Makeup, Double Standards and Morning Surprises

If I were a man, I’d want to wake up with the same woman that I went to bed with. I wouldn’t want to be surprised when I roll over, wondering “Who is that?” Apparently, that is not how all men think. They are attracted to the idea of perfection, regardless of whether it’s fake or not. I bet they’re glad that women aren’t that way.

Men walk around fresh faced all day long and no one says a word about it. Obviously, that’s because they look great just the way they are, right? Otherwise women would never be attracted to them. So why is it that women are frowned upon when they try to do the same? Why can’t we be appreciated for our natural beauty, just as men are?

Most women were taught from a young age (usually by example), that wearing makeup is just a normal part of life. So we try on our mother’s lipstick and mascara, and soon what started out as a fun dress-up game becomes a necessity.

We shudder at the idea of even stepping out onto our front porch, fearing that we might be seen bare-faced by someone passing by. A person ringing the doorbell early in the morning turns into a race to see how quickly we can apply a layer of foundation before answering the door.

If you think about it, it’s all very ridiculous really. But sadly, we are made to believe that in order to be attractive we must look flawless. We can’t be seen any other way.

I’m not anti-makeup, but there is no question that wearing it destroys women’s self-esteem. You may say, “No it doesn’t.” Okay. Then next time you go out in public don’t wear any. No concealer, foundation, mascara, nothing. If the thought of that scares you…

For many women, that thought is terrifying. But, it shouldn’t be that way. We shouldn’t be made to feel like we have to hide behind a mask in order to be accepted. Instead, we should be made to feel confident in our own skin.

Just as men do, we should be able to walk with our heads held high and present the real us to the world.

Walk with confidence and let your natural beauty shine, which in my opinion, is the most beautiful of all.