Everyone seems to have their own opinions on what amount of makeup is appropriate for a woman to wear out in public. Too little, and she did not try hard enough. Too much, and she's fake. The culture that surrounds makeup is tricky to maneuver when everyone holds different standards. However, should people that wear makeup have to worry about whether their eyeliner wing is too big to avoid being judged by others?
First, I would like to discuss the reasons behind why some people wear makeup. While it is usually thought of as something that women wear to make themselves more attractive to men, this is not always the case. Some women wear it because they feel prettier, some wear it to impress other women, and yet others wear it because it is therapeutic to put on. That is right. Some women wear makeup for THEMSELVES. What a revolutionary idea.
Believe it or not, the process of putting on makeup relaxes some women. It is wearable art. Just as painters wield their paintbrushes, so women wield their beauty blenders. Even beyond that, I can testify from personal experience that putting on my makeup gets me prepared for the day (not to mention the rush I get when my wings are identical on the first try). My makeup routine relaxes me, gives me time to plan my day, and mentally prepare myself to deal with people before my coffee kicks in.
I, nor any other woman, is fake because they wear makeup. If anyone thinks my eyelids are naturally sparkly, they should not be allowed to look at another person until someone teaches them that women are not born with glitter on their faces.
However, I have heard people shame others for their lack of makeup as well. Some women make the decision that makeup just is not for them--and that is perfectly fine. For some, the ingredients in makeup irritate their skin. No woman is lazy because they decide not to put on makeup. Showing up to work with bed head and pajamas on is lazy, but making a decisive choice to not wear makeup is not.
No woman needs to wear makeup. No woman needs to wear less makeup. In fact, what a woman puts on her face does not affect other people unless it is a clown face (cause that crap is creepy). As women, we judge each other waaaayyy too much for whether or not we decide to put pigment and chemicals on our faces. It is nobody else's business.
Let's stop makeup shaming.
