I am a 22 year old female, and like most I enjoy makeup. I have watched various tutorials on YouTube, had blindfolded makeovers at sleepovers, and woke up extra early to make sure I had time to try on my new lipstick. I liked how a couple of my close friends described the process of applying makeup. They said your face is the canvas and the eyeshadow, eyeliner, and powder is the paint. I understand where they are coming from with that. Makeup allows a person to be creative and try new things, since there is not one specific way to put it on. Some days I might want a lighter coverage and other days might be heavier.

I began paying attention to when I wore lighter makeup and when I made sure to put on an extra coat of eyeliner. Whenever I would put that excessive concealer on to hide my imperfections, I was really doing it out of insecurity. I was not emotionally okay, yet I felt like I had to be. So many times in casual conversation, we ask how someone is doing and I know I've often said, "I'm fine" even if my body language said otherwise. So many times people don't even pay attention to that body language, either because they really do not care or those facial expressions are being hidden by a mask of makeup.

As mentioned previously, I love makeup. However, it should never become something you hide behind or are dependent upon. Our corrupt society has formed a mold for the ideal woman; a mold that many are not made to fit in. In Genesis 1:26, Moses states that we were created in the image of God. You are so precious to the King of Kings, faults and all. We each have unique personalities that deserve to be shown in the way we carry ourselves. Do not waste what God has given you by trying to look like someone or something else. Life would be so boring if everyone was the same.

I was in the midst of a rough season back in November, and I felt like I was relying on makeup to "impress" the rest of the world and let them know that I was okay, even though I wasn't. I shared this with a sweet friend and it was then when she challenged me to go an entire week without wearing a drop of makeup. I was hesitant at first, but I went ahead and accepted the challenge.

During that week, were there days when I had bags and dark circles under my eyes? Absolutely. Was it more apparent that I was tired, both physically and emotionally? Probably. Despite that, the world got to see the real me. I felt really vulnerable and honest with people during that time. For seven days, my friends and family did not see the girl who looks like she has it all together. Instead, they saw a person who was dealing with a lot, yet choosing to still find joy in the circumstances.

As I write this, I can't help but thing of the hit song from the Disney movie, Camp Rock, entitled "This is Me." The world got to see the real Jenny that week, and that is more than okay. This world is full of broken people, yet we act like we have to impress each other. In all reality, if more women showed their true face then maybe society's definition of beauty would change.

As mentioned before, I like wearing makeup. It is fun to wear and fun to put on. However, it should just accentuate your features instead of overpowering them. The Bible says in Psalm 139:14, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Friend, you've been fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of Christ. You were made for a purpose so far greater than your current circumstances. It is okay to not be okay. It is okay to be broken. Do not let society tell you otherwise. Do not feel like you have to hide behind a mask of lies, because there is always someone that cares. God cares. Be honest with yourself, and be honest with other people. Regardless if your everyday face looks like the first or second picture, choose to find joy in Christ wherever you are at. You are beautiful and never forget that.