What if wearing makeup was part of your job description?

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Please check out The Naked Face Project website and my introduction to TNFP to get a complete understanding of the intention behind the Project.

 

One of the common remarks that I’ve heard about TNFP is that I can’t understand what it’s like to have to wear makeup everyday because of my job.  And that’s true – as a writer/secretary at the Husband’s clinic, no one really cares what I look like at work.  The reality is that, whether it’s right or wrong, some women’s (and men’s) jobs depend on looking and dressing a certain way.  That’s why I approached Dion Lim, the WCNC 5:00 PM and 11:00 news anchor, to write a guest post about how makeup has influenced her self-perception, both on and off the screen. 

Dion Lim

Take it away, Dion…

 

Dion says, “It’s a ridiculous 10-step process involving eyelid primer, eye shadows, eye liner, fake eyelashes, mascara, skin primer, foundation, translucent powder, blush and bronzer. So afraid to ever be caught dead without even one part of my mask, I’d buy eyelashes in bulk online, and currently have a gross (yes, count ’em, 144) under my bathroom sink. I’ve been wearing the mask every single day for the past 10 years, and have got the application down to a science.

Lashes

As a TV news anchor, I’ve always felt a pressure to be “on”. To be the perfectly coiffed, Dion Lim, 5 PM and 11 PM anchor for NBC in Charlotte. I equated my success to not only working hard, climbing the TV news ladder, but by always bringing my “A” game, and looking professional and perfect.   As a result, whether at the gym, going through the Chick-Fil-A drive thru, or going down the driveway to get the mail, my mask was always on, in fears to disappointing viewers.

 

The mask was my way of convincing myself I was beautiful. Growing up as one of the few Asian Americans in a very white rural town in Connecticut where people liked to wear pastel-colored cropped pants with embroidered whales or lobsters on them wasn’t easy. Add in a mother who constantly reminded me (and even liked to remind the eye doctor) that I had small Asian eyes – that just made it worse. As an overweight child with severe cystic acne, this was a recipe for low self-esteem. I remember at times, wishing and praying I could be white.

 

When I was in high school, I started playing around with makeup. My acne pocked skin would be plastered with concealers and foundation. My round cheeks, bronzed and contoured. Fake eyelashes to make my eyes look bigger. I suddenly didn’t feel self-conscious and felt ready to face the world.  I got a boyfriend. I made older friends at school. I learned proper nutrition and lost weight. I took at TV class at school and had the confidence to get into TV news and be on-air.  The mask gave me confidence! Or so I thought. In reality, the mask just bred more insecurity that I wasn’t adequate enough without it.

 

Fast forward to today, and let’s face it. I work in an industry where looks play an important role. I’ve heard it all. News directors saying to my agent that I’m talented but not “distinctively stunning” enough to work in Los Angeles. Another news director once told me not to wear certain dresses because it makes me look “thick in the middle,” despite the fact that I’m fit and a healthy weight for my size.  Even worse are the 1% of viewers who send cruel, judgmental emails attacking the way I look.

 

Makeup is part of the job.

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All of us TV anchors wear makeup, even the men. As my career progressed, viewers would comment on how pretty I looked when they stopped to chat with me at the supermarket or at the library. I would always downplay it, and say “…Oh, it’s just the makeup.” It always felt awkward to say “thank you,” because I didn’t really believe them.  Weren’t they just referring to my makeup face? 

 

It took a long time for me to get over my fears. When I panicked about forgetting foundation on a vacation last year, it occurred to me that I was being held prisoner. How could I function without it? Should I try to go without it? Will I still have fun at the beach? Am I going to be treated rudely because of my looks? Heck, nobody would know me as Dion the news lady; I was 3,000 miles away from Charlotte. Without slaving away at the mirror in the morning, my husband and I had more time to do the things we wanted to. That vacation was the best vacation ever.

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Rockin’ her Naked Face

 

Back in the real world, gradually, I’d try going to spin class at the gym without the eyelashes. I ran into a co-worker who chatted with me just as she had the day before at work. She too was sans makeup and obviously very comfortable with it.  I’d try making a grocery run wearing only tinted moisturizer, nothing else. Bit by bit, I realized viewers still recognized me and still stopped to chat. Their perception of me didn’t change one bit if I was wearing less makeup. Frankly, I started liking just being me. Not being tied to my powder compact and checking if my face melted in hot summer weather.

