I Don’t Recognize Myself Without Makeup

Most days, I can’t look in the mirror without reaching for concealer. It’s like my face is a draft I’m not ready to show anyone. I’ve tried the pep talks, the sticky notes on the mirror, the new haircuts—none of it really sticks. I still avoid eye contact when my skin flares up. I still scroll past my own photos, searching for angles that don’t make me flinch. Sometimes I wonder if I’d know how to feel good about myself if I wasn’t always fixing something. Some nights, I wipe off my makeup and stare at the person underneath. I want to love her, but I don’t know how. Not yet. #BareFaceAnxiety #MirrorFatigue #BeautyBurnout #Beauty