April 24, 2025 • 9 mins
In this episode of "Plants, Flowers, Oils and Whimsy," Carrie Scharf shares her personal journey of going makeup-free, highlighting the reasons behind her choice and its benefits. She discusses how avoiding makeup has helped her skin bloom naturally and uncover her inner beauty – she navigates listeners through her experiences both growing up and now, as she organically tends to her skin using plants, oils, and gentle skincare routines. Besides personal insights, Carrie provides engaging tips to help listeners experiment with their own makeup-free journeys. She also shares a simple yet rejuvenating botanical steam skincare ritual, promoting a deeper connection with oneself in addition to the external benefits it provides. The episode emphasizes the beauty and freedom of one's natural radiance and promotes the nourishment of the skin with natural products, while respecting everyone's individual preferences about wearing makeup. This episode serves as a love letter to barefaced beauty, celebrating authenticity and self-care.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of our podcast, Plants, Flowers,
Oils and Whimsy. I'm Carrie Sharf, your host, and I
couldn't be more thrilled to have you join me today.
In this episode, we're going to touch on something quite
personal to me, my choice to go make up free.
We'll explore why I've embraced this natural route, the benefits
that come with it, and the newfound appreciation I have
(00:25):
for natural beauty. Will also dive into how you can
experiment with going makeup free yourself, and I'll even share
a calming skincare ritual that you can easily try at home.
So whether you love a full face of glam or
prefer a bare faced glow, there's something here for everyone.
Stick around. It's going to be an enlightening and heartwarming chat.
(00:46):
So let's start with a bit of background. I grew
up with three brothers, and in a household like that,
makeup was never really a priority. None of them cared
whether I was wearing makeup or not, and I realized
early on that I didn't like the way makeup made
my skin feel. It wasn't about trying to rebel against
beauty standards or make a statement, it just didn't feel
right for me. I discovered that my skin actually thrives
(01:09):
when I keep things simple and natural with fewer products
on my face, my skin became less irritated and much
happier overall. It's almost as if my skin thanked me
for not covering it up. This realization opened up a
whole new world for me, one filled with plants, oils,
and gentle skin care rituals. Going makeup free allowed me
to tune into my skin's real needs and nurtured a
(01:30):
deeper connection with myself. And the best part, through this journey,
I found a kind of beauty that doesn't come from
a bottle or palate, but from understanding and caring for
myself in the most natural way possible. My skin is
happier and so am I. All right, now, let's dive
into the skin loving benefits of choosing to go make
up free. First up, and perhaps one of the most
(01:52):
immediate differences you'll notice is that your skin gets to
breathe without the layers of foundation, powders and primers, or
stay much clearer. This means it's easier for your skin
to regulate its oil naturally shed dead skin cells and
maintain its barrier. The result fewer breakouts, less irritation, and
that natural glow we all love. Secondly, avoiding makeup means
(02:14):
you're also steering clear of some common irritants. Many makeup
products contain synthetic ingredients, preservatives, fragrances, and a whole host
of other things that can disrupt your skin's delicate balance.
By skipping makeup, you give your skin a much needed
break from potential allergens and harsh chemicals. Next, when you're
not focused on covering up dryness or irritation, you're more
(02:36):
likely to reach for nourishing alternatives. Think plant based oils,
calming hydrosols, and soothing butters. These aren't just products, they
are a celebration of natural ingredients that help your skin
heal and thrive. This shift in focus turns skin care
into a ritual of care rather than a process of camouflage.
And let's not forget the importance of a happy skin microbiome.
(02:58):
The natural bacteria on your skin play a crucial role
in everything from hydration to defense. Constant use of certain
makeup products and removers can strip this balance, potentially leading
to long term skin issues. By choosing to go makeup free,
you're doing one of the kindest things for your skin's
health in the long run. So there you have it,
a few compelling reasons to consider letting your natural skin shine.
(03:20):
Trust me, your skin will thank you for it, and
you'll likely find a new sense of freedom and authenticity
along the way. Up Next, we'll talk about embracing natural
beauty and how you can experiment with going makeup free yourself.
Stay tuned, Welcome back. Now let's talk about embracing natural beauty.
We live in a world where makeup is almost everywhere
(03:41):
you look, whether it's tiny sample kits at the checkout
counter or endless online tutorials promising the perfect face. Makeup
has a pervasive presence in our society. For many, makeup
is more than just products. It's a form of self expression,
a way to have fun, and even a source of empowerment.
