This semester, I’m in class at either 9 a.m. or 9:30 every day.

(YAWN)

That means I need to get my ass out of bed by 7:45 to have enough time to get dressed, pack up my backpack and scarf down some form of breakfast.

I have this morning routine down to a science so I have enough room for error. It only takes me about half an hour in the morning, because I am not a makeup guru.

Sure, I wear eyeliner and occasionally some mascara, but I don’t go crazy.

Why?

First off, I can openly admit I’m just not that good at it. I am incredibly jealous of my roommates and girlfriends whose makeup is always ON POINT because they’re skilled in the art. If we’re going out for the night I’ll make an attempt, and they’ll usually just end up fixing whatever I attempted, or I’ll just take it off.

Whether it’s well-blended foundation or the perfect amount of eye shadow, I clearly missed a lesson in how to girl growing up.

There was never a female figure that I looked up to that wore a lot of makeup - not my mom, my teachers or the authors whose books I love. Though I experimented as a teenager (who didn't) I quickly learned that I preferred less.

Second, I really just don’t have the time. I know that’s an excuse - if it was important, I would make time. In the morning, those extra five or ten minutes I’d spend on my makeup I use to sleep. I pick one over the other, because I would be more cranky if I missed my sleep than if I didn’t have enough makeup on.

I have a lot of respect for girls I see on my Facebook or Instagram feed who are super good at doing their makeup – they’re artists, and they look beautiful, and it’s really cool that they know how to do that. They do it because they enjoy it, and that’s exactly why I don’t do it. I find putting on eyeliner in a straight line frustrating – I could never hope to do my entire face.

I know I can take the time and learn via a friend or just a good Youtube video, but what it boils down to is that I don’t really mind. I’m okay with the natural look – this is my skin, so I better get used to it.

So shout out to the ladies that know how to rock makeup, and shout out to those who don’t. It shouldn’t define who you are – no part of your appearance should.