Beauty junkie goes without makeup for a week... and vows NEVER again

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Pippa Park, 26, from London is a self-confessed makeup addict
FEMAIL challenged the writer to go without war paint for six days
She braved a night out and even a first date without her slap
Felt less confident and her parents asked if she was unwell

Published: 01:55 EST, 7 August 2015 | Updated: 03:00 EST, 7 August 2015

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Only one in 14 women would dare to leave the house without makeup, according to a recent poll - with lipstick and mascara voted the top beauty tools they can not live without.

The survey of 1,000 women by George at Asda found that most females wear a full face for more than 60 years of their life, even refusing to go barefaced at the gym.

In light of this FEMAIL challenged Pippa Park, a 26-year-old beauty junkie from London, to go without makeup for a week. Here's how she got on...

Beauty junkie Philippa Park, 26, is addicted to makeup and usually spends an hour getting ready in the morning

The writer from London said she was 'understandably terrified' and 'a little exhilarated' at the prospect of ditching her cosmetics bag. Pictured: Left, with makeup, and right, barefaced for day one of the challenge

My name is Pippa and I’m addicted to makeup. There, I said it. As a self-confessed beauty junkie I was understandably terrified (and a little exhilarated) at the idea of packing up my makeup bag for a week.

As the kind of girl who struggles to embrace a natural look on the beach, going about my busy London life for seven days with nothing but an eyebrow tint and what little contouring God gave me, was a terrifying prospect.

The more scared I felt, the more I knew I had to do it. As a feminist and a strong believer in personality over looks, I was ashamed at the voice inside me saying ‘no’. So bring it on.

I usually take an hour to get ready in the morning, with 20 minutes dedicated to putting my face on. I moisturise and do a quick mini facial before dabbing on eye cream.

Then it’s foundation, concealer and highlighter. A little bronzer or blusher brightens my face and then I fill in my eyebrows, line my eyes with kohl and apply mascara, lip liner and gloss. For evening I’ll go for a stronger eye or lip colour and add liquid eyeliner flicks on the top lids.

DAY ONE

Pippa hid behind her sunglasses at her friend's barbecue and felt so self-conscious she left the party early

Topshop's tips for achieving the perfect 'no makeup' look

On day one, a Saturday, I regret my decision as soon as I step out of the shower and study my reflection in the mirror - this is as good as it’s going to get today!

I console myself by curling my hair, but with no winged eyeliner to perfect I’m ready in record time and sit twiddling my thumbs.

At my friend’s BBQ I hide behind my shades, but as the daylight fades and talk turns to which bars we’ll head to that night, I feel a sense of dread.

A Saturday night with no makeup feels unbelievably cruel. I’m not usually one to leave a party early, but today I make history.

DAY TWO

On day two Pippa Skyped her parents who, startled by her appearance, asked her if she was unwell

Day two, Sunday, is another sunny day and (trusty Ray Bans firmly in place) I’m off for a picnic in the park.

It feels wonderful and summery to have a fresh face while sunbathing and, with no lipstick to smudge, I join the boys in a few games of rounders.

I’m feeling happier about the natural look and start to wonder why I wear so much slap normally. That is, until I Skype my parents who take one look at me and ask if I’m not feeling well.

DAY THREE

Pippa braves a spot of clothes shopping with her pared-down look but finds her confidence is 'on the rocks'

Most days I have a lighthearted flirt with the hot Starbucks barista, but today I get my change with no cheeky wink or comment. I wonder if my fresh face is to blame?

In the office two colleagues ask me if everything is okay, which puts my confidence on the rocks. I feel unprofessional in a work environment, like I’ve gone in unprepared or with a hangover. I act self-conscious in my meeting and stay quiet in places where I would usually assert myself.

I also brave a spot of clothes shopping with my pared-down look. Is it me or does everything make me look washed out?

DAY FOUR

Pippa even braves a first date barefaced - the ultimate test, she decides, despite feeling 'vulnerable'

The verdict: Pippa can pull without makeup - and the weekly food shop at the supermarket holds no fear either

This evening I have a date - the ultimate test! Do I dare go bare? I decide it will be a good indicator of his personality and that if I don’t hear from him again he must be terribly shallow with hideous double standards.

At first I feel vulnerable, but after a glass or two of wine I'm relaxed and we get on brilliantly. Later that evening self resolve crumbles and I want to justify myself. I reveal that, contrary to appearances, I do own mascara and my makeup-less mug is all down to an experiment.

He looks baffled and insists he didn't even notice. I don’t quite believe him, but he calls the next day hoping to book date two. I can pull without makeup? Really? I’m beginning wonder if this whole challenge is really the big deal I’ve built it up to be.

DAY FIVE

On day five Pippa notices her skin is benefiting from the lack of cosmetics and she has a 'natural glow'

Pippa, pictured at work, says she feels 'unprofessional' like she has gone into the office 'unprepared or with a hangover'

Thanks to the lack of foundation resting on top of it, my skin is looking in great condition. I may have discovered that mythical ‘natural glow’ that’s always eluded me!

Now that I can’t conceal dark circles, I’m taking care of my face and giving it lots of sleep. Tonight I head out for dinner with the girls, who all look suitably glam.

They’re surprised to see I haven’t made any effort, but relax when they understand why, as if they had feared for a moment that I had undergone a personality transplant. Later on someone takes a few photos and I cringe, regretting the reminder that I don’t exactly look my best.

DAY SIX

On day six Pippa attends an event where she begrudges 'not having eyelashes to flutter or a bright mouth to smile with'

On the tube I count how many women are wearing makeup and am interested to discover a fairly equal divide. Without slap I feel people are looking at me, but in fact why would they?

It’s not unusual and plenty of ladies don’t feel the need to apply a full face every day. Instead of looking down and avoiding eye contact with people (as I have these last few days) I’ve reverted back to my usual self and walk with my head up and shoulders back.

I attend a press launch where everyone is polished and presentable and begrudge not having eyelashes to flutter or a bright mouth to smile with.

Out of interest I ask the (admittedly well-groomed) group I’m with if they could give up their makeup brushes for a few days. They all look shocked and insist they couldn’t, which provokes me to stick my feminist hat on and argue how ridiculous it is. I secretly agree with them.

THE VERDICT

Pippa concludes that makeup means to her what a sharp suit means to Donald Trump. She believes she lost a bit of sparkle without her daily polish

Conclusion It’s over, I’m free! While I think it’s a bold and beautiful thing to embrace your face and step away from the war paint, I’m not sure it’s something I’d do again.

Admittedly it’s the answer to my newly-found peachy skin tone, but I didn’t feel myself. As a loud, bubbly person I suddenly found myself reserved and strangely shy.

Not words that could ever hope to sum up my character. Without my daily polish I lost some confidence, a lot of volume and a little of my sparkle.

Maybe makeup means to me what a sharp suit means to Donald Trump. How well would that big boss handle the boardroom in a baseball cap and denim cut offs?

It’s part of my uniform in a way. I like to look and feel bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, that’s just me. I will miss those extra 20 minutes in bed every morning though…