For an openly queer woman on this campus, I sure do spend a lot of time in closets. 

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that clothing and fashion are creative outlets for me. I enjoy trying out different styles, mixing and matching, and dressing according to my mood. It’s astounding how quickly a cute outfit and makeup can flip a bad day into a great one. 

When I decided to do the No-Product Day Challenge, I knew what was expected of me, and was excited for the test. In a way, this was nothing but trying out a different look. I couldn’t have been more wrong. From the very start of the day, not being able to moisturize and perform my morning ‘self-care routine’ threw me off my rhythm. I didn’t realize that I’d associated ‘me-time’ with rubbing my soothing lavender scented lotion down my skin, applying my favorite raspberry chapstick on my lips and repeatedly stabbing my eye in an attempt to perfect my eyeliner. By skipping all these items on my morning checklist, I didn’t care that I looked any different, but I definitely felt different. 

I view my products the way writers view their pens and singers use their voices: they’re my medium of expression. That day, I kept thinking about how my brown eyeshadow would’ve worked perfectly with my brown top and my dark lipstick would’ve provided the perfect contrast to my white pants. It wasn’t that I didn’t feel beautiful without them- they just would’ve added to the look. I can eat my cereal without milk. I would just prefer not to, given the choice.

I have gone days without using any products. I know I don’t need them, but the idea that they’re inherently unnecessary or that humans should learn to live without materialistic possessions is archaic. The products I use reaffirm my identity and are a part of who I am. The loss of them for a day definitely made me feel like I was losing a crucial creative outlet.