Madison Azevedo, 26, from Wisconsin, has hit back at critics after revealing that she chose to go completely makeup-free on her wedding day, a decision that has sparked widespread discussion online.
For Azevedo, who rarely wears makeup and does not own any, the choice was simple. She explained that it would not have felt authentic to exchange vows with a full face of glam, as she wanted to feel completely like herself on her special day.
“I wanted to show up exactly as I am. My husband has never seen me with makeup, and it did not feel right to introduce something new on such a personal day,” she said. “I did not want to feel like I was a different version of myself, and I wanted to feel present.”
Azevedo recalled a previous experience wearing a full face of makeup at prom, which left her feeling disconnected from herself when looking at pictures afterwards. “It did not feel empowering and it felt like I had hidden myself on a night that was supposed to be about celebrating who I was,” she said. She added that wearing makeup on her wedding day would have made her feel more nervous rather than confident.
While Azevedo does not oppose makeup, she said it has never been something she has been drawn to. “For me, it is always been more important to feel comfortable and like myself than to meet a certain standard of presentation,” she explained. “I focus on skincare and use basic Chapstick. That has always felt right for me.”
After posting photos of her natural wedding look on TikTok last month, Azevedo faced a wave of negative comments, many from other women. She reflected on the criticism, saying it highlights the pressure women often feel to conform to societal expectations around appearance. “My response is not anger, it is empathy. Everyone is navigating those pressures differently,” she said.
Despite the backlash, Azevedo also received an outpouring of positive reactions. Many women shared their own experiences, expressed relief at seeing a makeup-free wedding, and said they felt inspired to embrace their natural look on their special day. “So many women said they felt inspired to do the same and did not even know going makeup-free was an option,” she noted.
Azevedo explained that while sharing her makeup-free wedding was not meant to be a statement, she felt it was important to show that it is an option. “I hope people realize they do not have to perform or conform to feel beautiful. Whether someone loves makeup or never wears it, the choice should feel personal and free, not expected,” she said.
The story has resonated with many online, sparking conversations about authenticity, self-expression, and societal pressures surrounding weddings and beauty standards.
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