Photos by Sabrina Scott

I’m turning 24, and I still wonder when I’ll learn how to apply eyeliner. Growing up, I’ve always been OK with my face sans make-up. I’m lucky enough to have never struggled with bad skin and it’s not something my mom ever pushed on me. But that’s not to say that I haven’t felt pressure at least a dozen times, to forgo the natural me for a layer of product.

I felt most self-conscious during nights out in sweaty, dimly lit venues. Although I knew I could hold a good conversation, it was appearance that grabbed the attention of the opposite sex, and every mascara-clad girl around me seemed to have one up. On the occasional night out, my friends would do me up. I’d tear up when the eyeliner came close and constantly forget to not rub my eyes. It made a difference in the superficial nightclub setting, I was more confident and felt like I fit in, but in the light of day I just didn’t feel like myself.

I haven’t quite got to the root of the issue, I’m not sure why I feel uncomfortable and try-hard when wearing make-up. But ageing and (inevitably) maturing has led to me caring less and less about what others do and think. It’s true in some aspects that comfort is the key to confidence, and forcing myself out of my comfort zone just to fit in will never lead to a self-assured me. You’ll come to find that it’s really empowering when you do exactly as you please.

With these photographs, of girls wearing nothing but themselves, I hope to inspire you to be self-assured, ignore others and do only what makes you feel comfortable.

Featuring Nikita and Saskia from 10 Artist Management and Katya Abedian

Sabrina Scott is a graphic designer and photographer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She shoots on 35mm film, using cameras passed down from her dad. Follow her on Instagram or check out her website to see more of her work!