 

Do I still like getting dolled up when I’m not working? Of course, it’s nice to feel glam. Do I still sometimes feel self-conscious without the makeup? Yes. But the difference now is I know I’m the same beautiful person with or without it. I feel free.”

 

Does your occupation require you to engage in certain beauty habits?  How has this impacted the rest of your life?

{ 86 comments }

 

  • Sarah R March 27, 2012, 9:40 am

    As a female in engineering, I don’t feel a huge amount of pressure to wear makeup. That is, until I think about going into management…where 95% of the females wear makeup, heels, and skirts. None of which I wear (well I wear makeup from time to time, just for fun). So it makes me wonder if my black slacks, neutral face and vibrams (yes I wear vibrams to work) will hinder my career. Obviously there are times I dress nicer and wear more normal shoes (for briefs), but on the whole I want to be ME.

    I’ve only been a working professional for just under 5 years, so there are many years to go and still trying to decide where I want to be. I just hate feeling the pressure to look a certain way or I’m not considered serious/pretty/straight/whatever. On the whole though, my coworkers couldn’t care about me wearing makeup. Especially when I bring in home made cupcakes!

    • Sunny March 27, 2012, 9:53 am

      Sarah, you and I are in the exact same spot. I graduated in 2008 and have been working in engineering since. I do not wear makeup to work everyday (or ever unless I have a big client meeting or conference or something like that). I wear skirts and dresses occasionally but I love my black pants and polos ;). I’m lucky I work for a small enough company that even if I went into management, they wouldn’t expect it of me and there are no women in management to set my bar. Although I’d have to take a look at myself to determine how I’d feel managing people without it. I don’t know, I definitely feel like people listen to me more when I have makeup on, but part of that is definitely age and inexperience. If I had 20 years experience, I don’t think I’d feel the same way.

    • Sara March 27, 2012, 11:14 am

      Sarah (nice name!),
      I am with you there. I graduated in 2009 and work in engineering. I am on a construction site so I wear jeans, tshirts, and steel toed boots every day. I sometimes wear makeup, but usually just eyeliner and only dress up if I have a big meeting. Even that is usually just a nice polo and better hair/makeup. I love that I don’t have to spend time in the morning getting ready and that my work stands for itself but I know that as my career grows into management I will have to present myself in a nicer manner at work. I have actually been thinking about this a lot lately and wondering if I should start now but I would be the only person on the job site not dressed in jeans and it just seems like a waste of time and effort.

      • Laura is Undeterrable March 27, 2012, 11:57 am

        I too work for an engineering firm as a financial controller. At my previous company, women dressed very professionally and were always done up. When I came to this firm, I was shocked at how casual everything was. I actually felt self-conscious about putting effort into my looks because I wanted to fit in. Most of the women engineers that I work with wear khakis, a polo, and no make up. I started dressing a little more casually, no more heels, and usually no make up (sometimes I slap it on for fun).

    • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed March 27, 2012, 12:33 pm

      I am also a young woman in engineering! I’m in the same camp as you, I don’t wear heels, skirts, makeup all the time… I’m usually pretty casual with the extra stuff. But I do think it is important to look professional regardless. I think a nice pair of flats would definitely be better for your career than vibrams, without compromising your comfort!

      • Sarah R March 28, 2012, 2:57 pm

        Whenever I go off-site for testing, or am giving a brief or attending a big meeting, I wear flat shoes instead of my vibrams. Pretty much anytime I am around external people, it’s back to normal shoes. I’m not ignorant of how the VFF’s look, though to be honest I’ve always gotten positive reactions. External people have seen me in them and almost always go “cool! why weren’t you wearing them to XX?”. I love that I work at a research lab and have the flexibility to wear them at all, but I do keep in mind when I should wear my other (normal) shoes to not freak out the muggles. 🙂

        Also, so great to hear other responses from female engineers and know I am not alone!

  • Lindsay March 27, 2012, 9:41 am

    Ahhh, I LOVE Dion’s story! It’s sad that we so often dictate our own actions on the basis of how we THINK others will react. That said, it’s so GREAT to read about Dion’s evolution into a self-confident and “naked face” loving woman! Great post.

  • Nicole March 27, 2012, 9:41 am

    I love this guest post! Dion is obviously beautiful with or without makeup and honestly, I find her more approachable in her “real life” face! I think there is a time for a made-up face and a time for a naked face.

