Single women ditch wearing makeup on first dates — and experts encourage it
In general, Gen Z has trended towards skipping out on classic date nights like traditional dinners and drinks in favor of more adventurous, active ventures like ocean swims, yoga sessions, or rock climbing.
These activities allow potential paramours to get to know each other without the pressure of sitting across from each other and talking for hours on end — though eventually, there comes a point in a relationship where this is necessary.
The latest move to ease the tension and anxiety of a first date? No makeup, a la Pamela Anderson.
Both Millennials and Gen Zers have taken to the Internet to share their experiences with the movement, and overall, they're psyched about their new looks, and the confidence boosts it can — potentially, as @madisonoud pointed out — bring with it.
Aside from saving plenty of time getting ready, skipping out on glam can also be helpful for those struggling with perfection compulsions and people-pleasing.
Experts say that arriving at a first date fresh-faced can help screen potential suitors who simply aren't a match.
'If someone you date loses interest simply because you weren't wearing makeup, that's useful information,' said Janine O'Brien, a licensed clinical psychologist and relationship therapist, in an interview with Bustle.
Women online agree — why waste your time getting ready for someone you barely know, especially when there's a fair chance they didn't do the same?
'Don't see the issue. Men don't do their makeup,' said one comment under @madisonoud's video.
'To your date, [going makeup-free] may communicate confidence, self-acceptance, and authenticity. And that can set the tone for a relationship where you're not afraid to show up as your full self,' O'Brien said.
Some women are also adopting strategies like wearing more makeup as they go on more dates with the same person — both to show their interest in the other person and to demonstrate that effort goes both ways.
Gen Z daters are not only ditching makeup — they're apparently also leaving dating apps in the past and turning towards old-fashioned matchmaking services.
'Matchmaking in this country has never been more popular,' Adam Cohen-Aslatei, director of Tawkify matchmaking service, told The Post. 'It's really grown pretty tremendously.'
'Business has never been stronger for Cohen-Aslatei and the company saw its busiest month last year.
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