bunch before anyways, but still)

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad October 26, 2010, 10:09 pm

    YES! Make-up free is the way to be! At least some of the time. I always wear make-up to work, but other than that, I often leave it off on the weekends. I feel so sad for those females who wake up every morning and slather on a new face. In the south, there are a lot of women whose husbands have never seen them without makeup. That is crazy!!

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write October 26, 2010, 10:16 pm

    I absolutely adore corn casserole. I hadn’t even thought of including that in my Thanksgiving this year. I’m so glad you posted this!

    I like the makeup-free idea, though I rarely go without it. Hm…

  • Katie - Life Discombobulated October 26, 2010, 10:19 pm

    I think the make-up free movement is a GREAT idea! AND I think you are beautiful without your makeup! 🙂 I wear it on the days I feel I need to look at least a little professional and go without the good majority of the time. When I do wear it, I keep it to the bare minimums: concealer, blush, mascara. But, really, we should all feel comfortable enough with our awesome selves that we don’t feel like we NEED it in order to be beautiful/feel professional/be taken seriously/etc.

  • Camille October 26, 2010, 10:23 pm

    You look gorgeous, makeup or not!

  • Melissa @ TryingToHeal October 26, 2010, 10:29 pm

    i saw their interview before you got to announce it and i loved it! story of my life, i don’t even know how to apply makeup! i think every girl is gorgeous w/o any!

  • maria @ Chasing the Now October 26, 2010, 10:29 pm

    I cut back on make-up almost entirely at the end of last year. It was great! But, these days I wear it lightly throughout the work week and rarely on the weekend. I love letting my skin BREATHE!

  • tina October 26, 2010, 10:35 pm

    any tips for a vegan sub on the sour cream for this dish???

    • Caitlin October 27, 2010, 9:56 am

      Oh man – NO IDEA. Is there soy sour cream?

      • tina October 27, 2010, 9:59 am

        i’m thinking either a soy or coconut yogurt???

        i’ll let you know 😉

  • Kristina @ spabettie October 26, 2010, 10:40 pm

    Caitlin you are beautiful without make up !!

    HELLO to Dad HTP !! 😀

  • Rebecca October 26, 2010, 10:42 pm

    “I feel like I’m not “finished” without it, which is so silly because I’m fine just the way I am!”

    ^ That’s exactly why I don’t wear any. I don’t want to fall into that line of thinking. :\
    No offense! Just pointing it out.

    Also, you look amazing, with or without the makeup. 😀 And good for you for setting that example for your GOTR crew!

  • Amy October 26, 2010, 10:44 pm

    When I started working from home, my makeup use dropped drastically. But I wear it when I go out at night or for business meetings simply to look my age and not look sick! There are two immediate reactions whenever I don’t wear makeup — either disbelief that I am older than sixteen (I’m 26) or concern that I am sick! So, makeup is my friend!

  • Julie October 26, 2010, 10:52 pm

    OMG, the worst thing I see are girls wearing fake lashes or other such obvious makeup to marathons/half-marathons/other such races. I mean, really?!

    I wear minimal makeup because I work a corporate job, not really wearing it before then. I, too, feel “unfinished” without it now, but when I’m off, I’m lazy and prefer not to have any on. Unless I feel like I’m having a bad skin day. Argh.

    I would love to just get super clear so I wouldn’t need much/any, and save myself time/money!

  • Heather (Faces of Beauty) October 26, 2010, 10:54 pm

    HURRAY for no make-up! i know i’m really blessed to be OK with not wearing make-up all the time, but when i started faces of beauty i was shocked at how many women had a hard time with it. i think we’re all so much more beautiful without it though.

    perfection is boring 🙂

  • ashley @ ashley's adventures in alaska October 26, 2010, 11:17 pm

    I love that you’re such a great role model for the girls in your GOTR program! P.S. That corn casserole looks seriously amazing. If I can figure out how to make it over a campfire, I’ll be making it for Thanksgiving! Yum.

  • kwithme October 26, 2010, 11:21 pm

    I have only recently started wearing make up on a regular basis. I am 38 years old. Part of it is to look a bit more pulled together now that I have lost weight and I like the way I look. I really don’t like looking like I have make up on.