    • Laura March 27, 2012, 9:22 pm

      Agreed! Her eyes actually look bigger and prettier (in my opinion) without the makeup.

      I don’t wear a lot of makeup typically, but I can see how brave this was for her. I think the bravery is as beautiful as the naked face 🙂

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats March 27, 2012, 9:43 am

    I’ve actually gotten really comfortable not wearing make up recently that some days I haven’t even worn any to school! For me it’s not all the make up, just mascara! My eyelashes and eyebrows are completely blonde so I feel like I look so weird without it, but you know what, that’s what I look like! Haha everyone can just deal with it, and honestly, I’m pretty sure no one cares!

  • Katie @ Soulshine and Sassafras March 27, 2012, 9:49 am

    I love that Dion posted this!!! I think it is especially brave, coming from someone whose job relies so heavily on appearance. Dion, I’m really glad to hear you feel more comfortable in your skin now. You are BEAUTIFUL, mask or no mask!

    • Jen March 28, 2012, 12:52 am

      I second this!!!

  • Stephanie @ Legally Blinde March 27, 2012, 9:49 am

    This was a wonderful guest post – thank you for sharing. I can identify with so many of these feelings, and it’s really encouraging to read about becoming more free from a makeup mask. Dion is truly beautiful and I’m so glad I got to read her thoughts and personal experiences. I can’t imagine being in a profession where strangers felt the need to critique me on my appearance – that would be so difficult to deal with.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat March 27, 2012, 9:50 am

    Ahh I love this! It’s so great to hear Dion’s perspective and I’m so glad she shared her every-day experiences. My job doesn’t technically require me to wear makeup but I’d say most women in my office wear at least a small amount daily. As for my job as a fitness instructor, that doesn’t require any so most of my participants haven’t actually seen me all dolled up! I love my classes in the morning because everyone sort of has the same attitude – no judgment, no one cares what you look like or whether or not you ran a brush through your hair – it’s just about getting on the bikes and getting an awesome workout in!

  • Alex @ Raw Recovery March 27, 2012, 9:52 am

    This is such a great post with a great perspective. I really enjoyed it. I’m still a college student at least for the next few months but going to an all women’s college, the pressure has been different for me. Most of the time, in the classes that were all female, I didn’t care if I walked in with sweatpants on and no makeup because most of the other women did the same. Because students from other co-ed colleges can take classes on our campus, there are at times male students and I find (and am admittedly ashamed to say) that I feel more pressure to look better and wear makeup/nicer, slightly sexier clothing to those classes. However, over all the all women atmosphere has for the most part instilled in me that really it’s what comes out of my mouth that’s more important than what I look like. That’s not to say though that appearances don’t matter at all. I think in certain professions women who do look a certain way have the potential to be more successful because of their looks- on the other hand, if a woman looks “too good,” she may not be taken seriously. It’s a difficult line to walk and a hard act to balance.

    • Emily C March 27, 2012, 8:42 pm

      Very interesting observations about your college courses. And totally agree about women being careful not to look “too good”. It’s an awkward little box we have to fit into.

    • Mandi March 27, 2012, 11:42 pm

      I am an alumna of an women’s college and was the same way! 99% of the time I wore sweats to class but when I would take a class at the co-ed school I always got up early to shower/straighten my hair/put on make up.

      At the time it didn’t seem unusual–everyone did it. But now I can’t believe how silly and unnecessary it all was.

  • Lauren March 27, 2012, 10:02 am

    what a beautiful post. thanks dion!!!!

  • Errign March 27, 2012, 10:05 am

    I work as a barista and as a ski instructor to small children, so thankfully my jobs don’t require me to be made up. As long as I’m handing out coffee to my regulars and racing my kiddos down the hill, they don’t care. I love that I can just be me!

  • Patti March 27, 2012, 10:12 am

    Dion!! You’re gorgeous! I was so happy to read about your journey!

    Makeup is definitely required for my job, too (I act professionally), and I always kind of thought other theatre/TV professionals felt the way I do – I wear so much makeup at work, I never want to wear it when I go to a day job or the library. Also, the more I work out, the less makeup I wear, because having to wash my face is just one more step that could keep me from working out!

