I Don’t Recognize My Face Without Powder

Most mornings, I wake up and see a stranger in the mirror. My real skin—shiny, uneven, a constellation of old breakouts—feels like something I’m supposed to fix before I’m allowed to start the day. I press powder into every corner of my face, like I’m erasing evidence. If I skip a step, I feel exposed, like everyone can see the parts of me I’d rather keep hidden. I know the exact spot where blush should go to make me look alive, even when I’m exhausted. Sometimes I wonder if anyone would notice if I left the house bare-faced. I wonder if I would notice. I’m not sure which scares me more. #BareFaceAnxiety #MirrorFatigue #BeautyBurnout #Beauty #Makeup