    When my oldest (now 9) was about 7, she asked about why women wear make up. I took her in the bathroom with me and we looked at ourselves in the mirror. I compared our eyelashes, the flush in our cheeks and the color of our lips. Even she could tell the difference in vibrancy between me at 36 and her at 7. I told her that when I wear makeup, it is because I want my lips to have the rich color like hers do and my cheeks to be a little flushed like hers. I don’t want to look like a child but I want that healthy glow. She has not expressed any interest in makeup since.

    On the other hand, when my younger daughter asked me (she was 4) about makeup. I said “we don’t need make up. Don’t I look beautiful anyway?” she promptly and firmly said, “No”. I guess I had set myself up for that one.

    • Caitlin October 27, 2010, 10:09 am

      You are a beautiful mom 🙂

    • Reenie October 27, 2010, 1:17 pm

      Try Bare Essentials ~ it feels like you are wearing nothing at all. You can get it at sephora.com ~ start with the starters kit ~ so you get all the brushes. It lasts a loooog time ~ I love it.

      I think it’s great that all you women are able to go without makeup and feel good. That’s one thing that I’ve never been able to do….I know I don’t look good without it ~ and I sure as heck don’t want to scare anyone!! HA!

  • Jaclyn October 26, 2010, 11:33 pm

    Your corn bread casserole looks great – yumm!
    I’ve been going much more make up free lately too, I love it it’s kind of liberating, undereye bags and all ;)!

  • Therese October 26, 2010, 11:44 pm

    I am in a professional job (I’m a nurse in a critical care unit) but I almost never wear makeup on a daily basis. I’m actually prompted to take better care of my skin (and sleep more to prevent these “bags” everyone talks about) when I know I won’t be covering it up.

  • Sarah for Real October 27, 2010, 12:01 am

    I’m happy about the perspective you present with makeup. I agree that there is nothing inherently wrong with it, but it should also not define me. I think your choice to be makeup free at GOTR is a great choice. Will you point it out to them?

  • Georgie October 27, 2010, 12:05 am

    I love not wearing makeup! I actually almost never wore makeup in high school and very rarely wore it in college! I have started wearing it a little more often now that I am working but most of the time I just forget about it completely. I think makeup is a type of trap in that once you start to wear it, you start to feel like you need it more and reverting back to a “natural” face can be challenging so glad to hear you are doing it.

    Have you seen the Dove Campaign for True Beauty videos? This is one of my all time favorites with regards to media “beauty”:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhCn0jf46U

  • Maura October 27, 2010, 12:07 am

    You’re an inspiration.

  • diana October 27, 2010, 12:17 am

    just don’t let patti stanger see you, keke!

    you look great without makeup on.

    i wrote down your corn casserole recipe!! going to try it!!

  • Blue October 27, 2010, 12:54 am

    As adults, we can do whatever we think it is right. But I love the message that you are sending to those young girls.
    The recipe of corn casserole sounds so simple, guess I won’t mess it up.

  • maya @ finding balance in tokyo October 27, 2010, 12:54 am

    I think that is a great choice! Although I agree that it is not inherently bad, I think there is a time and place for it that does not include exercise and physical activities like running. It sends a good message to go without it at GOTR.

  • Laura Ann October 27, 2010, 2:03 am

    WOW, Caitlin! What an inspiration you are are! You got me thinking about wearing makeup to work (I do therapy with kids and teens). Great message, for sure.

  • Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) October 27, 2010, 5:49 am

    You look really beautiful without make-up! I was inspired to follow this movement, and am trying to go without make-up every day for this month, even when I have huge dark circles under my eyes! It is a very good message for GOTR, so well done for being such an inspiration, even when it’s hard!

  • D October 27, 2010, 6:34 am

    I think I’m the sole differing opinion here….makeup is awesome! It’s been around for thousands of years and the idea of decorating and enhancing one’s face and body is not a media driven concept. We are hardwired to want to put our best face forward! I’ve seen a few comments that say things like “I don’t want makeup to define me”…who thinks that?!!? You can wear a face full of makeup every day and not let it define you. I am perfectly confident and know that I’m awesome without makeup, but that doesn’t mean I need or want to show my dark circles or blemishes to the world. Also, the girls in that video have flawless skin…and I’ve seen a LOT of these types of campaigns, and all the girls have gorgeous skin. Some of us aren’t that lucky!

    • Caitlin October 27, 2010, 9:52 am

      I kind of agree. 🙂 Good food for thought.