And that's fantastic. There's absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying makeup
(04:03):
if it brings you joy. But for me, choosing not
to wear makeup has been a path to discovering a
different kind of radiance, one that isn't defined by external products,
but by an inner sense of connection and well being.
By going makeup free, I've found a beauty that feels
more genuine to who I am, a softer and slower
kind of radiance that comes from within. This choice has
(04:23):
helped me develop a deeper connection with the earth, herbs
and self care rituals. The natural oils, plant based ingredients,
and calming practices I now use aren't just good for
my skin. They nourish my soul as well. When you
think about it, beauty isn't just something you apply. It's
something you cultivate through mindful practices and self love. So
if makeup is something you love, that's amazing. But if
(04:47):
you've been curious about what it might feel like to
go makeup free, consider this your gentle invitation to explore
a different kind of beauty, one that's rooted in natural
care and personal connection. Up next, I'll extend a gentle
invitation for you to experiment with going makeup free yourself.
Stay with us, all right, let's talk about trying something new,
(05:07):
going makeup free. If you've ever been curious about how
it might feel to face the world without makeup, now's
your chance to find out. I'm extending a gentle invitation
to you to experiment with this natural approach, even if
just for a short while. Ask yourself this, what would
it feel like to greet the world bare faced and
at ease. Imagine stepping outside without any layers of makeup,
(05:29):
showing your skin just as it is. How would that
change the way you interact with others or how you
see yourself in the mirror. Another question to ponder, what
if your skincare routine wasn't about hiding or covering up imperfections,
but about truly honoring and nurturing your skin. Think about
using products that heal, hydrate, and bring out your skin's
natural beauty. It can be a transformative experience where the
(05:52):
focus shifts from concealment to care. And lastly, consider this,
what if beauty was something you grew, not something you applied.
By that, I mean a kind of beauty that comes
from self love, mindfulness, and a connection with natural ingredients.
It's a slower, perhaps softer form of beauty, yet incredibly fulfilling,
(06:12):
So why not give it a try. You can start small,
maybe go make up free for a day or two,
or perhaps challenge yourself to a week. Whatever duration feels
comfortable for you is perfect. The goal is not to
completely abandon makeup forever, but to give yourself the freedom
to experience your natural skin and see how you feel.
I hope you'll take this gentle invitation to heart and
(06:33):
give it a go. You might just discover a new
sense of authenticity and confidence in the process. Up next,
we'll wrap things up with a simple calming skincare ritual
you can easily try a home. Stay tuned now as
we wrap up our episode today, I want to leave
you with a simple, yet profoundly calming skincare ritual that
you can try at home. A botanical steam. This is
(06:56):
a lovely way to wind down after a long day
and give your skin some tender, lie love and care. First,
you'll need a small bowl of warm water. To this,
add a handful of dried camomile or rose petals. These
not only have wonderful skin soothing properties, but also create
a beautifully fragrant steam that's incredibly relaxing. If you like,
you can also add a drop of lavender essential oil
(07:17):
for an extra touch of calm. Once you've got everything ready,
place the bowl on a stable surface where you can
comfortably sit. Then cover your head with a towel to
create a tent over the bowl. Close your eyes and
lean over the bowl, allowing the steam to envelop your face.
Breathe deeply and let yourself relax for about five to
seven minutes. This botanical steam not only opens up your pores,
(07:38):
making it easier for your skin to absorb follow up treatments,
but also helps you deepen your breath and soften your heart.
It's an exercise and mindfulness, offering you a quiet moment
to connect with yourself and simply be. And there you
have it, a simple yet magical ritual to nurture your
skin and soul. If you give it a try, I'd
love to hear how it goes for you. You can always
(07:59):
reach out to me with your your experiences or any
stories you'd like to share. Thank you so much for
joining me today and for letting me share something so
personal and meaningful. Whether you wear makeup every day or
never at all, remember that you are beautiful just as
you are. If you enjoyed this episode and want more
tips on DIY, skincare and self care, please consider subscribing
to my newsletter. You can find me on x at
(08:20):
author Carey, and your messages always light up my day.
Until next time, keep things gentle, plant filled, and a
little whimsical. Thank you so much for joining me today.
I hope you found our discussion on the beauty of
going makeup free and embracing natural skincare rituals as enlightening
and heartwarming as I did. We touched on some key
points today, the benefits of letting your skin breathe, avoiding
(08:41):
common irritance, and focusing on nourishment rather than cover up.
We also discussed how embracing a makeup free life can
help you discover a different, perhaps even more genuine kind
of radiance. If today's episode resonated with you, I'd love
to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share your own
experiences or bare face stories with me on social media.