    But you know when I *have* felt a need to wear makeup? At rehearsal for the latest show I’m doing. My character is supposed to be insanely attractive, and since I was cast as her, I should accept that I meet the director’s physical standards for the role. But like Dion, I can’t help seeing myself as the chubby, pimply 20-something I was only a year ago. So I panicked a little when I forgot my makeup and had to go to rehearsal without it. I didn’t want the guys who play opposite me to cringe at the thought of kissing me. Which is RIDICULOUS. I think I’m okay with how I look, but I guess I have some stuff to work out, too. Thanks, Dion, for sharing!

  • Nena March 27, 2012, 10:21 am

    Wonderful post! She looks great! It’s nice to know that others feel exactly the way I do.

  • Crystal March 27, 2012, 10:21 am

    I really appreciated this guest post. I’m half Korean, half white and I remember wishing I was all white as a child. I also remember wanting to make my small Asian eyes larger (my mom always wore eye makeup to do this). I’m glad Dion is honest about her thoughts and feelings about makeup, hair, etc. Thank you!

  • Kelli March 27, 2012, 10:32 am

    I really enjoyed this! I think Dion looks lovely both with & without makeup. I was really surprised at her mentioning being self conscious of her “small Asian eyes.” As a white woman I’ve never thought about that being something to be self conscious of. I try to do my eye makeup at times to make my eyes have a more Asian appearance, I really think that Asian eyes are beautiful! It is interesting how much being told something is worth being self conscious over can make us feel that it is true.

  • SaraRM March 27, 2012, 10:36 am

    This is funny. As I sit here reading this im trying to decide on putting on makeup or not. Im a trainer at a gym and normally have no problems at all not wearing make up on the weekends or when im off work. But for work I always have make up on. I feel more professional and not like im just there to workout. Today im just going to workout not work and because I have set that standard of having makeup on, I feel like I have to maintain the same look at all times even just to go workout….

    Great post!

  • Corrie Anne March 27, 2012, 10:37 am

    Whoa!! I loved hearing from this perspective. So great. What an awesome story. And it totally makes sense. I don’t feel any pressure in my current offie settting — in fact I probably dress up and wear more heels than anyone (but I loooove heels!). When I was teaching, my students would DEFINITELY judge me by how I looked. Isn’t that crazy? And they weren’t afraid to make comments. Even younger elementary students would tell me they thought I needed to lose weight (I didn’t). Granted, that was in a Latin culture where thos direct comments don’t seem to be taken as personally. But that’s one thing I don’t miss about living in the Dominican Republic. Dion is so gorgeous!!!

  • Moni Meals March 27, 2012, 10:49 am

    this was so cool. I live in LA =(la-la land!) so I see and hear a lot and so many are concerned with their looks. Example…Extensions, nails, tans, surgury, etc. etc. I get it (and I don not at the same time!)
    BUT I also do not think it HAS to be this way for professionals. The level just got raised there, ya know.

    I loved this story and perspecitve. 🙂

    • MigraineMe March 27, 2012, 11:47 am

      You are so right! I live in LA too and it’s all about looks. I am an attorney and I feel like my interactions with other attorneys, clients, judges, mediators, is all impacted to an extent by how I look. I really don’t think it would matter as much in some other places, but appearance really does impact my profession here in LA!

      And, I loved Dion’s story! 🙂

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape March 27, 2012, 10:50 am

    When you get so accustomed to wearing make-up (and adept at putting it on quickly) it can start to feel like it’s just a part of you and is really hard to give up. It’s nice to get that perspective from time to time when you don’t wear any and realize that the world still goes around. Most people probably don’t even notice that you’re not wearing make-up.

    Great post!

  • Jennifer March 27, 2012, 11:05 am

    This was SO great!! I cannot imagine being in a position that is in the public eye where you have to be “on” all the time. I don’t think my self esteem could handle it, along with the judgement that comes along with it. I feel pretty good about myself most of the time, but if I was being judged by it, I’m not sure that would hold true. I’m glad Dion seems to have a good perspective on it. She looks great either way!

