I have a confession: This whole story idea started as a joke in the office, kind of a "what-if" game. As in, "What if we dared someone to not use any beauty products for a month, would they survive? Go crazy? Scare off all their friends and loved ones?" After a few minutes of talking, it became too good to pass up, so we challenged one of our writers to try it.

The rules: nothing but soap and sunscreen for 30 days. That meant no makeup, no shampoo, no deodorant, nothing, nada for a whole month. Click here to read her diary from the ordeal, or check out some of the highlights below:

Day 1: The Before Photo

Here's what she looked like before the challenge, with a full face of makeup and her hair nicely done. Click here to see her transformation from product junkie to product minimalist.

Day 5: Fatigue Sets In

"I've come as far as I can with just Dove soap and water. I look like the poster child for Les Miserables." Check out her ingenious solution here.

Day 15: A Creative Solution to B.O.

Since antiperspirant or deodorant are off limits, check out what she does to eliminate the stench (something we could all try!).

Day 27: Light at the End of the Tunnel

"On a brighter note, rinsing my face with water (versus cleanser) has really softened my skin and kept it otherwise free of breakouts." Is her beauty product addiction starting to wane? Click here to find out.

Want to see her final thoughts on life without beauty products? Click here!

• Check out these home remedies for beauty products -- maybe you'll start your own 30-day challenge?

• Think this chick was nuts or brilliant? Weigh in here.

• Did that story just leave you itching to apply more makeup? Then you'll love these how-tos.

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