I’m not usually that girl who is a blatant advocate for being au naturale. In fact, you’ll often see me with big hair, obnoxious jewelry, ripped tights, and of course – a decent dose of makeup.
Even as a little girl I’d prance around in a princess dress decked out in plastic jewelry. Fast forward 20 years and I’ve added smokey eyes and bronzer to the mix. To be quite honest, I’m probably not going to change my arguably over-the-top looks anytime soon. I guess you could say it’s my grown-up version of playing “dress up,” and it’s just…fun!
But, lately I’ve realized that I don’t ever want to lose the ability to go without all of that. It has nothing to do with vanity. Instead, it has everything to do with being me – just being Gracie.

That’s me. Freckled, light-featured, blue-eyed me.
Is it ironic that this post is coming on the heels of one about beauty products? Maybe. I don’t think so. Because here’s the thing – I do love those things and being girlie. I love makeup, highlighting my hair, high heels, and jewelry for days.
…but I never want to let any of that become a disguise of who I really am and who I want to be.
a daughter.
a sister
a friend.
a future wife.
a future mother.
a woman of God.
I’m a big believer in the fact that a person’s outside appearance does give at least a glimpse of what’s going on in their heart and mind, and I don’t ever want to portray myself as anything but…Gracie.










This is beautiful… I love you ala gracie!
Jessica says
You are stunning! You’re one of the lucky ones that look great without makeup. =)
Alyssa says
This is beautiful. And that photo is, too. I think you look even more beautiful without all of the big-hair and makeup. You’re perfect just the way you are.
This is beautiful, and so are you! Every girl needs to love herself, with and without makeup.
So pretty - you don’t need makeup
Although, it is fun to get dolled up!
Love this post girlfriend! You are gorgeous from the inside out and very brave for being open about loving yourself (without all the heels, makeup and highlights we all love!)
xo Andi
Gorgeous!
George says
You don’t need makeup.
It can’t get better then this your are so pretty.
I am sure that people who have to look at all those fake makeup faces would agree.
i like george!
This is so wonderful, Gracie. You are stunning without makeup…on the outside but on the inside, too.
Another well written post! Beauty radiates from within, and doesn’t look better with bronzer.
Beautiful post!
What a wonderful post, Gracie!! You are indeed a beautiful child of God (both inside AND out!), and I respect you so much for posting an au naturale picture.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. ~Proverbs 31:30
Alison, thank you so much for this comment. It just made my morning
Emily says
I love this post! You look absolutely beautiful both with and without makeup but your skin without makeup has a special little glow-love it!