The more I mature, both within myself and the world around me, the more I believe we should be embracing our natural beauty and accepting that we are perfect as we are. Why? Because being a woman, I feel like the standards of our looks are becoming really chaotic. I mean, why are we expected to look perfect at all times?

Some beauty ‘elites’, social media, and magazines are still dictating standards of beauty for the masses. Take any advertisement these days, be it a shower gel, a face wash, or a dress, it features a woman who looks good (and happy!) from head to toe. She is portrayed as a visual perfection – her hair, clothes, and makeup are always top-notch.

The world is still obsessed with physical attention, billions and trillions of dollars are spent on makeup, surgeries, and cosmetics that promise you to achieve the perfect face and body. Call me guilty, there were days in the past when I had prayed and hoped for a supermodel body too.

But is beauty just a mere visual of us? The truth is these unachievable, damaging perceptions of beauty can hurt our self-esteem and diminish our self-love. And the worst part? Most of these beautiful images of women you see are Photoshopped.

The only way we can truly be happy is by accepting our real selves rather than trying to carve an image of something we are not.

Real beauty lies within and the truth is that nothing can defeat a woman who embraces her natural beauty and accepts herself for how lovely she really is.

 

You Have To Love Your NATURAL Beauty

 

… Because Some Natural Beauty Trends Are Actually Not Cool!

 

When thinking about natural beauty, I think you’ve noticed that lately, there has also been a gentle paradigm shift too. Thanks to the new outlook of progressive beauty companies, a shift in social media love, and popular websites, people start to slowly see how important is it to accept your natural self. It is very empowering to know that rather than covering up our scars, our spots, and our flaws we can celebrate them, and be proud of them.

The only issue for me is that I sort of feel that the term “enhance your natural beauty” is still focusing on things that are already considered beautiful. For example, rock a no-makeup look to look as natural as possible, only use a light coverage foundation if you have good skin, tame your regular brows with a brow gel, and wear a red creamy tint for a natural-looking flush.

There is no doubt that perceptions are changing, plus-sized bodies are seen modeling for brands, women of color have taken the fashion world by storm – and that’s absolutely fantastic – but there’s still more that could be done. We need to change the perception about smaller things too. Like, why are freckles being praised and accepted, but large pores, stretch marks and acne marks are shunned and covered up?

I say, my friends, if you got it – flaunt it, and be proud of it. It makes me so happy to list down previously measured flaws that you should actually embrace, not cover up!

 

Some Natural Beauty Rules To Set!

 

1. Love your bare skin

 

The ‘no makeup’ and ‘no filter’ movement took the internet by storm. So many celebrities are seen embracing their natural beauty and fresh faces without any makeup – and you can too. To have beautiful natural-looking skin, good skin care is the key, but you don’t have to be blessed with skin that’s perfect. Know your skin type and look for cleansers, moisturizers, oils, and serums best suited for your skin type, to simply keep your skin healthy.

 

2. Rock your real complexion

 

Many people try to change their natural complexion by using dangerous skin lightening treatments, tanning beds that emit cancerous rays, or other methods that, instead of highlighting your natural beauty, try to change it. Enough is enough, isn’t it? Embrace your natural beauty and your natural complexion because it is beautiful the way it already is.

To take care of your skin, always wear a mineral sunscreen even when indoors to protect your skin from harmful Ultra Violet rays. This one is a must, for everyone.

Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen

3. Stop hiding your birthmarks

 

When it comes to birthmarks, there is no need to hide them. Of course, they are not easy to embrace but they are what makes you unique. Learn to rock your birthmark like it’s a trophy you carry. You are stunning, with or without them.

 

4. Admit that your freckles are adorable (and you know it!)

 

Goodbye full coverage foundations and hello dear old freckles. These days, freckles are so loved that people are even drawing them on, there are so many filters to create them as well. So, let your freckles shine through!