  • Rebecca March 27, 2012, 11:12 am

    Love this! Glad Dion shared! And I think she looks great without the makeup. 🙂
    I’m currently a college kid and don’t worry about makeup ever. I have no idea where I’ll end up in the future, but even if people make comments, I’m going to try to stay without makeup. I can appreciate that makeup is “required” (or is it?) for acting and on-camera talent and stuff. I helped with a musical last summer and one day I hung out with the talent beforehand–my friend’s mother did all of their makeup. Some of them required different hair colors and/or (fake) tattoos for their parts, so that was part of it as well. I can see how it would be needed maybe in certain lighting or something, but I’m still not sure I think it’s worth it. Dion’s is a great perspective. 🙂

  • Ashley @ The North Carolina Cowgirl March 27, 2012, 11:14 am

    What a great story Dion! You are very beautiful without makeup and shouldn’t worry what anyone else says! You will be an inspiration for many other girls I’m sure!! 😀

  • Christine @ BookishlyB March 27, 2012, 11:26 am

    As a teacher there isn’t a true dress/beauty code, but I really feel like the kids respond to teachers that are more polished (they’re high schoolers).

  • Nicole M. March 27, 2012, 11:32 am

    What a great read! As a hairstylist, I’ve felt pressure to show up at work perfectly made-up and with perfect hair but at home or running errands, my routine is much different. I seem to be the opposite of Dion though… when I contour, apply lashes, lipstick, etc, I don’t recognize myself and feel like I’m faking it and I feel like other people notice it. So even though I actually like dolling up sometimes, I’m insecure when I go out in public as so.

  • Ali March 27, 2012, 11:42 am

    Wow, this post made me cry so hard! The last pic looks distinctively stunning, Dion. I vote for ditching the makeup 🙂

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife March 27, 2012, 11:46 am

    WOW. I am blown away! THank you for the article!! I have never been in an industry where makeup was needed, so I’ve never felt that way–but Dion, you look beautiful without it!

  • Junga March 27, 2012, 12:00 pm

    Dion, you have such a beautiful and special smile that lights up your whole person. What s beautiful woman and person you are. Bless you.

  • Laura is Undeterrable March 27, 2012, 12:04 pm

    Dion, thank you so much for this post!

  • Lindsey March 27, 2012, 12:09 pm

    Dion, you’re beautiful being JUST you!

    Caitlin,this is a great post and it makes me happy to hear that Dion is learning to be more natural in her day-to-day life. What would be AMAZING though, is for you, Caitlin, to challenge someone like Dion to a Naked Face Project. If your Project is going to be covered by any more news channels, do you think a news anchor, man OR woman, would be willing to go naked for a segment? I think it would send a powerful statement. Sure, we’ve all seen those magazine articles showing starts “unairbrushed” but live TV would be a different story. The feelings Dion has about looking a certain way on TV probably ring true for males on TV as well…have you heard any feedback from men at all during this project? Dion, thoughts on this? Would any news anchor ever go on TV bare naked (man or woman)?

    • CaitlinHTP March 27, 2012, 12:12 pm

      A few of the anchors who have interviewed Molly and I went Naked Faced for the interviews! It was cool.

  • Dion March 27, 2012, 12:20 pm

    When Caitlin asked me to write a guest post for HTP, I was excited, and so honored… but really scared to post a makeup-less photo. I debated it for a few days, but thought the only way to make it “real”, is to bare it all and really go for it, hoping it would inspire someone else to do the same.

    Everyone’s feedback brought tears to my eyes, thank you beyond words. This is something I’ve struggled with for a long time, and to hear all of your stories and know I’m not the only woman who has dealt with this is so encouraging. It’s something I still work on day-to-day, but it’s so worth it!

    @Lindsey, what a fascinating idea– I don’t think an anchor going makeup-less on TV has ever happened before! I know some men already go makeup-less, but for a woman…there is such a stigma that the news anchor woman is this perfectly made-up face…I’m curious what my boss would say! I’m going to ask him today 🙂

    • Dion March 27, 2012, 12:20 pm

      (…at least at my station!)

  • Justine March 27, 2012, 12:35 pm

    Dion, you are beautiful with your “naked face.” I can’t imagine having that kind of pressure…I work as a nurse and take care of sick babies, so really, no one cares if I’m wearing make up or not.

    I actually very rarely make-up at all…wore it for my college graduation, wedding, that sort of thing. Sure I liked the way I look, but it’s just too much work for an every day thing for me. Good news is, my hubby actually doesn’t like me wearing make-up, just dressing up when we go out : )

  • Hillary March 27, 2012, 12:43 pm

    I’m a teacher, and I definitely feel pressure to wear at least SOME make up every day (I look very young, and no makeup makes me look even younger! Not the best way to earn respect from teenagers). On the weekends, I tend to go out pretty bare-faced, and when I run into my students, they sometimes comment on how different I look. Not bad, just different (and, yes, younger)!

