Make-Up. To Wear Or Not To Wear? That is the question.
Ok, that is about as far as I can go with my Shakespeare references, and l likely only remember that because of the 90’s Movie “Hamlet” starring Mel Gibson, in tights I might add. It definitely was not referring to my 9th Grade English class with Mr. what’s his name. Ok so seriously, let’s talk make-up here. Should we wear it? Should we not? Why are women so conflicted and divided about the relationship with makeup?
There are women who want to wear make-up but aren’t sure about it. There are women who wear make-up but feel guilty about it. But why? Maybe it’s the recent celebrity trend of women like Alicia Keys who have started the #nomakeupmovement or the growing concern of harmful chemicals being used on our body? Whatever the reason, it seems women are as conflicted as ever about this topic. Let me share with you why I wear make-up. Not why YOU should wear make-up, but why I wear make-up. At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal choice, so just do you. BUT, if you are interested in making a change, reach out! I can send you over some of my super easy beginner tutorials.
5 Reasons I wear make-up:
- It gives me a boost of self confidence
I am sure I get a ton of flack for this one. I am well aware that self confidence is an inside job. But does it have to be ONLY an inside job? I love the feeling of putting an outfit together with all the perfect accessories and touches and taking that first look in the mirror. I get that same feeling when I am finished my face. My beauty routine includes hair first and then make-up. It always has. At the end of my regime when I apply the finishing touches of lipstick and take a look in the big mirror at the finished product, I feel a sense of accomplishment. I feel powerful and beautiful and put together. (Assuming, of course, my eyeliner didn’t take on a life of it’s own. Seriously YouTube girls, HOW do you do it so perfect?) I feel like I can walk into any social situation with my head held high (and feet, because you can almost always catch me in a pair of heels) and people will want to hear what I have to say. I don’t think I would feel the same way walking into a meeting or a skincare class (because that is my job! How great is that!?) after rolling out of bed, no make-up, disheveled clothes and, can I say it without offending every reader here……FLATS!!???
I am not saying you need to go all out every day with a perfect YouTube contoured face. But finding a beauty routine that fits you and your lifestyle will make you feel different about yourself. That I can promise you.
2. It makes my face look better
Yes, I said it. It makes me face look better. I’m 36. I’m being honest here when I say I don’t have the elasticity of a sixteen-year-old girl anymore. I have wrinkles around my eyes from the millions of times I have smiled and laughed. I have lines on my forehead from sleepless nights with sick babies that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I have dark spots on my face from the years I spent soaking up the sun when I was blessed to live my life on a beach. These are all reminders of my past, beautiful reminders of my past. However, when I can turn 4 hours of sleep into 6 with the swipe of an under-eye corrector, why wouldn’t I? When I can fill in some of those “laugh lines” with deep wrinkle filler and feel a little younger than I am, why not? If I can throw on some bright lipstick to extenuate the whiteness of my not so white anymore teeth because of my love of coffee, I’m going to do it.
The point I’m trying to make is yes, you are beautiful without. But think of it as polishing the already beautiful jewel that you are. Even diamonds look better when they have been shined up!
3. It connects me with other women
I am frequently face to face with some incredibly beautiful women. Women who are on their game. In life and in beauty. Women who are powerful and confident and bazillionaires. Women that can be somewhat intimidating at first glance. I can guarantee you, the second I ask one of “those” women what color of lipstick she is wearing, the walls start to break down and there is a sense of commodore between us. I work in the beauty industry. The level of excellence I see if fierce. But the women behind those cat eyes and red lips are incredible women with hearts bigger than their makeup collection.
Try a little experiment next time you see a beautiful, put together women. Ask her what her lipstick shade is and see how she opens up to you.
4. It is just for me
When I sit at my make-up station, (yes, I have an actual make-up station now which has really upped my game, I might add) with my hot cup of coffee beside me listening to whatever podcast I am hooked on that week it, I’m in complete peace. I know it isn’t always a magical experience. A few years ago, it included a toddler on my lap with Dora the Explorer in the background and yesterday’s coffee. I get it. But sometimes, even when your babies are small, you can catch that perfect time during naps that it is just for you. You can take your time, sip your coffee, experiment with colors and just have FUN with yourself. Chances are if you have a significant other, they will love it too!
5. It makes me feel like a woman
I will also include panty-hose (I just LOVE them. I know it is weird), high heels, pretty coffee mugs, ACCESSORIES and satin robes to the list of things that make me feel like a woman. Not excluding my handsome husband of course. (EEEK, where is she going with this? It’s ok, I won’t get into details, but ya, he’s something)
Make-up makes me feel feminine and soft when I want to feel that way. It makes me feel strong and powerful when that’s what I’m needing at that moment. It allows me to control how others will see me upon first meeting me. It allows me to wear a variety of hats that we, as women, need to wear. You have heard the saying, “Fake it ’till you make it.” Sometimes, when I don’t feel like I am a soft, nurturing woman, the right outfit and soft colors on my face can help me to LOOK like that woman until she actually arrives.
Make-up is supposed to be fun, creative and experimental. It isn’t meant to stress you out. Take some time and play around with some looks and find something you are comfortable with. I’m sure you all have that one friend who knows all the latest trends. Ask her for some help in that department. If there’s one thing I know about a make-up gal, it’s that she loves to talk shop! And if you decide that the make-up game is not for you, promise me you will take good care of your skin. It will thank you! Stay beautiful, stay true to yourself and as always, be wonderfully, uniquely, you.
To hear more about my make-up tips and tricks, head over to my website at www.krissylarsenratzlaff.com