    • krista October 27, 2010, 1:03 pm

      I agree as well! I see adult women without makeup on and I think how much more put-together they would look if they had some on. It definitely enhances our natural beauty. I have yet to see someone who looks better without a little makeup.
      I also don’t think makeup defines me though! I go to the lake and pool weekly in the summer without makeup because it will just come right off. This doesn’t bother me in the least!

  • Sarah October 27, 2010, 6:40 am

    I totally understand how you feel about make-up. There’s nothing inherenty wrong with it, but if it becomes a necessity, a crutch, then it’s not right. I know there are a lot of girls who wouldn’t be caught dead without their ‘face’ on and that’s sad. When it’s used like that, I feel that make-up contributes to the impossible level of perfection girls/women feel they have to live up to – like skinny models, etc.

    Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE make-up – but as a way of bringing out my features, and hiding the breakouts when I feel like it. The only thing I wear every day is my eyeliner, and the only reason I wear it so much is because it’s a traditional herbal remedy.

    And I think it’s great what you’re doing with those girls! Go Caitlin!

  • Tabitha (From Single to Married) October 27, 2010, 6:48 am

    Good for you – you look great! My husband always tells me to go without makeup but I just don’t know if I could do it. As I’ve gotten older, though, I wear less and less but I have those blonde eyelashes and my eyes seem to disappear without mascara so I always wear that. 🙂

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) October 27, 2010, 7:15 am

    I heard about that the other day too. In the past year, I have been going with less and less makeup. I now feel like I don’t have to look “perfect” everywhere I go. There are definitely times when you need more (like fancier occasions), but in everyday life, it really just is not necessary. I think that is definitely a lesson the younger generation should understand. Good for you for showing them!

    The casserole looks delicious! I love cornbread of any kind…it is a weakness!

  • Chelsea @ Healthsea October 27, 2010, 7:21 am

    Good for you for going makeup free! If my skin was as even as yours, I probably would, too! The main reason I wear foundation is because my skintone is very blotchy naturally, and worse so as my skin dries out in the winter months. And I’m still trying to get used to how my eyes look in glasses (I just got them this summer), so I’ve been wearing eyeliner most every day. I’m not proud of either of these aspects, and hope that I can become more comfortable with not wearing makeup. My mom NEVER did– maybe a little in college, but she’d gotten over it even by her wedding day– and is the most beautiful woman I know, so hopefully that will start to kick in and inspire me!

  • Shanna, Like Banana October 27, 2010, 7:21 am

    Great message. I’m so glad you are doing this and practicing what is preached. What a powerful message.

    You look lovely!

  • Molly Barker October 27, 2010, 7:32 am

    I went all summer without makeup and any kind of hair maintenance. (no dryers or straightening!) It was incredibly liberating. Love the idea. We should make it a huge day…across the nation.

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) October 27, 2010, 7:33 am

    That’s it, you’ve inspired me. I plan on going sans makeup at least once this week (aside from the weekend, when I go without anyways!) It’s a start. 😀

    (p.s. you look gorgeous with or without makeup!)

  • Liz October 27, 2010, 7:34 am

    You look great without makeup girl! I pretty much am always makeup free to work because I’m lucky to have an even skin tone, but sometimes I feel like I should wear it to look more professional. I wonder if there are any studies on the effects of makeup and salary, like there are with height and weight.

  • Alina (Duty Free Foodie) October 27, 2010, 7:47 am

    I’ve cut down to mostly wearing make-up to work but not on the weekends. I try not to wear it when I work out, but this is difficult to do at lunchtime because I don’t have time to take off my make-up, moisturize, wash my face, moisturize, reapply. I do worry if that’s bad for my skin though.

  • Erica October 27, 2010, 7:58 am

    I think it’s great that you are not wearing makeup when you volunteer with GOTR! I am very inspired by the time you spend with this group. We don’t have a GOTR in my town, and as a grad student I don’t have the time to start up a chapter, but as soon as I move onto my next location once I get a job, I’m going to look into joining this organization.

    I hate to say it, but sometimes I feel like a little make up is a necessity – especially in some professional contexts, like meetings or interviews.

    One more thing – that corn casserole looks so delicious. Every time you post it or talk about it I want some!