    • Emily C March 27, 2012, 8:39 pm

      I just wrote a comment about the same thing! I am a young teacher and always wear some make-up to appear older and professional. But not necessarily attractive, I try to play it pretty neutral and professional (which is odd because up until this point every time I’ve gotten dressed up/made up it’s been to look young and cute!)

    • Ruby Leigh March 27, 2012, 11:25 pm

      I’m a teacher too and I tend to dress professionally and wear make-up (though I’ve been shrugging that off more lately) for similar reasons. Even so, I still look young and since I teach at a Tech College, there have been numerous occasions where I have been confused with being a student.

  • Lisa March 27, 2012, 12:49 pm

    I think Dion looks absolutely beautiful without make-up. I just love it!

  • Ashley March 27, 2012, 12:51 pm

    I work with a lot of females in an office setting and don’t feel the need to wear a lot of make-up every day. I keep it pretty simple. Actually, I used to wear a lot of make-up when I worked with males.

  • Helene @healthyfrenchie March 27, 2012, 12:56 pm

    Dion, thank you for your honesty and for your bravery! It sounds like it was hard for you to post a naked face picture. But you look absolutely gorgeous without makeup!
    I can relate to your story though. I grew up in rural France and was bullied because I am not white.It took me a long time to come to term with it, but I try to find positive role models with “a beautiful exotic look” (like you) to keep me self confident.
    Living in France, I would never go out without even at least some mascara! I have always been girly, and like dressing up and high heels. But since moving to Canada, I have realized that I don’t need to bring my A game all the time. And I don’t need make up when going hiking!
    I understand how you need a lot of make up while on TV, but I would have thought you would be happy to go more natural when on your days off 🙂

  • Laura March 27, 2012, 12:57 pm

    beautiful post!! thank you for sharing your story!

  • Marissa C March 27, 2012, 1:33 pm

    What a beautiful “Naked face!”

  • Amber K March 27, 2012, 1:57 pm

    Such a cool story! Dion is gorgeous with and without makeup. I don’t think I could handle a job where I felt like I had to wear makeup. I like to wear makeup because it feels nice to feel polished, but I wouldn’t want to “have” to.

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) March 27, 2012, 2:09 pm

    That was a great perspective… particularly because I’m Asian-American myself and always wondered how Asian-American anchorwomen looked so “perfect” all the time. It wasn’t a good point of comparison for sure. Her naked face looks more like people I see in everyday life, which is great. =)

  • Haleigh March 27, 2012, 2:17 pm

    She’s absolutely beautiful naked faced.

    I don’t feel too much pressure to wear make-up. In Europe, there are a lot of women who wear minimal make-up, if any. My mother taught me when I was growing up to always leave the house “presentable”. Which to her which meant wearing too much make-up. It’s taken me awhile to feel confident enough in my own skin to leave the house with minimal make-up. However, now I prefer it. It feels less misleading.

  • Maren March 27, 2012, 2:20 pm

    I loved reading this! Thanks SO much, Dion, for sharing. Although I should probably wear a full face of make-up for my job, I don’t. I see hundreds of customers a day, but they don’t know what I look like with a ton of make-up because I’ve never worn it, so why start now?! I value my sleep WAY too much 🙂

  • Deanna March 27, 2012, 2:23 pm

    This was such a great story, so glad that Dion shared her story. 😀

  • Kelley March 27, 2012, 2:41 pm

    Oh cool! I went to College with Dion. =)

  • Erin March 27, 2012, 2:42 pm

    This was a very well written post. Dion, you are gorgeous either way!

  • Mel @ Mel Runs March 27, 2012, 2:51 pm

    Holy crap. What a great post. Dion, you are very brave and indeed beautiful with or without makeup!!

  • ash March 27, 2012, 4:41 pm

    Kudos for Dion writing this story and baring her beautiful naked face!

  • Army Amy* March 27, 2012, 4:45 pm

    High five to Dion for sharing her story and her naked face picture! She looks beautiful!*

  • Bonnie March 27, 2012, 5:27 pm

    Okay so this is really random, but how do you get a bathing cap on?? I have never been able to, at least not with all of my hair under it or it feeling comfortable.. and i have short hair!!