You can find me on x at our roth carey. Also,
(09:02):
if you're interested in more DIY skincare tips and self
care practices, please consider subscribing to my newsletter. It'll keep
you updated with all the latest tips, tricks, and rituals
to keep your skin happy and healthy. Thank you again
for being here. Whether you wear makeup every day or
never at all, remember that you are beautiful just as
you are. Until next time, Keep things gentle, plant filled,
(09:24):
and a little whimsical
Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of our podcast, Plants, Flowers,
Oils and Whimsy. I'm Carrie Sharf, your host, and I
couldn't be more thrilled to have you join me today.
In this episode, we're going to touch on something quite
personal to me, my choice to go make up free.
We'll explore why I've embraced this natural route, the benefits
that come with it, and the newfound appreciation I have
(00:25):
for natural beauty. Will also dive into how you can
experiment with going makeup free yourself, and I'll even share
a calming skincare ritual that you can easily try at home.
So whether you love a full face of glam or
prefer a bare faced glow, there's something here for everyone.
Stick around. It's going to be an enlightening and heartwarming chat.
(00:46):
So let's start with a bit of background. I grew
up with three brothers, and in a household like that,
makeup was never really a priority. None of them cared
whether I was wearing makeup or not, and I realized
early on that I didn't like the way makeup made
my skin feel. It wasn't about trying to rebel against
beauty standards or make a statement, it just didn't feel
right for me. I discovered that my skin actually thrives
(01:09):
when I keep things simple and natural with fewer products
on my face, my skin became less irritated and much
happier overall. It's almost as if my skin thanked me
for not covering it up. This realization opened up a
whole new world for me, one filled with plants, oils,
and gentle skin care rituals. Going makeup free allowed me
to tune into my skin's real needs and nurtured a
(01:30):
deeper connection with myself. And the best part, through this journey,
I found a kind of beauty that doesn't come from
a bottle or palate, but from understanding and caring for
myself in the most natural way possible. My skin is
happier and so am I. All right, now, let's dive
into the skin loving benefits of choosing to go make
up free. First up, and perhaps one of the most
(01:52):
immediate differences you'll notice is that your skin gets to
breathe without the layers of foundation, powders and primers, or
stay much clearer. This means it's easier for your skin
to regulate its oil naturally shed dead skin cells and
maintain its barrier. The result fewer breakouts, less irritation, and
that natural glow we all love. Secondly, avoiding makeup means
(02:14):
you're also steering clear of some common irritants. Many makeup
products contain synthetic ingredients, preservatives, fragrances, and a whole host
of other things that can disrupt your skin's delicate balance.
By skipping makeup, you give your skin a much needed
break from potential allergens and harsh chemicals. Next, when you're
not focused on covering up dryness or irritation, you're more
(02:36):
likely to reach for nourishing alternatives. Think plant based oils,
calming hydrosols, and soothing butters. These aren't just products, they
are a celebration of natural ingredients that help your skin
heal and thrive. This shift in focus turns skin care
into a ritual of care rather than a process of camouflage.
And let's not forget the importance of a happy skin microbiome.
(02:58):
The natural bacteria on your skin play a crucial role
in everything from hydration to defense. Constant use of certain
makeup products and removers can strip this balance, potentially leading
to long term skin issues. By choosing to go makeup free,
you're doing one of the kindest things for your skin's
health in the long run. So there you have it,
a few compelling reasons to consider letting your natural skin shine.
(03:20):
Trust me, your skin will thank you for it, and
you'll likely find a new sense of freedom and authenticity
along the way. Up Next, we'll talk about embracing natural
beauty and how you can experiment with going makeup free yourself.
Stay tuned, Welcome back. Now let's talk about embracing natural beauty.
We live in a world where makeup is almost everywhere
(03:41):
you look, whether it's tiny sample kits at the checkout
counter or endless online tutorials promising the perfect face. Makeup
has a pervasive presence in our society. For many, makeup
is more than just products. It's a form of self expression,
a way to have fun, and even a source of empowerment.
And that's fantastic. There's absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying makeup
(04:03):
if it brings you joy. But for me, choosing not
to wear makeup has been a path to discovering a
different kind of radiance, one that isn't defined by external products,
but by an inner sense of connection and well being.
