I have a clear vision in my head of my mom rushing me and my sisters to school or rushing to work and putting on her makeup at stoplights. She’s always had the most beautiful face – choosing only mascara and blush to enhance her features – and I’ve always admired the simplicity of her beauty.
I myself have been through so many iterations of myself, watching YouTube tutorials and learning from the women around me. When I feel dramatic, I go for it. When I want to shine, I go for it. I view makeup as a tool to show a different side of myself. In the past I’ve been grungy, pinup, minimalist, had huge eyes, had contoured cheeks, and more. It’s so beautiful to me when I see anyone of any gender embrace makeup (or no makeup) as a form of self-expression – whatever that expression may be.
When I think of those I love or find most beautiful, I notice that they are confident despite perceived “flaws” they might have. Crooked teeth? Dark under eye circles? Frizzy hair? They rock that to the real world with confidence. I try to follow that.
That said, there are times when I put makeup on as a service to others, not to myself.
“You look tired. No, really! You look like you’ve gotten no sleep.”
…. And on went the concealer.
Still, I largely don’t feel oppressed by it. I feel empowered that I have the option. Does that make sense?
The things that I recognize are ugliest about me are things that makeup can’t fix anyway.