We often talk about our relationship with clothing, and bags, and shoes but we don't discuss our relationship with make-up which is really a part of our whole fashion look when you come to think about it.

I discovered makeup like every other kid while snooping in mommy's make-up drawer. But I never really started wearing make-up until I was thirteen and met a new friend who was into modeling and perfect make-up application. She taught me the finer points of eye make-up (according to what the industry was teaching back then) which lead me to be addicted to it for decades. I wouldn't go anywhere without it. I wouldn't even answer the door. I never really considered myself a heavy makeup wearer. You could tell I was wearing it but I was never smothered in it. Necessities were at least two eye shadows, eyeliner, and mascara. The fact that I was always told how pretty my eyes were cemented the need to wear eye make-up almost religiously.

About six or seven years ago I stopped wearing make-up all together when I started working at home. If I went out I might put on mascara and lipstick but really things were pretty bare. I enjoyed the hiatus of being virtually make-up free but in some ways I missed the fun part of make-up.

I've started experimenting with quality eye makeup again since I had corrective eye surgery. Not having glasses or contacts has really made me want to show off my eyes even if it is just myself looking. I have found a new love for eye make-up but I don't feel chained down by it like I might have in the past. I've never really considered myself a natural beauty (one of those women who really don't need anything) but I'm not afraid to go bare any more. Maybe it's one of those things that comes with age thing, I'm not sure. Overall, my make-up standards these days are lower. I like a little powder to control shine and even out redness, a creme eye shadow to bring out the color of my eyes, mascara to define and some lip gloss to finish off the look. If I'm look especially pale maybe some blush but not likely.

This past week bloggers celebrated what they labeled No Make-Up Week. I first learned about it from Diane over at Fat Chic and it inspired me to celebrate a Make-Up Free day (she's having a make-up free week) and I'd like to encourage you to try it too. Choose any day of the week or any week of the year. Maybe even get your friends and co-workers to join in. Go for a day without ANY make-up (or at least your usual make-up), go for week if you really dare. And don't hide in your house when you do it! Go out and look people in the eye -- and smile when you do it.

Just to be fair, here I am without make-up. If I can do it, you definitely can do it to. Happy No-Make-Up Day!