How to look good in shorts or without makeup

I’ve noticed these are two things that many women tend to be insecure about. I know I was for a very long time. I remember in high school I had swimming as my first class of the day. So what would I do? I’d shower, blow dry my hair, and put on a full face of makeup before heading to school. Then after swim period was over I’d get ready all over again.

That’s how insecure I was about my naked face.

As for shorts, like most women, I had cellulite on my upper thighs. So what was my solution? For the longest time, it was to wear long pants or capris- no matter how hot it was outside. And mind you, I lived in one of the hottest cities in the U.S.

But I’ve discovered something that has been absolutely shocking to me.

The trick to looking good in shorts or without makeup is…

To wear shorts and to not wear makeup.

Let me explain.

We are our own worst critics. When we look at our flaws in the mirror, we zoom in on them. They’re all we can focus on. And chances are, you actually don’t look anywhere near as bad in person as you think you do. Every day when I look at my reflection, I have to tell myself, “Trust me, it’s not as bad as you think it is”. I have to do this, because if I didn’t I’d never be able to leave my house. Sad, but true.

Now, if you’re someone like me who spent YEARS not leaving her house without makeup, you will look bad without it. That’s because you will THINK you look bad, and your lack of confidence will be all that people see. You may even get comments from people who are used to seeing you all done up- comments like, “Are you okay? You look like you aren’t feeling so well”. Don’t take them to heart. Once you get used to being seen with a naked face, your confidence will return and you will look just fine. Don’t get me wrong- I’m not saying you should never wear makeup. I enjoy the heck out of getting done up and feeling put together. But I’m also not going to sweat it if I have to make a quick run to the grocery store and don’t have my face painted. And I’m not going to go for a jog in the heat of the summer with foundation dripping down my face.

The same goes for wearing shorts. So much of what makes a woman beautiful is in how she moves. If you are self-conscious wearing shorts, you’ll move a little clumsily. It won’t be cute. So what? You’re working through this. And in time, you will- and you’ll even feel sexy in your shorts. More importantly, you’ll be comfortable. Comfortable in your clothes and in your own skin.

So if you’re like me and have struggled with the same insecurities, I encourage you to work through them instead of trying to hide them. Life is for living, and we’ve got a lot of living to do.

What are some insecurities you’ve overcome, and how did you do it? I’d love to hear.