  • Kristy October 27, 2010, 8:04 am

    Caitlin – I’m very glad to see this topic becoming more popular! I am totally an mascara only girl. Occassionally – when we go on a date I’ll put some eye shadow and liner but foudnation and powder really dont have a place on my face:-)

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday October 27, 2010, 8:33 am

    I very rarely wear make-up
    so taking part in the No Make-up Challenge week at the end of September was very easy for me

    http://gamereviewwiki.com/bikinibirthday/2010/09/23/no-makeup/

  • Dara October 27, 2010, 8:37 am

    i always need a bit of concealer under my anemia eyes. But other than that.. i like being makeup free. that’s a great thing those student did! ps- you look fabulous make-up free as well!

  • Amanda October 27, 2010, 8:56 am

    I rarely wear makeup anymore and I love the freedom. Learning to love myself exactly how I am is a hard but rewarding task!

  • Jen @ Jen is Green October 27, 2010, 8:59 am

    I love the idea of going makeup free, but its SO HARD for me to feel comfortable not wearing any in public! I really need to work on that!

  • Juli D. October 27, 2010, 9:01 am

    I’m conflicted on the make-up front. I believe in feeling beautiful without it, but I think putting it on to look your best is okay too – just like I wouldn’t leave the hair w/bed head or wearing my pajamas – I’m beautiful w/messy hair and raggedy clothes but I also want to present myself well to the world.

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit October 27, 2010, 9:05 am

    Mm I love corn casserole! haven’t had that one at Thanksgiving in the past few years for some reason. Good for you for going make-up free! I usually just wear mascara but I do feel like I “need” it.

  • Kimberly_FeLix October 27, 2010, 9:10 am

    I think it’s interesting the things that make us change our perspective. I was never a slave to make up, but I was very very very fortunate in that I never had blemishes or pimples. So, if I was feeling saucy, I would put on make-up, but usually if I wore anything at all, eyeliner and mascara were all.

    When I got preggers, it was like I’d had an injection of testosterone and I got pregnancy acne, I felt soo mortified that, for the first time in my life, I started wearing makeup regularly. I don’t know why but I felt like I had to cover myself up. I’m obviously over it, but I could see how something so small could make someone feel so insecure and reliant on makeup.

    I definitely think it’s cool that you are showing those young girls that they’re just fine au natural.

    Kuddos.

  • Sara October 27, 2010, 9:23 am

    Sometimes if I get ready later in the day (if I mowed the grass and then took a shower but I’m running an errand later) I forgo the makeup. It feels good! I don’t think I look half bad. I’ve gotten used to me w/o makeup (something me in high school or me in early college would never do!) I actually printed out the corn casserole recipe the other day and put it on my ‘fridge to try next week. How funny! I think we’re hosting Thanksgiving again and I’m going to make some sides that make me happy (and maybe a small Tofurky if I can find one!)

  • Carlee October 27, 2010, 9:30 am

    I love getting all dolled up and playing with my makeup. I even love to do it for my friends. It’t a fun way to express yourself. That said, I oftne go without makeup on the weekends. It especailly annoys me when I see women at the gym in full makeup. Seriously. I am up at 6am to go to the gym most days and they are luck if I run a brush through my hair…hahaha. It should be a choice of preference and not self conciousness that drives you to wear makeup.

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) October 27, 2010, 9:33 am

    What a wonderful example you are setting, Caitlin!! Very cool:)
    That pizza slice looks fantastic! How did you make it? *goes to look at a previous post I may have missed*

  • Nicole - yuppie yogini October 27, 2010, 10:33 am

    I rarely wear makeup because it makes me think I look worse when my face is squeaky clean.
    That corn bread stuff looks yummmmmy!

  • Shelly October 27, 2010, 10:35 am

    I actually prefer to wear makeup. I don’t wear much, just foundation, blush and mascara (my lip of choice is chapstick- haha). But I’ve gone through a few periods in my life when I didn’t wear makeup at all- it’s not that i felt bad or unfinished, but those periods kind of corresponded to times when I wasn’t taking care of myself in general. I think I do better when I take time to care for myself in many ways, wearing a little makeup, taking care with my clothes, eating right, working out, getting enough sleep, etc…
    For me, it’s all part of “me time.”
    That being said, I don’t wear makeup when I workout b/c it’s bad for your skin!

  • AllieNic @ Firsky Lemon October 27, 2010, 10:45 am

    I feel the same way about make-up: I know that I am fine without it, but I put it on anyway because I like the way I look better with it… I don’t wear that much makeup on a regular basis: a little eye liner, mascara and blush is really it…when I’m going out or on weekends, I do a bit more, but in general I don’t wear that much so there’s not a huge difference when I go without.