    P.S. I think Dion looks even more beautiful naked faced! 🙂

    • Caitlin March 27, 2012, 8:01 pm

      Hmmm, let’s see… I use one hand to hold it in front and then stretch it back and across over my bun. I use my second hand to adjust the back while keeping the front hand in place. They ARE inherently uncomfortable though!

  • Alexandria March 27, 2012, 5:29 pm

    As an Asian girl, thank you so much!!

  • Jamie @ Don't Forget the Cinnamon March 27, 2012, 6:07 pm

    Very cool perspective. Dion–you are gorgeous both with and without make-up!!!!!!

  • Leatitia @ The Sweetest Year March 27, 2012, 8:20 pm

    Beautiful post! This was a very interesting input. I’m glad she found her real ‘naked’ beauty. She’s very beautiful!

  • Emily C March 27, 2012, 8:37 pm

    Fantastic, wonderful post, one of my favorites thus far. What a wonderful idea to interview Dion. I can relate to her story on many levels, and it is sad but I’m sure a chorus of women everywhere echo the same song. Feeling insecure – discovering this “magic potion” we trick ourselves into thinking makes us acceptable until it becomes a cage behind which we are imprisoned, discovering that we can break down those bars bit by bit. I had no idea this experience was so universal.

    As a young teacher, just out of college, I definitely feel pressured to wear make-up and appear constantly “on” and put together. For the first time in my life I engage in the beauty rituals not to look attractive per say (I actually try to downplay my attractive features when going into middle & high schools), but to appear older and professional. As a young person entering the field, I know I am a great teacher, but that administrators, other teachers and even students may underestimate me for looking young and inexperienced. I don’t want to look like a sloppy college student anymore, I feel like I need to project a “grown-up” image now in order to be taken seriously. And you know what? I am so taken off guard when I am.

    Still, I can relate to Dion’s story. When I first started dating my boyfriend, I remember testing the waters. Will he still like me if I wash my face before bed and he sees me naked faced? The beach situation, too. The answer was a resounding yes and if it hadn’t been of course I wouldn’t have dropped him pretty quick. He says he can hardly notice when I am/am not made up, and tells me I’m beautiful just as often in either state. I always wondered the same about work – will my students still take me seriously if I don’t have time to put make-up on one day? I guess that is one test I still need to get up the confidence to run.

    Thanks so much for doing this project and sharing your results, Caitlin, it has been a great read!

    • CaitlinHTP March 27, 2012, 8:41 pm

      Thank you for sharing your story <3

  • Michelle Discenza March 27, 2012, 8:43 pm

    Great post! I am an elementary school teacher and I do not feel a lot of pressure to wear make up. I feel I can look plenty professional through dressing nicely and taking care with my hair. I wore only blush each day until I hit 41 and then my best work friend got me to add mascara and eye concealer.

    My daughter is 12 and I thought she would be like me – a minimalist with her makeup. Instead, she LOVES it. It makes me crazy, but I just grin and bear it.

    Oprah has printed no make up photos of herself in her magazine before! 🙂

    Honestly, heels make me even crazier than make up! They look beautiful but for me they just aren’t comfortable. Why suffer all day? (I don’t.)

  • Michelle March 27, 2012, 8:46 pm

    PS – Thick in the middle???? WTH????? Seriously! Dion – You are very slim and healthy. It was probably a pot bellied middle aged executive that said that! LOL.

  • Anne P March 27, 2012, 9:37 pm

    This is such an awesome post. Thanks for sharing her story!

  • Amanda March 27, 2012, 10:09 pm

    I love this post!!! It is great to hear the side of the story from someone that is required to wear make up. Awesome idea, Caitlin!

  • Lee March 27, 2012, 10:22 pm

    That’s very interesting. My husband works in tv news (although he’s not on camera) and he talks about how all the on-air talent wears a lot of makeup.

    I think you look great without it, Dion.

  • Jess March 28, 2012, 1:52 am

    I worked in a jewellery store and we had to wear make up. Well, it was ‘strongly suggested’. I only wear foundation, eyeliner and a neutral eyeshadow anyways and it doesn’t take me long to apply(I can do my makeup in the McDonalds bathroom while my coffee is being made), but some ladies in the company look like china dolls with all their make up caked on!

    Now I am a teacher and don’t have to wear make up, but I chose to because, well, I can. No make up on the weekends though, no exceptions!

  • Crystal March 28, 2012, 9:17 am

    Dion, thank you for sharing this as I am sure it was going out on a limb to expose yourself. This was a beautiful story and I hope that the love you have for yourself now out weighs the negative thoughts!

