It’s been quite a journey for Carrie Underwood since that frightening fall that left her with a broken wrist and some serious facial injuries requiring 40 stitches. But guess what? She’s healing, and she’s finding her way back to confidence—one step at a time. Still, like many of us, she has moments of insecurity, especially when it comes to stepping out in public without makeup. Interestingly, it’s makeup that has played a pivotal role in helping her regain her self-assurance.

Makeup as a Confidence Booster

Carrie recently opened up about how makeup has been her secret weapon in rebuilding her confidence. "For me, makeup is all about feeling good," she told People. "When I want to feel like I’m turning heads, I go for those bold smoky eyes and a sharp line of eyeliner. It’s amazing how a little bit of makeup can enhance the features you love and hide the ones you’re not so fond of right now. Walking by a mirror and liking what I see gives me that extra boost of confidence. It’s like saying to myself, 'Alright, Carrie, you’ve got this!'"

Even Before the Accident, Makeup Was a Daily Essential

Even before her accident, Carrie was no stranger to the transformative power of makeup. She admitted to Yahoo! that she rarely, if ever, goes a day without it. "I don’t think I’ve ever had a makeup-free day, to be honest," she confessed. "For me, wearing makeup isn’t about impressing others—it’s about feeling like I’ve put in the effort. I just feel better when I have a little something on. It’s like a personal moment of self-care, and it makes me feel put together."

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Carrie also shared with People that her routine remains consistent, even on the most low-key days. "I always put on makeup, even if it’s just a touch here and there. You never know when someone might want to take a picture with you, and I don’t want to regret seeing those photos later. So, I make sure I’ve got at least a little something on. It’s all about feeling good about myself in those moments."

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Ready to cheer on the boys tonight! Especially that #12! I hear he’s alright! 😘 @mfisher1212 @predsnhl #LetsGoPreds
A post shared by Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) on Apr 20, 2018 at 6:28pm PDT

Stepping Back into the Spotlight

Carrie made a triumphant return to the stage on Sunday, April 15, when she performed her hit "Cry Pretty" at the ACM Awards. But stepping back into the spotlight wasn’t easy for her. Sources say she was genuinely terrified about how people would react to her new facial scars. "She skipped the red carpet altogether because she didn’t want to be bombarded with questions about the accident," an insider revealed to People. "She’s been through so much, and it’s been tough to see her so shaken. Her hair and makeup team must have been under immense pressure to make sure she felt confident enough to walk out there."

Despite her concerns, Carrie warned her fans that her face might look a little different. And guess what? Many of them noticed absolutely no difference at all! While some were critical, the majority of her fans rallied around her, offering heartfelt support as she continued her journey back to the stage. One fan commented on Instagram, "Welcome back to where you belong with your beautiful song and beautiful YOU." Another added, "Carrie, you will always be beautiful!!! Beauty comes from within."