Hey everyone, today I have a different kind of a post for you. It is not a review but a ramble pertaining to some thoughts that cross my mind from time to time. To summarize the gist of the post, I will be sharing my opinion on the negative stereotypes that exist around makeup. I am sure most of you must have heard pedantic suggestions to “embrace your natural beauty” and to stop using makeup on a daily basis. The trouble is that these naysayers seldom realize that a majority of women use makeup to simply enhance their natural looks and not to create an entirely different face.
The misconception that makeup is synonymous with being fake is one that has persisted over the years and hence many are quick to pass a judgement regarding the character of a woman based on whether or not she is wearing lipstick. The sad part is that these very people put actresses and models on a pedestal for their beauty, turning a blind eye towards the fact that that not only do the magazines show images of women heavily decked up in makeup, most publications also favour photographs that are airbrushed to make these women look slimmer and flawless. It is highly ironic that women like you and me are expected to be comfortable with our blemishes and wrinkles when we are being told that these images are what define beauty.
If you Google the definition of vanity, the first one that pops up is “Excessive pride in or admiration of one’s own appearance or achievements.”. Clearly, the meaning has a negative connotation. I wonder what the word is for wanting to be the best version of oneself with the help of grooming? It probably does not exist because people still find it hard to believe that the most common use of makeup is to make women feel more confident in their own skin. I was born with perfect skin but it got battered and bruised over time due to hormonal breakouts. No matter what I try, I cannot eliminate my acne completely. If a tiny dab of concealer can make me feel more comfortable walking out of my house then is it really such a crime to use it? If it is socially acceptable for women with good morals to match their shoes to the color of their dress then why is wearing a red lipstick frowned upon by many?
The bottom line is that the people who conform to the beauty standards established by media should not feel entitled to discourage the women around them from wearing makeup. I do not have a solution to this particular problem but there is a general solution to most problems in the world, to live and let live. Whether I chose to wear or skip makeup on a particular day should be my decision, I know that I am beautiful with or without it, and so are you!
Related Post: 5 Pressurizing Standards of Beauty That Need To Go
Mrinalini
Mrinalini is a beauty blogger with over 7 years of experience in reviewing skincare, makeup, and wellness products. Her professional experience in the biomedical space plus her keen interest in testing products spanning decades gives her the upper edge when it comes to reviewing new beauty products, particularly for oily, acne-prone, Indian skin.
Exactly! We wear makeup because we love doing so. Makeup is not a necessity but it definitely gives me happiness. I am equally comfortable in flaunting my no makeup face too. Nice post Mrinalini, a bit different but I liked it. 🙂
Thanks Bhumika <3
Not at all…Makeup gives you a boost and if a woman is happy wearing it that shines through the makeup. A lovely post..different for you but a nice change 🙂
Thanks a lot Carol 🙂
Great post. Definitely food for thought.
Thanks 😊
Completely agree! great post 🙂
Thanks Louise!
Great post… I don’t wear make-up other than a rare lipstick but whether we choose to wear or not, it’s ultimately our choice, being vain is not wrong. All humans are but acting arrogantly by thinking beauty makes us privileged is wrong. It’s imp our mirror we are beautiful whether the world thinks or not… Happiness comes when we are happy inside and looking good definitely helps in that
Very true! I agree with your views completely!
Everything in life is a matter of choice. Live and let live. Your blog caught my eyes because of the word “vanity”. Leos are often painted as “vain” and “attention-seeker”. I am a Leo. Neither describes me but waddaheck? People will think what they want to think. For as long as we know ourselves well, others’ opinions do not matter. Bottomline is that you are happy with what you are doing and that such do not harm anyone. It is so lovely to see you here.
I agree with you Marisse. Great to see you here too 🙂
Great! After all, we are humans. We can do whatever we want to do, right? Trust me, there are many definitions which have been changed and it is one of them. My mom styles her hairstyle and I do appreciate. Even my dad does. Look, it’s your life. And you have only one life. Don’t let anyone write your story. Live well.
Thanks for the encouraging reply!
You’re welcome. Peace
Wow..!! I Just loved this post! Very well-written!! I couldn’t agree more! 🙂