A Month of No Beauty Filters

A month ago, I told myself that I would stop using beauty filters on my pictures. I came to this conclusion after watching my mental health deteriorate because my skin wasn't flawless like I portrayed myself online through the usage of beauty filters. I would constantly berate myself while looking at the mirror and think every part of me was ugly.

Now, I don't look at myself the same way. Over the years, I shamed myself for my crooked nose and my prominent eye bags, but in this past month, I have learned to accept them, to not be as self-conscious about them. It is difficult to accept and I still struggle, but it has gotten easier as I'm portraying my authentic-self online. I have an easier time telling myself I am beautiful even with these flaws, when before it would be extremely difficult to believe it.

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know about how I post Liz Lisa coordinates each week. What you may have noticed is that I have been smiling more, posing in more fun ways, all because I have become more confident in myself. While I knew this challenge of no beauty filters would make me feel good on the inside, I had no idea how much of an outward impact it would have. I portray myself more confidently now and want to show more people that they don't have to rely on beauty filters if it hurts their self-esteem like they did for me. You can still look and feel incredibly beautiful without them.

In a way, as tough as it was at first, I'm very happy I made the decision to uninstall my beauty apps and get rid of beauty filters altogether. It is always going to be a struggle to not critique myself, but it's getting easier and that is what matters to me.