National No Makeup Day

Young woman with natural, glowing skin, embracing her freckles, wrinkles, and unruly hair. Radiating confidence and self-love, surrounded by a garden of sunflowers..
National no makeup day illustration

Ever thought of embracing your natural beauty fully, letting those freckles, wrinkles, and bits of uncooperative hair shine? That's what National No Makeup Day, a day as unfiltered as your morning face is all about! As a matter of fact, online recognition of the day is growing, with a whopping 225 mentions in the cyber world!

When is No Makeup Day?

It's national no makeup day on the 20th July.


A Tale of National No Makeup Day

Not all heroes wear capes. Nor do they, as it turns out, wear makeup. National No Makeup Day has a noble and empowering essence. A day where society can face the mirror and proclaim, 'I'm good enough, smart enough, and gosh you look darn good without a filter!'. How did this enchanting day veer onto our calendars, you ask? Well, let's find out.

While the Internet tossed mentions of it here and there leading up to its peak popularity in 2016, the actual instigation of the day remains an enigma. It's as though it sprung up over a collective nightly skin care routine, empowering the world with shiny, carefree faces the next morning.

The Peak of Makeup Free Confidence

On an unexceptionally ordinary day, July 20th, 2016, National No Makeup Day declared itself as a trend, with the most mentions ever recorded on this date. As it seemed, a horde of netizens was ready to shed the layers and dance in the face of the sun with their bare, yet absolutely wonderful faces.

The Point Is...no Point

Here's the fascinating thing about National No Makeup Day: it's not tied to any grand event or momentous tale. Its charm lies in its simplicity and intimate bond with everyone's daily nature. It's a quirky reminder to appreciate and celebrate our skin, as it is.

In an age of online filters, airbrushing, and unrealistic beauty standards, National No Makeup Day is a revolution in its own right. Waving the flag of natural beauty confidently, it marks the triumph of self-love over societal judgment. So uncork that bottled natural beauty next year – and expect a seismic event online!



History behind the term 'No Makeup'


1920

The Rise of Film Industry and Heavy Makeup

In the 1920s, the film industry began to flourish, and heavy makeup became a staple for actresses on screen. The use of makeup was necessary to enhance the visibility of actors under the bright lights of early film sets. Actresses like Greta Garbo and Clara Bow popularized the glamorous and heavily made-up look.


1910

The advent of film and stage makeup

In the early 1900s, with the rise of motion pictures and the flourishing theater industry, actors began using makeup to enhance their appearances under the glare of bright stage lights. This marked the beginning of a trend where makeup became an essential part of the entertainment industry.


1940

Natural Beauty Movement

In the 1940s, there was a shift in societal norms towards embracing natural beauty. The Natural Beauty Movement encouraged women to embrace their authentic selves and promoted a more minimalistic approach to makeup. This movement paved the way for a growing desire among women to go without any makeup.



1950

The rise of cosmetic advertising

In the 1950s, cosmetic companies began heavily promoting their products, emphasizing how makeup could enhance women's beauty. Television commercials and magazine advertisements played a significant role in popularizing the idea that women needed makeup to look attractive and be socially accepted.


1960

The Swinging Sixties and Minimalist Fashion

During the 1960s, the Swinging Sixties brought forth a cultural revolution that influenced various aspects of society, including fashion and beauty. The era heralded a new wave of liberation, where women rebelled against societal norms. The minimalist fashion trend of the time, popularized by icons like Twiggy, fostered a new acceptance of the natural look and encouraged women to opt for less makeup.


1960s

The emergence of the natural beauty movement

During the 1960s, there was a cultural shift towards embracing natural beauty and challenging traditional beauty standards. Influential figures such as Twiggy popularized the minimalistic 'no makeup' look, which emphasized a fresh-faced, youthful appearance instead of heavy cosmetics.



1984

The 'No Makeup' Makeup Look

In 1984, a groundbreaking ad campaign by American skincare brand Clinique coined the term 'No Makeup.' The campaign featured models with a subtle, natural-looking makeup palette, emphasizing the concept of enhancing one's features rather than masking them. This marked the birth of the 'No Makeup' makeup look, which gained popularity and became a recognized beauty trend.


2000

The rise of social media and the 'no makeup' trend

With the advent of social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube in the early 2000s, individuals gained the ability to share their personal lives and beauty routines visually. More and more celebrities and influencers started posting pictures and videos presenting their bare faces without any makeup, inspiring the 'no makeup' trend.


2010

Social Media's Influence and the Rise of 'No Makeup' Selfies

The rise of social media platforms like Instagram in the 2010s significantly affected beauty standards and trends. Influencers and celebrities started posting 'No Makeup' selfies, showcasing their bare faces with confidence and promoting self-acceptance. This trend encouraged people to embrace their natural beauty and challenged the notion that makeup was a necessity to look presentable.



2012

The 'no makeup' selfie movement

In 2012, the 'no makeup' selfie movement gained popularity through social media campaigns that encouraged individuals to share unfiltered, makeup-free selfies. The movement aimed to promote self-acceptance and challenge society's beauty standards, empowering individuals to be comfortable in their natural appearance.


Present

Empowerment and Choice

Today, the term 'No Makeup' has become synonymous with embracing one's natural beauty and the freedom to choose whether or not to wear makeup. It represents empowerment and the acknowledgment that beauty comes in many forms. The 'No Makeup' movement continues to inspire individuals to love and accept themselves just as they are.


Present

The acceptance of 'no makeup' as a symbol of authenticity

Today, the 'no makeup' trend continues to thrive as a symbol of embracing one's authentic self. It represents a rebellion against unrealistic beauty standards and encourages individuals to feel confident in their natural beauty. The movement has fostered a sense of inclusivity and celebration of diverse appearances.



Did you know?

Did you know? On National No Makeup Day in 2016, web searches for 'self-confidence' and 'natural beauty' saw a multi-fold increase.

Tagged

awareness fun self-love beauty natural

First identified

25th April 2015

Most mentioned on

20th July 2016

Total mentions

225

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