On my Facebook feed, I feel that I am constantly being bombarded with articles and memes that tell me that as a woman it is okay for me to not wear makeup. I constantly see campaigns where women are pledging to not wear makeup for a certain amount of time and trying to encourage their friends to do the same. We hear about celebrities making a stand by daring to be seen in public without any makeup on. However, here is my counterargument: It is also okay to wear makeup. At the heart of each of these movements is the assumption that women wear makeup because they are insecure about how they look. While this may be true for some women, there are also many other reasons to indulge oneself by wearing makeup.
1. Applying makeup is fun.
While there are certainly some days that I get frustrated beyond belief when I can't get my eyeliner wings to match, most days I look forward to putting my makeup on. I enjoy picking out my eye shadow and my lipstick for the day and having them coordinate with my outfit. I enjoy applying mascara to my lashes and seeing the dramatic difference. I enjoy buffing in my foundation and seeing my skin come alive in the morning. For me, one of the major benefits of wearing makeup is the fun associated with applying it in the morning.
2. Being complimented on your makeup is an encouraging occurrence.
Generally, whenever you have spent time on your makeup ensemble, other females in your life notice. When I've taken the time to match a very pretty gold eye shadow and bold lip, several girls in my classes will generally take the time to say how much they love it. If by some miracle I have managed to draw identical eyeliner wings for the day, girls I don't even know will tell me how much they love my eyeliner. By putting some time into your makeup in the morning, you become part of a much bigger community of females who know just what all went into your appearance that morning.
3. Putting on makeup makes many females more confident.
I am very comfortable in my own skin. I am confident in who I am, and I believe that I am a beautiful young woman created by God. However, I don't have to be insecure to enjoy the confidence that comes with wearing makeup. When my eyes, lips and cheekbones are more defined due to the magic of makeup, I feel confident in my ability to do my makeup and to take on the day. If I feel more confident with my makeup done, I don't see why I wouldn't put some on in the morning. I think it only makes sense to give myself every advantage and every opportunity to have an amazing and positive day.
So, honestly, girls? Throw on your makeup in the morning and don't let anyone tell you that because you do you aren't confident enough in yourself. It does not make you shallow to enjoy makeup. Be confident in your choices, and I know that makeup or no makeup you will look absolutely gorgeous.