  • Beth @ bride in the little white dress October 27, 2010, 11:42 am

    I’ve noticed within the past couple of months I haven’t been wearing makeup when I go out esp on the weekends. The best part about it is I really don’t mind! I have better things to worry about lol 🙂

  • katie October 27, 2010, 12:58 pm

    that pizza looks DELISH!

  • Charlotte October 27, 2010, 1:15 pm

    I rarely wear makeup and it is partly due to my husband. Anytime I put make up on he always says why do you put that gunk on your face, you do not need it! I still wear so etimes, but he has really helped me realize I am beautiful just as I am!

  • Jacquelynn October 27, 2010, 2:28 pm

    Caitlin – What kind of makeup do you typically wear?

    • Caitlin October 27, 2010, 2:34 pm

      MAC – it rules!

      • Jacquelynn October 28, 2010, 1:58 pm

        I’ve been using their concealer, LOVE it! Do you use their eye colors? what color do you use? I

        • Caitlin October 28, 2010, 2:34 pm

          I use their concealer, too. I just use cheap eye shadows though.

  • Jennifer @ Frost Bites October 27, 2010, 3:28 pm

    I think that “natural” is still the best way to go”. I never wore make-up until I was in my 30’s. My hubby said that that’s what attracted him to me and the only reason I started wearing make-up was because I saw my skin changing as I was getting older and I needed to look more professional at work as well. I still only wear very “light” make-up and try to remember my sunscreen…but if I’m not at work, I forgo the make-up.

  • Stephanie October 27, 2010, 3:34 pm

    We make that cornbread casserole all the time. It’s the closest thing my mom found to the El Torito’s recipe she loves.

    As far as make-up, I find that my eyes look really small (like I’m tired/high and they’re droopy…seems to be my natural face no matter how much sleep I get!) if I don’t wear some eye make-up. I don’t worry about it if I don’t have time or I forget, and I hardly wear it when I’m not at work.

  • Amber K October 27, 2010, 4:25 pm

    I love it! I went make-up free today even with the giant pimple on my cheek that I’ve decided to name Fred. And guess what? No one stopped me, pointed and laughed! (I have seriously had that dream entirely too many times).

    People might have thought something bad about me, but who cares?

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin October 28, 2010, 8:56 am

    Go you! You look awesome without make up!

    I actually go make up free most days, other than mascara, because I never really bothered to learn how to apply make up properly. 😛

  • k8 October 29, 2010, 1:48 pm

    We call this “Corn on the Casserole.” And try it with a vegan french onion dip instead of the sour cream sometime, adds a bit of zip!

  • Lacey @ Lake Life October 29, 2010, 5:24 pm

    I make the same recipe but call it “scalloped corn” and it has butter in the mix and cheddar cheese on top. You know, the healthy stuff lol.

  • Amanda November 14, 2010, 11:42 am

    I read your site every day, but somehow just stumbled upon this post. I cannot tell you how much it means to me that you go out without makeup. I admire and look up to you, and I have always felt ashamed or afraid to leave the house without makeup. Seeing that you not only left the house without, but posted your picture online- awesome. I always thought there was something wrong with the way I looked without makeup- I thought I looked different than everyone else without makeup. After seeing you do this, I see that I look normal! You look beautiful. Thank you for being an inspiration. Last night, for once, I took off my makeup and hung out with my boyfriend without feeling weird or self conscious (I don’t think he even noticed I wasn’t wearing it). Thank you.

    • Caitlin November 14, 2010, 1:22 pm

      Thank you Amanda 🙂 This means a lot to me.

  • mi-an d. September 2, 2011, 2:01 am

    hey caitlin, i know this is an old post. is it still ok to comment? 🙂 love the no make up idea. i hardly wear any make up. usually just wear it when i go out with the girls, weddings etc. but what i do always where is sunscreen. 🙂 i’m 31 and probably sorta blessed with the asian genes (i’m filipino) hehehe anyways, i have nothing against make up either. i have so much of it. i just don’t use it alot. and i think when i do wear it, it makes it more fun bc i don’t wear it often at all. p.s. you are beautiful with or without make up!

    • Caitlin September 2, 2011, 9:51 am

      🙂 You are beautiful too!

  • Ashley January 12, 2012, 3:00 pm

    Caitlin, you are stunning without make-up! I always love reading your blog. You are just an inspiration to others, and I would like to say thank you for being a positive role model.

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