Remember, if you accept that you are beautiful naturally, you’ll feel empowered and be proud of yourself. You can bring out your own natural beauty by having good thoughts and a positive attitude. Here are few ways to realize that you are stunning in your own true skin and nobody’s judgment can decide it for you!

 

How To Embrace Your Natural Beauty

 

1. Pamper yourself

 

Sometimes, we get so caught up with life and everything it throws at us that we completely forget to take care of ourselves. We neglect our bodies which further leads to low self-confidence. If you begin to treat yourself more lovingly, you will feel better – emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Do yoga, spend some time outside enjoying nature, go for a jog, have nutritious meals, stay hydrated and keep reminding yourself how naturally beautiful you are. All of this effort will help your natural beauty to show through.

 

2. Accept yourself

 

Self-acceptance is the key here. If you can’t accept yourself the way you are, the world won’t either.

Self-love should be your first love. And yes, there are some parts of ourselves we cannot change. Rather than being stressed about them, relax into them. Acknowledge your true self and accept those parts of yourself you are not fond of. Acceptance is your first step towards taking care of yourself and embracing your natural beauty, even if it’s not perfect.

For instance, grey hair is perfectly natural, your body hair is perfectly normal, everyone has them and you shouldn’t feel any less beautiful because you have them. You can choose to cover your greys and get your body hair removed but make sure to do it because you want to, not because the world taught you that this is what you ‘have’ to do. We make our own ‘beautiful’. If grey hair is beautiful to you, then there is no reason to not embrace your natural beauty!

 

3. Take a good look around yourself

 

Take a good look around you and count your blessings including your children, spouse, family, and friends. You find them truly beautiful despite how they look, don’t you? You find perfection in their twinkling eyes and wide smiles – why? Because you are grateful for them. Because they’re so much more than a visual. Remind yourself that those people see you the same way. They are the people who truly validate your natural beauty and love you, for you.

 

4. Admit that every human being has flaws

 

No one in this world is perfect. We all come with our sets of imperfections and flaws. When you find yourself focusing on your flaws, grab a piece of paper and acknowledge your natural beauty! Write things you love about your natural self like your smile, your dimples, your jawline, your body, or your hair. Don’t let any negativity come in between. Focus on the positive sides of yourself; you are a natural beauty wonder in this universe!

 

5. Focus on body positivity

 

Fight the idea of self-criticism and focus on self-love for your body. Big or small, tall or short, thin or thick, your body is a temple and it has the ability to create life, and that, for me, is marvelous itself. We all have odd rolls of fat here and there and that’s totally okay because these things are so small in the grand scheme of life.

Change how you look in the mirror because the more you scrutinize your perfect flaws, the more they seem to grow bigger. Use the mirror as an informer, not a judge; let it tell you all the good things about your body and all the natural beauty in it.

6. Channel your creativity

 

Find a creative outlet for yourself that lets your creativity shine through. Take up music lessons, learn photography, dance! Channel your extra time into learning something new and creative. If you feel you are good at talking to people, start a YouTube channel or an Instagram page, because why not? If you are good at yoga, give yoga lessons to people who are eager to learn. All this will have a fruitful impact on your natural beauty and you will feel more content.

 

The Bottom Line

 

Embracing your natural beauty means staying true to yourself. From your body to your curves, your hair, your height, your complexion, and beyond. When you learn to accept yourself and embrace your natural beauty, you face the world with a boost of self-assurance and pride, you emit the vibes that are nothing but positive. After all, girl, you totally deserve it.

Do things that make you happy. Happiness is a blessing and it doesn’t always come with the way you look but from the things you do. When you are rocking your natural beauty with a smile on your face, and a twinkle in your eyes, you glow differently, and you simply are beautiful. When you do the things you love your joy shines through and lightens up your surroundings. Allow the light in your heart to gleam and in doing so, you will illuminate and be a beacon of natural beauty to everyone you encounter.

“As if you were on fire from within. The moon lives in the lining of your skin.”- Pablo Neruda

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