This week, my back pain hit a 10 out of 10, forcing me to prioritize self-care in unexpected ways—including going makeup-free.
I’ve always associated wearing makeup with looking polished and being presentable, fearing that skipping it might make me seem unkempt.
But this week, I embraced a new mindset: letting go as an act of self-care.
Surprisingly, I didn’t miss it. People treated me the same, and I realized makeup doesn’t define my worth.
I saved time, felt lighter, and focused on simply being me.
Sometimes, less really is more.
Here are 8 journal prompts inspired by a makeup-free week:
- How do I define “looking presentable,” and where does that belief come from?
- How did going makeup-free make me feel about myself this week?
- What societal expectations have I internalized about appearance, and how can I challenge them?
- Did I notice any changes in how I was treated when I wasn’t wearing makeup?
- What’s one thing I appreciate about my natural appearance?
- How does self-care look different for me on challenging days?
- What does authenticity mean to me, and how can I embrace it more?
- How can I continue prioritizing my well-being without worrying about others’ perceptions?
Use these to explore self-perception, societal expectations, and self-care!

