Would You Go Makeup-Free on a First Date? I Tried It

5 days ago 12

Published on Sep 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM

POPSUGAR Photography | Olivia TauberPOPSUGAR Photography | Olivia Tauber

While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.

I've always been a "get ready" girl. Even if I have just 20 minutes before a night out, I'll do a little concealer, a quick coat of mascara, and a fun lip combo. Getting ready is half the fun of leaving the house for me. I am a beauty editor, after all.

So when I saw a TikTok video from Kara Best talking about her plan to go on a first date with zero makeup, then wear more and more on subsequent dates, I thought it sounded like a fun experiment. Apparently, so did 1.9 million other people who liked the post. It sparked a whole conversation about beauty standards and first impressions. Soon, other creators were chiming in with their own experiences.

I've always treated dating like my own little social experiment. Each date feels like a chance to meet someone new and test-drive a different beauty or fashion look. (That's why I was so game to wear Doechii's face tape for a night out.) So I figured, why not try this trend too? A few days later, I landed a date on a dating app (hold for applause) and decided it would be my first attempt.

I will admit I stood over my concealer for a solid 10 seconds before deciding to leave it behind.

Honestly? The date went totally fine. More than fine, actually — I kind of loved it. And my date didn't even notice (no surprise there though, right?). There was something liberating about not worrying whether my eyeliner was smudging or if I'd have to reapply lipstick after drinks. I especially loved skipping mascara, which usually bothers me because of my contacts, so it was nice to sit across from someone and feel completely clean and distraction-free.

If we go out again, I plan to wear a little more (as the TikTok trend demands) — maybe some blush, concealer, and contour just to keep the game going. But for now, I'm just waiting to see if he texts me back.

Olivia Tauber is a freelance writer based in New York, pursuing her Master's in Journalism at NYU. She's the contributing assistant beauty editor at PopSugar and contributor to New York Magazine's The Cut, Interview, Bustle, SELF, and HuffPost. Her career began in corporate publicity at Showtime, followed by production for "The Pivot," an Emmy-nominated series.