What 30 Days Without Make Up Taught Me

For the month of August, Our FADE Owner, Kallie Hunter, decided to commit to 30 days without make-up to give her skin a break, build on her self-confidence and invest in skin care - something she knows is important but never had a structured routine. 

We caught up with her to share her experiences and what 30 days no make-up taught her. 

Why did you decide to do 30 days without make-up?

I always love to challenge myself and commit to something that is going to make me a better version of myself. I’ve never had a structured routine when it comes to skincare and stepping into my 30s, I knew it was time to really commit. I wanted to give my skin a break, invest in a range of skincare products that were going to nourish and hydrate my skin and also build on my self-confidence. Plus, I always love seeing women without make-up on that just look so confident and glowing - I wanted to be one of those women. 

What was the biggest challenge? 

To be honest, I haven’t found it that challenging. I will admit, I used to get self-conscious about my freckles, but I have learnt to love them. They’re so normal and shouldn’t be hidden. My son got my freckles and they’re the cutest things ever. The most self-conscious time I felt throughout the month would have to be a recent interview I did for a new course I am creating. I am doing a series of video interviews and had my first interview land whilst I was doing this challenge. When I get nervous, I tend to go red throughout my face and neck so that was definitely visible throughout the interview. But, I still felt so good stepping out of that interview knowing I had pushed past that insecurity. 

What has been your favourite part of going no skincare?

My new morning and night ritual and seeing the changes in my skin. I have never had a structured routine when it comes to skincare. I have just always winged it. It has been so nice spending 5-10 minutes morning and night cleansing, applying serums and moisturising my skin and having that little bit of ‘me time’. 

What products have you been using?

Ok, so I have no idea when it comes to skin care products so I am just going to preface this answer with that. I’ve just bought ‘The Modern Guide To Skin Health’ by Melanie Grant to up my knowledge! But here is what I have been using for the last 30 days. 

Cleansers:

• The Body Deli Blueberry Fusion Cleanser - Resurface: It is a wild blueberry and acai puree with a bunch of natural active ingredients that has worked so well on my skin. A girlfriend gifted me this for my birthday and I have been obsessed. 
• La Roche-Posay - Toleriane: This is for sensitive skin but again, it’s been a nice balance for me and usually add it in on days were I haven’t done a heap and want some gentle on my skin

Serums:

• Osmosis MD Correct - Preventative Retinal Serum: Honestly, life-changing. A girlfriend of mine and Kurt’s recently opened up a new beautician space in Burleigh Heads - Refined Studio -  and she recommended this serum for us and we both have seen such a difference using it. More expensive but I LOVE it. 

• All Season Opulent Emollient Serum - again, this was a gift from my girlfriend and it has taken so well to my skin. I use it once a day sometimes twice a day, but mostly in the morning. It’s called a ‘clarifying grace’ and I feel like it literally brings clarity to my mind through the natural oils. It sits so nicely on the skin and is extremely nourishing. 

• Esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum - I have used this serum for a while now and my skin just loves it! I usually do the hyaluronic and then match with the Esmi 24k Gold Nourishing Serum and/or the Esmi Probiotic Skin Mylk.

• La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum - a new addition to my routine, Kurt bought this for me based off the recommendation of my ‘skincare guru’ friend (you know that one that just knows everything about skincare and you have a million and one questions for them?!?!). Well this was what she recommended and it is amazing. I use this if I’m just wanting extra hydration - my skin just soaks it up.

• Youth To The People - Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum: This is now an empty but I was using this at the start of my 30 days and I do really like it for just making my skin feel a bit brighter. 

What have you learnt? 

Your first day is always going to be your hardest because you’re so aware to the fact you’re not wearing make-up but no one actually gives a fuck. Just act confident and no one will question it. I found I completely forgot I was doing it. It didn’t become a thought in my mind. Your skin starts glowing and you see the changes, you feel proud and you want to keep doing it. If you're going to do it, do it for you. No one else. 

Most common phrase you received:

“You don’t even need make-up” - Yes, I know. No-one needs make-up. I don’t even wear much makeup on a day-to-day occasion but for me it’s not about hiding insecurities, I actually just like wearing it to make myself feel good. Sometimes when I’m having an off day, I like to slap on some makeup, freshen myself and feel good - it’s like a mini power pose (or outfit) but on your face - especially being a mum after a long sleepless night.