Over the past few months my makeup routine has evolved entirely. I somehow went from a few products and procedures to a slew of steps including primer, a contouring palette and matte finishing spray. Why did I do this you may ask? I did it for myself. Because each swipe of mascara and blending brush stroke is a step toward helping me look, and ultimately feel, my best.

We've probably all heard the debate on why women wear makeup. Sure it can be time consuming and somewhat expensive, but for me all the seconds and cents spent are worth it. I have friends that rarely wear makeup, but when they do I am continually blown away by how great they look. Makeup can really enhance a person's natural beauty, and very rarely does it detract from it. For my friends it is a matter of being comfortable in their own skin and not feeling the need to impress anyone or put in the effort to modify their look with makeup. For me, the extra effort is worth the reward.

When I have on makeup, I am able to put my best foot forward. I carry myself with an air of confidence I can only dream of on the days I look in the mirror and think, "Yikes, this is what my face looks like?" I can walk into a meeting with the CEO, I can chat effortlessly with coworkers, cashiers and cab drivers alike, knowing my unkempt appearance is not detracting from what I am saying. I like my appearance to reflect my life, pleasing and put-together.

I understand, it is not for everyone. I've actually heard people say they wouldn't notice if someone was wearing it or not. And then I think, "Isn't that kind of the point!" The amount of makeup I apply is determined by the day's scheduled events and the quantity of face-to-face meetings anticipated. While I have my done-up, heavy-on-the-eyeliner night-makeup, I also have my light-and-airy-running-to-the-store, going to work or to visit my parents make-up. This is the more natural look that only takes a minute or two, is virtually unnoticeable, yet still manages to make me feel more comfortable in my own skin. And that is definitely the point! Feeling comfortable in one's own skin is a a liberating feeling.

So while I care what people think, my harshest critic is actually myself. I am less comparing myself to others while applying my makeup, but striving to make myself the best, most beautiful version of myself. And I know she exists because I’ve seen her, I’ve been her, and she is unstoppable.