By going makeup free, I've found a beauty that feels
more genuine to who I am, a softer and slower
kind of radiance that comes from within. This choice has
(04:23):
helped me develop a deeper connection with the earth, herbs
and self care rituals. The natural oils, plant based ingredients,
and calming practices I now use aren't just good for
my skin. They nourish my soul as well. When you
think about it, beauty isn't just something you apply. It's
something you cultivate through mindful practices and self love. So
if makeup is something you love, that's amazing. But if
(04:47):
you've been curious about what it might feel like to
go makeup free, consider this your gentle invitation to explore
a different kind of beauty, one that's rooted in natural
care and personal connection. Up next, I'll extend a gentle
invitation for you to experiment with going makeup free yourself.
Stay with us, all right, let's talk about trying something new,
(05:07):
going makeup free. If you've ever been curious about how
it might feel to face the world without makeup, now's
your chance to find out. I'm extending a gentle invitation
to you to experiment with this natural approach, even if
just for a short while. Ask yourself this, what would
it feel like to greet the world bare faced and
at ease. Imagine stepping outside without any layers of makeup,
(05:29):
showing your skin just as it is. How would that
change the way you interact with others or how you
see yourself in the mirror. Another question to ponder, what
if your skincare routine wasn't about hiding or covering up imperfections,
but about truly honoring and nurturing your skin. Think about
using products that heal, hydrate, and bring out your skin's
natural beauty. It can be a transformative experience where the
(05:52):
focus shifts from concealment to care. And lastly, consider this,
what if beauty was something you grew, not something you applied.
By that, I mean a kind of beauty that comes
from self love, mindfulness, and a connection with natural ingredients.
It's a slower, perhaps softer form of beauty, yet incredibly fulfilling,
(06:12):
So why not give it a try. You can start small,
maybe go make up free for a day or two,
or perhaps challenge yourself to a week. Whatever duration feels
comfortable for you is perfect. The goal is not to
completely abandon makeup forever, but to give yourself the freedom
to experience your natural skin and see how you feel.
I hope you'll take this gentle invitation to heart and
(06:33):
give it a go. You might just discover a new
sense of authenticity and confidence in the process. Up next,
we'll wrap things up with a simple calming skincare ritual
you can easily try a home. Stay tuned now as
we wrap up our episode today, I want to leave
you with a simple, yet profoundly calming skincare ritual that
you can try at home. A botanical steam. This is
(06:56):
a lovely way to wind down after a long day
and give your skin some tender, lie love and care. First,
you'll need a small bowl of warm water. To this,
add a handful of dried camomile or rose petals. These
not only have wonderful skin soothing properties, but also create
a beautifully fragrant steam that's incredibly relaxing. If you like,
you can also add a drop of lavender essential oil
(07:17):
for an extra touch of calm. Once you've got everything ready,
place the bowl on a stable surface where you can
comfortably sit. Then cover your head with a towel to
create a tent over the bowl. Close your eyes and
lean over the bowl, allowing the steam to envelop your face.
Breathe deeply and let yourself relax for about five to
seven minutes. This botanical steam not only opens up your pores,
(07:38):
making it easier for your skin to absorb follow up treatments,
but also helps you deepen your breath and soften your heart.
It's an exercise and mindfulness, offering you a quiet moment
to connect with yourself and simply be. And there you
have it, a simple yet magical ritual to nurture your
skin and soul. If you give it a try, I'd
love to hear how it goes for you. You can always
(07:59):
reach out to me with your your experiences or any
stories you'd like to share. Thank you so much for
joining me today and for letting me share something so
personal and meaningful. Whether you wear makeup every day or
never at all, remember that you are beautiful just as
you are. If you enjoyed this episode and want more
tips on DIY, skincare and self care, please consider subscribing
to my newsletter. You can find me on x at
(08:20):
author Carey, and your messages always light up my day.
Until next time, keep things gentle, plant filled, and a
little whimsical. Thank you so much for joining me today.
I hope you found our discussion on the beauty of
going makeup free and embracing natural skincare rituals as enlightening
and heartwarming as I did. We touched on some key
points today, the benefits of letting your skin breathe, avoiding
(08:41):
common irritance, and focusing on nourishment rather than cover up.
We also discussed how embracing a makeup free life can
help you discover a different, perhaps even more genuine kind
of radiance. If today's episode resonated with you, I'd love
to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share your own
experiences or bare face stories with me on social media.
You can find me on x at our roth carey. Also,
(09:02):
if you're interested in more DIY skincare tips and self
care practices, please consider subscribing to my newsletter. It'll keep
you updated with all the latest tips, tricks, and rituals
to keep your skin happy and healthy. Thank you again
for being here. Whether you wear makeup every day or
never at all, remember that you are beautiful just as
you are. Until next time, Keep things gentle, plant filled,
(09:24):
and a little whimsical
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