You know, I've been camping with women many times--I spent a summer in Yellowstone Park and we camped all the time--and I never once noticed whether or not they were wearing makeup. Unless you're made up like Tammy Faye Bakker, I don't think most men know the difference. (Other women might, but that's another topic for another day.)
No one expects you to look perfect in the woods. Guys certainly don't--we get all scruffy and bed-headed and smelly. That's part of the joy of camping: shirking the daily hygiene routine a little, hence the expression, "roughing it." If you choose to wear no makeup, there are very few men who will notice or care. Everybody looks like crap when they camp. The only things I remember any woman carrying were a toothbrush and Carmex lip balm.
The rules can vary, though, with the the kind of camping you're doing. If you're at a state park site with bathrooms and showers, people are likely to be more cleaned up. If you're in the deep woods, fuhgettaboutit. Out there you'll have more pressing concerns than makeup, like what kinds of leaves are best for wiping (avoid dry crispies and anything with the word "poison" in the name).
The only time guys will give a thought about makeup is if you hold everyone up while you paint your face, but you don't sound like the kind of woman who would do that.
I say do what you want. If you want to go completely without, do it; you won't be the only one, and I seriously doubt you will look like the victim of a bear attack. If a little bit of makeup will help you enjoy the trip more, then go for it. If you're going to err, though, err on the side of too little instead of too much.
Thanks for the question.
Makeup isn't for impressing men as it is for impressing women. Dudes [b]REALLY[/b] don't care about makeup, especially when camping. We just don't. We didn't go camping for a fashion show, we go camping for hunting, fishing, and generally enjoying the great outdoors. I've been camping many times, and not once did I see a MAC counter out there.
Best bet, leave it at home, lest you give the impression that you are vain and care more about looking good than enjoying yourself.
I always bring baby wipes, suncream and moisturiser because if I don't I regret it when i come home. Sometimes I might bring a small make up bag - depends on who i'm going with and where i'm headed.. I wouldn't necessarily put too much weight into what other people think about your skincare/makeup routine. No-one really cares. Do whatever you normally do and just have fun!
Totally agree! No one will notice especially the guys if you want to feel good about yourself while you are enjoying the great outdoors...
I think women (especially those that use makeup on a regular basis) would be pretty good at guessing how many products another woman has on, no matter how natural it looks, and may judge you for it in events like camping trips. Men.. not so much. It's kind of funny how clueless they can be about it (no offense!). For example, I went on a date last night, and the topic of makeup came up, and the guy said something along the lines of, 'I prefer women who look really natural, like you.. I know you have a little bit of mascara or whatever on, but that's pretty much it right? I know some girls who wear a whole lot of different products, and it's so useless and looks bad'... When in reality, I was wearing, uhm, more than mascara (ie. foundation, bronzer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, brow pencil, mascara and lipgloss.. all in small quantities, but still). As long as it looks natural, they don't really care I guess.
So if it'll make you more comfortable to have a little bit on (not as much as you would wear normally of course), I say go for it. I'm also going camping with a bunch of guys this summer, and I do plan on wearing a bit of concealer and/or tinted moisturizer, since I'm very self-conscious about my not-so-great skin. I'm not doing it to look dolled up or to impress anyone, it's just for myself and to feel more comfortable. If it makes me vain, so be it.
The brow pencil is a good idea. Bears hate neglected eyebrows and will swat them right off your face.
Ditch the make-up. Go for sunscreen and moisturizer. Natural with nature works best.
It's true that most guys really won't notice a difference between your face with foundation on it and your face without it on. If you're newly dating, he very probably will judge you as high-maintenance for bringing makeup along... but if you're the type of person who really does prefer to wear makeup, then let him judge you and don't let it bother you! If he thinks you're too high maintenance, he's not worth your time.
Personally, I wear makeup for ME, because I truly enjoy putting it on (I wasn't allowed to wear it until I turned 18). If you WANT to wear makeup, then I don't see why you shouldn't. Some people may see it as vain, but you know what? Whatever! If you want to devote some of your time to putting makeup on, that's your prerogative, and they can spend their time however THEY want to. Just make sure you know that you are beautiful whether or not you've had time to prepare your face or not!!!
However, I will give my advice to you if you do decide that you want to wear makeup on the trip... camping presents unique conditions... you will have little water to wash the makeup off or to correct mistakes, and you will probably be sweating a lot. It's all about streamlining product usage, multitasking, and making sure that your makeup will withstand the elevated environmental conditions.
When camping with my boyfriend, I am utilitarian in the use of my products, and this is what I suggest bringing with you because this list is what works for me:
* Tinted Moisturizer with SPF. You get your sunscreen, foundation, and moisturizer all in one, and as long as your skin absorbs the lotion, it doesn't streak.
* Tinted lip balm - a sheer, light pink color, with SPF. Sunscreen, a hint of color, and protection from wind.
* 3-day-wear waterproof mascara. There are mascaras out there made to last for 3 days and do not flake off, so I love to bring it along on camping because you won't have to apply it every day. The waterproof part is essentially redundant, but you should make sure it can withstand a reasonable amount of rain.
* Makeup-removing facial cleansing cloths. To get the makeup off, because you don't want to waste water washing your face over and over.
Also, if you don't mind waxing, schedule to have your underarms and legs waxed 2-3 days beforehand so that you don't have to shave :)