Dear Makeup,
I believe I’m due for a few "thank yous" after all that you have done for me over the years. I know you are a highly debated topic: whether people should have you around or not. But you have been there for me since 2009. You have been a loyal friend, and you deserve some appreciation.
Thank you for being so welcoming to new members.
I would understand if you felt bitter when a new product joins the group, like when I buy a new eyeliner or lipstick. It is normal to be resentful of change, but you never have been. You always make room for the newbies.
Thank you for accepting that I have favorites.
In the same context, I would understand if you felt bitter when a new product joins the group and becomes a favorite. I don’t always treat you all fairly—I don’t give equal attention to everyone. But you have always been okay with my choices.
Thank you for staying behind sometimes.
Some days, I don’t have time for you. Some days, I just don’t want you around. Especially in recent years, I have strayed away from you many times. I don’t bring you along to every lecture or to every meal, but you are always there when I do want you to join in on the fun.
Thank you for allowing me to grow.
You have been there for some of my most insecure moments, just as you have been there for some of my most confident moments. You have not pushed me to be someone I am not (despite popular belief about you); instead, you have pushed me to find myself. You have allowed me to grow into the woman I am today by allowing me to feel more me.
Thank you for knowing that I don’t need you.
As I have grown, I have learned that you are not a necessary part of my life. I could leave you behind, and I would be okay. I am not defined by my appearance, by the clothes I wear, or by you, the makeup I wear. I am not dependent on you; not anymore. But not needing you does not mean I don’t want you.
You have been a loyal sidekick too many times to just drop you from my life. What some people will never understand is that having you around makes me happy and that spending time with you is actually fun. Thank you, makeup, for sticking around.
Your friend,
Olivia.
