"Makeup Shaming" means making someone feel "shamed" or inadequate because of their decision either to wear or to not wear makeup. This is an actual thing in our society. As if that isn't ridiculous enough, it's common! Some people still think that what other people do with their bodies is up for discussion or "constructive criticism," even after so many people have spoken out about it on various social media platforms, blogs and YouTube videos. It's time for it to stop.

Many people have taken their own personal stances on this issue in the past, and I've remained rather silent about it. The reason for my silence? I've never experienced it. I didn't want to get involved in something with which I have no personal first-hand connection. No one has ever made me feel a certain way because of my decision on wearing makeup. That is, not until recently.

I started wearing makeup regularly around the age of 14. I didn't wear it daily, but a few times a week I would take extra time to do my hair and my makeup. It would never be much, although looking back on some pictures, I probably could have laid off the eyeliner a little bit. I went to Catholic school most of my life and until I got to high school, we weren't allowed to wear makeup. When I got to high school, I felt like this was my moment to act grown up. I never saw a problem with that. I still don't see a problem with that.

During my freshman year at college, I would wear makeup anytime I stepped out of my dorm room. If I was going to meet someone new, I was going to put my best face forward. In order to do that, I had to look like I had my life together. I would regularly straighten my hair and put on "my face" (less eyeliner and more mascara). I saw this as my evolution, really. I was becoming a functioning member of society (well no, I wasn't, but I could look like I was and that is what mattered).

It wasn't until I was talking with some acquaintances this year that I started to actually pay attention to comments. People would say things like, "You look so much better without makeup," or "you look completely different, though," and my personal favorite (and yes, this is a quote) "You're kind of lying about your looks with that junk caked on your face. Don't you think?" No. I don't think that. Who would think that?

Here's the deal: I love my makeup. I've loved my makeup for the last five years and it is no one's place to try and make me feel bad about that. Just like some men wear suits or an expensive watch, or like some women wear high heels, makeup makes me feel confident. I'm not wearing it because I feel ugly, I'm wearing it because I feel beautiful. Who are you to try and tell me otherwise?

There are still people out there who say things like, "This is why you take her swimming on the first date." The point being so her makeup washes off and you see what she "really" looks like. Here's some news for you, you don't need to take her "swimming," because if you believe that she was actually born with shimmering golden eyelids and dark purple lips, she can do better. So while you are at home wondering how I can con people into "believing" my appearance, I'll be winging my eyeliner and spending time with people who matter.