Women share with and without make-up photos as they ditch beauty products in lockdown

Unkempt eyebrows, extra long nails and let’s not even mention the hairy legs – when it comes to our beauty regimes, lockdown has played havoc. And while salons opened on Monday to sort out at least some of those problems, other habits have changed for good. For many women, make-up comes top of that list. Even those who wouldn’t usually be seen dead without slap have gone au naturel since March.

A poll found just 21% of French women used make-up daily in June, down from 42% a few years before. We speak to women who reveal how lockdown has given them the confidence to go out without make-up and ask if they’ll be ditching powder and paint permanently...

Hanna Ebsworth, 31

The account director from St Albans, Herts, is embracing her freckles and clear skin.

Hanna, 31, says: “I’ve definitely cut back and let my skin breathe and I really like how it’s looking. My freckles have also come out in the sunshine we’ve been having…I think, as we go back to normal, I’ll wear eye make-up if I’m going for client meetings or dinner with friends, but apart from that I will stick to giving my skin a rest.”

Ava Brown, 44

Businesswoman Ava, 44, runs her own hair and skincare firm. And while she enjoys looking glamorous, lockdown has made her reassess her own beauty habits.

“I have been going out more without make-up and moisturising more. My skin is able to breathe better,” Ava, based in Belfast, says.

“I think my skin actually looks younger without the make-up.”

Sophia Husbands, 41

Lifestyle mentor Sophia, 41, who lives in Slough, Berks, loves the pared-back look and has fully embraced it.

She says: “Lockdown has made me more comfortable with having more bare-faced days and even with my grey hair. I don’t like putting foundation on my skin. I do love to dress up but at the same time I’m comfortable having bare-faced days too. It’s nice being natural and free.”

Bex Stirling, 32

The PR manager and singer from Reading, Berks, has loved being make-up free so much that she’s stuck with it.

Bex, 32, says: “Even as social distancing measures began to lift, I’ve remained make-up free. I was saving a lot of money at home, and invested in some quality skincare products. My skin has looked so much better.” She adds: “I will still wear make-up when I perform, but I don’t think I’ll wear it daily or on weekends as much.”

Rae Hancock, 33

Rae, 33, is a bit of a pro as she’s done a make-up course, but admits she doesn’t mind going without.

The mature student, from Brighton, East Sussex, says: “I’ve hardly worn any in the house or going out to the shops. But I will still wear the odd bit of mascara when I go out. I’m quite tanned at the moment so I don’t tend to put foundation on. When buying make-up I do use high street stuff but with foundation I make sure it suits my skin type.”

Rachel Rigby, 49

Mum Rachel, 49, from East London, has enjoyed foregoing make-up but is not sure that she can give it up completely.

The financial journalist says: “It’s a bonus of lockdown not having to wear it all the time and I really like not wearing it, but mentally I feel better going out with it on. Saying that, my skin’s had a break and so have my eyes. I’ve had more time to experiment with moisturisers and foundations that are good for my skin.”

Roxy Hashemi, 41

Mum-of-three Roxy, 41, from Bolton, has rethought her make-up habits and is happy to go without from now on.

“I’d definitely promote going make-up free,” she says.

“I’ve even had people say to me that I look just as good with no make-up on. My skin feels rejuvenated. And I’m seeing the financial benefits as well of not buying lots of make-up. As long as you’ve got a good skincare range, you don’t need make up. I feel just as confident without make-up now.”