
Many people feel pressured to wear makeup on a daily basis—particularly when working in a workplace or interacting with other people. Imagine going for over 22 years without using any makeup. Would this change the way you view yourself? For one inspirational Filipina, the bold decision changed her outlook on herself and how people view beauty. Her story could prompt you to rethink your routines.
Choosing Natural Beauty: A Daily Decision
In the Philippines, makeup is a part of women's daily lives, be it for special occasions, work, or simply to give an extra boost of confidence. Some women prefer to take advantage of their natural beauty. For Marielle who lives in Quezon City, this wasn’t an isolated event, but an ongoing decision throughout her life. In high school, she was averse to makeup and mascara, blush and lipstick. Despite being teased by friends about being too simple, Marielle stuck to what was appropriate for her. This determination helped her build more confidence in herself.
Becoming accustomed to Expectations and moments of Doubt

Local celebrities and social media often promote beauty standards which can cause anyone to feel pressured to appear perfect. Marielle said that she was nervous about attending interviews for jobs and other big occasions made her feel anxious about not wearing makeup. She was unsure if interviewers or colleagues would judge her appearance. But, she was able to experience an unanticipated freedom and was able to save a lot of time every week by following her routine.
Nearly 70 percent of Filipinas polled reported feeling under pressure to wear makeup at work or out in public, but only 10 percent said it was necessary to maintain their confidence in the daytime.
Benefits of Going Makeup-Free in Everyday Life
The ability to let the skin breathe could result in more healthy, less irritated skin. Marielle noticed less breakouts and an overall glow that was natural. Instead of using concealer, she began to stick to the routine cleaning routines and basic skincare using SPF. Here are some obvious benefits:
- Skin health due to a reduced use of products
- Simple morning routines—no rush to get ready
- Less money spent on makeup products
- More time to take care of yourself and other activities
Making it through social events without makeup
Reunions, weddings, and parties are often accompanied by unspoken demands to dress up. Marielle’s approach? She wore clothing which made her feel happy and kept her hair tidy. Simple smiles became her secret beauty weapon. Friends would often ask whether she felt like she was missing out—however, as time passed she was admired for her confidence.
Philippines Beauty Hacks for the Confident Woman
If you’re thinking about shaving down on your makeup, these traditional Filipino beauty tips can improve your appearance naturally:
- Make use of aloe vera or calamansi for a clean and hydrated skin
- Wear a hat, carry an umbrella or apply daily sunscreen
- 8 glasses of water every day
- Take a wide range of local palengke fruits to get skin vitamins
Embracing Self-Love and Empowerment
Removing your makeup doesn’t mean you should abandon your appearance. The key is to make choices that can empower you and match your lifestyle. Feeling beautiful is a result of taking good care of your skin, wearing favourite clothes as well as spending time with people who are supportive. Marielle’s story shines light on the ways that beauty and confidence can be a perfect match in a society that is awed by genuine expression.
It’s amazing how something as simple as not wearing any makeup can make someone feel valued and valued as who they really are. The freedom to set your own standards for beauty is increasing and more and more Pinays are taking part in this movement.
From my side, watching more Filipino women standing tall and confident in their appearance with or without makeup puts a smile on my face. It’s refreshing to see people embracing the combination of natural beauty and smart techniques to look and feel beautiful every day. Personally, I believe wearing your skin in bareness with pride is a powerful act of self-love. And with options that are affordable, such as aloe-based moisturizers, as well as basic sun care products, there’s no limit to the ways you can help your personal confidence in your beauty journey. When someone mentions “not using makeup for years,” it sparks fascinating conversations about self-acceptance, and what it means to be radiant.
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