The New Normal: Why People Are Confidently Going on First Dates Without a Drop of Makeup

First dates traditionally involve meticulous preparation, often including a full makeup look aimed at making the best possible first impression. However, a growing trend on platforms like TikTok is flipping this script, with daters choosing to go bare-faced on the initial meeting, then gradually introducing makeup on subsequent dates. This approach, which has sparked a wide conversation about beauty standards and authenticity, suggests a powerful dating hack focused on comfort and confidence.

The Appeal of the Bare Face

For many, the decision to skip makeup on a first date stems from a desire for comfort and freedom. TikTok creators like @americanfille list several compelling reasons for the “no-makeup summer” approach:

Simply not wanting to: It eliminates the energy drain of the application process.
Convenience: There’s no need to spend time removing products afterward.
Impression Management: As @americanfille notes, if a second date happens, wearing makeup then creates a pleasant surprise: “they’ll be so impressed.”

Instead of exhausting yourself getting ready for a stranger, this trend prioritizes self-care—maybe just a quick moisturizer—allowing you to save the fun of getting “dolled up” for someone you actually enjoy spending time with.

Expert Insights: Why It Works as a Dating Hack

Dating experts confirm that this bare-faced approach offers tangible emotional and relational benefits:

1. Conserving Energy and Comfort

Dr. Rhiannon DuBois, a clinical psychologist, notes that people who are actively dating often feel overwhelmed by the repetitive effort of preparing for countless meet-ups. Skipping makeup frees up time and mental energy, which can be invested in feeling more relaxed and present for the conversation.

2. Signalling Confidence and Authenticity

Arriving without makeup sends a bold, non-verbal message: “I am comfortable in my own skin.”

Prioritizing Self: Instead of using hours to hide a perceived flaw, that energy goes into preparing for the date itself.
Setting the Tone: Clinical psychologist Dr. Janine O’Brien explains that this communicates confidence, self-acceptance, and authenticity. This can lay the groundwork for a relationship where you feel safe showing up as your full self.

3. An Effective “Weed-Out” System

According to Dr. O’Brien, shedding the traditional first-date glam can also serve as a useful filter. “If someone you date loses interest simply because you weren’t wearing makeup, that’s useful information,” she says. The right partner won’t be scared off by a bare face.

How to Embrace the Bare-Faced Trend

If the idea of skipping makeup for a first date is appealing but still feels scary, there are ways to ease into it:

Prioritize Inner Wellness: Dr. DuBois recommends focusing on feeling good from the inside out. This includes moisturizing, drinking plenty of water, and ensuring you get good sleep the night before.
Start Casual: Reserve your bare-faced experiment for low-key environments that naturally lend themselves to a relaxed vibe. Think a coffee meet-up, a casual walk in the park, or a quick drink, rather than an intense, formal dinner.
Remember Your Worth: As Dr. O’Brien advises, remind yourself that the right person will not be deterred because you are “lash-less and pale.” Conversely, the wrong person will not be saved by a “full beat.”