Finally, the sun has come out to play and summer is in full swing. As I alluded to in my Ed’s note in the fifth issue of Live Magazine I recently quit wearing excess make up.

I picked up on eye shadows, foundation and products alike late in life and I’ve never been a big fan, but because I have quite a few marks in my face and traces of eczema around my eyes I began reaching for the makeup jar one too many times. More often than not this irritated my already sensitive skin and worsened my impression of self whenever I did not wear makeup.

Initially, I quit applying makeup for a two week period, I then added another week and soon two months had passed. It’s been quite a while and I’ve since applied eye liner and mascara and a full face of makeup on occasions like my birthday party.

However, I seldom apply makeup on a day to day basis. I am free and content to step out with nothing but a good helping of lotion or cream for sensitivity. My confidence has improved and I feel a lot better about being fresh faced and as natural as it gets.

I believe summer is a great time to practice the art of minimalism, with this heat, who wants layers of gunk on their face anyway?

• Challenge yourself and friends to a makeup free week(s). Keep a journal and check in with one another. Take a picture every day and note your feelings about how you look and how that changes over time.
• Stop using a particular item(s) if you can’t let go of everything at once. Slowly move from one item, to two and so on.
• Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about a skin care product to treat sensitive skin or other skin conditions like eczema or acne. Use this!
• Use a cleanser, moisturizer and toner.
• Stock up on sun block and stay out of the sun where possible!

Enjoy yourself this summer, imperfectly perfect and all!