My makeup routine has been on quite the journey, and I'd like to say it has come to a nice stop on its path right now. I have been wearing makeup since I was about 12, and while I haven't always been a full-face-every day type, I've always felt better when I do wear it. I don't think I "need" makeup to be attractive, but I definitely prefer to wear it when I leave the house. I also dye my hair quite frequently, but normally stick to one color for about a year.

I am a firm believer in your appearance being a part of who you are, and that changing your outer presence can affect your inner being. I don't mean this in any bad way, the opposite actually. When you become stuck in who you are, you can look yourself in the mirror and all you see is what you don't like. It is easy to become slumped in a personality that you have attached to "who you are" and that is "who" you see in the mirror.

Adding a nice winged liner, and a bold lip is an easy way to switch up how you look and it can give you a confidence that can't be achieved with just an outfit or a pep talk. Changing your hair color can make you look -and feel- like an entirely new person, and that can give you that last little push to change something about who you are.

I always had a certain idea about myself in grade and high school, and I did carry that into college. I used to be the kid that stared at her feet as she walked, and only talked when it was in response to the teachers' questions. Now, with my full face of makeup, I lift my head up for all to see. I love my vibrant hair, even when it needs a touch up I am more comfortable flipping it over my shoulder or messing with it in public because it makes me feel like a new me.

Changing my appearance truly aided in changing my personality, and has helped me become a vibrant extrovert, prepared for any encounter instead of a scared shy introvert who didn't think highly enough of herself.