  • Crystal March 28, 2012, 9:24 am

    I just felt the need to add something – My husband and I had some friends over the other day and we were all chatting (about what, I don’t remember) and my girlfriend made the statement that I wasn’t a girly girl because I didn’t wear makeup, to which I agreed. Now thinking about it, it makes me a little sad. Am I not a ‘girl’ because I happen to pleased with the way I look without coats of makeup? It is sad that in our culture, being a ‘girly girl’ means things like not being okay with your natural beauty!

  • Dory March 28, 2012, 9:57 am

    Thank you for sharing your story! It was really great to hear your journey and see how you found your balance.

  • Hannah March 28, 2012, 11:11 am

    Dion, thank you for your guest post and “being real.”
    You are absolutely beautiful without makeup. I think it would be difficult (self-esteem wise)to work in an industry so focused on being “camera-ready.”

    My boyfriend sees me as I am and tells me I look beautiful without makeup.(I don’t cake it on, but I wear powder, mascara, eyeliner, neutral shadow, and blush most days.) I have always struggled to like the way I look, but The Naked Face Project has encouraged me to live my day sans makeup more often. 🙂

  • lindsay owen March 28, 2012, 12:38 pm

    Can I just say, that I think Dion is BEAUTIFUL without the make-up. I was really shocked when I saw her make-up free picture as I truly thought she was stunning. Dion, get yourself down the grocery store/gym/whatever WITHOUT your mask. You rock the naked face look x

  • Natalie March 28, 2012, 12:40 pm

    I love this! Very interesting that you reached out to someone with makeup as “part of the job”. I never understood women who would not leave the hose without makeup but her explanation was very honest and insightful. Thanks!

  • MH March 28, 2012, 2:16 pm

    Loved this post. Dion is absolutely beautiful, and has every reason to be confident and bold! It’s a great reminder for the rest of us to be happy with our own natural beauty, too.

  • Lauren March 28, 2012, 8:58 pm

    Fantastic guest post! I think she looks just as beautiful without the makeup. It feels so good to have nothing on my face–thankfully, my husband prefers no makeup so it’s easy on the weekends! When I read that readers send cruel emails, I couldn’t believe it. I honestly don’t understand how people can do that and I just don’t get how people can be so mean. What’s the point? Anyways, loved the post!

  • Amber conner March 29, 2012, 3:02 pm

    I just recently started going without make up. I’ve always had really bad acne and I finally found a product that has cleared up my skin and is helping reduce the scars on my face also. My only complaint is malasma that I get from any sun exposure no matter how high the SPF factor and my blonde eye lashes that make my eyes blend in with my face, these make me self conscious but I’m still going sans make up because it’s cheaper and better for my skin. My hair is a lot healthier now that I only ‘fix’ it if I’m getting dressed up. The rest of the time it’s wash, condition, leave in conditioner, and air dry. I’m 30 and it’s funny because when I was in my late teens early twenties, young, flawless and gorgeous, it would take me HOURS to get ready, now out of bed, shower, dressed, breakfast, and out the door in under thirty. Youth really is wasted on the young.

  • Lindsay Ann March 21, 2013, 7:09 pm

    What a wonderful story, and an important one. I too work in TV news and know what it can be like when you get a critical viewer email. Rarely do people mean to be offensive, but in this digital age they often say things they would never say to you personally. I’ve always been a perfectionist and that usually extended to my l00ks, to my makeup. I would never leave the house without makeup, but my husband changed everything. I had always had people tell me I didn’t need it, but for some reason it took his viewpoint to give me the confidence I needed to step out “naked” Now, I wear makeup when working, but I’m not afraid to ditch all the “products” on my day off. And if a viewer spots me, I’m glad they get to see the “real” me. Thanks for sharing Dion!

  • Shavon June 21, 2013, 7:58 pm

    Thank you so much for this post. As an aspiring television anchor, and one who does not apply heavy makeup daily, I fear that once I start getting into the routine that I will feel the need to wear it all the time. I started just putting makeup on to go to work, and took it off as soon as I get home. Eventually I got into the habit of waking up and putting it on, even if I wasn’t going anywhere, “just to practice”. But seeing myself in full face is something that I am getting too used to. I’ve since cut back, and I am glad that you have found your “naked” self again!

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