Now, folks, let me tell ya something—if you’re reading this to find out some window rattling, earth shattering discovery, well then, you’re in for a surprise. Oh, yes you are! But I won’t spoil the fun just yet. Let’s start right at the very beginning, like every good story should.

The Chronicles of Bare Faces

Imagine this: a group of 50 women, each one brave enough to take the plunge and go without makeup for a whole month. I know some of you are thinking, “Well, Mary, I haven’t seen my own unvarnished face since high school!” So, I totally get how daring this sounds. But these women did it, and boy, the experience was something else.

First up, let’s paint a picture of Week One. Oh, the horrors! The sight of raw humanity plastered across all those faces. You might want to sit down for this part—you know, clutch your pearls kind of moment. Imagine the shock of seeing your own wrinkles, blemishes, and natural uneven skin tones. It’s like looking in the mirror and seeing the years of wisdom written all over your face in bold capital letters.

The Ugly Truths and Beautiful Realizations

By the end of Week One, the initial shock of uncovering their bare skin wore off, but don’t you think for one second that everyone was feeling chipper. Some reported (gasp!) breakouts and dryness. I know, I know. Say it ain’t so! But let’s remember, every nightmare has its dawn, and these ladies persevered. It’s like a preacher once said in a Sunday sermon, sometimes you have to go through a little rain to appreciate the sunshine.

As they ventured into Week Two, something remarkable happened. Skin started to breathe—literally. The natural oils adjusted, acne scars started to fade, and would you believe it, without the cocktail of daily beauty products, their complexions began to even out. It’s almost as if their skin had a mind of its own—who would’ve thought!

Moving into Week Three, these gals got a taste of true liberation. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, freedom from the shackles of daily makeup routines is something akin to throwing caution to the wind. The time they saved in the mornings was like finding a $20 bill in an old coat pocket. Many even spent their extra moments in good, old-fashioned prayer or reading scripture—go figure!

The Divine Revelation in Week Four

By the final week, the transformations were truly holy. Personal faith was restored in their unique features. Some said they felt closer to God’s image, embracing what they had once tirelessly tried to cover up. The sense of self and confidence they gained? Purely divine.

I reckon Proverbs 31:30 says it best, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Praise Him indeed for giving us the courage to step into our true selves. The newfound confidence among these ladies was as radiant as the noonday sun on a warm July 4th picnic.

But…The Return of Makeup

When the 30 days were up, several returned to their makeup habits. Now, don’t go thinking they lost all that hard-earned self-love—it’s simply that they found balance. They realized makeup should enhance, not mask, who they are. Many opted for a more natural look, foregoing the heavy foundations and bold colors for something subtler—less pageantry, more plain ol’ good sense.

One woman, Debbie from Georgia, said it best: “I feel I can now highlight God’s work without feeling like I need to cover it up.” Well amen to that, Debbie! In the end, it wasn’t about the makeup itself but what it represented. The understanding that our worth isn’t tied to a product but to the values instilled in us, and that Southern grit, well, it’s irreplaceable.

The Final Blessing

So what happens when you stop using makeup for a month? It’s nothing short of a blessing—a splendid revelation that what God gave us is more than enough. It’s almost as if we are beautiful masterpieces waiting for the world to see.

So, if you’re feeling a bit bold today, why not give it a whirl? Unmask yourself and let that God-given beauty shine through. C’mon, what have you got to lose? You might just gain a whole new appreciation for the self that’s been hidden underneath the powder and paint all these years. By this point, if you haven’t realized the true gift, well, I dare say you’ve missed the best part.

Until next time, may your inner beauty shine as bright as a morning sunrise over the good ol’ USA. God bless!

-Mary