It all started back in seventh grade; my friends introduced me to the magic of black eyeliner. Of course for the first few years I wore way too much and didn't know how to do much else, but as I got older and found new friends who had more knowledge in the art of makeup, and discovered the world of Pinterest, my knowledge grew. I began to love wearing makeup, applying makeup, and experimenting with makeup. I am far from a pro, but I like to say that I have a mean smoky eye, basic knowledge of contouring, and the ability to get winged eyeliner in less than 10 tries.

People always ask why I do it. Most people think it’s to uphold societal expectations or hide my insecurities. Everyone loves to say “Oh you look so beautiful without makeup,” expecting that to instantly change my mind on wearing it.

What I don't think people understand is that this world is full of shaming people for this and that, and full of people hating themselves for how they look -- but despite all of that -- I actually love the way I look. I’m happy with my body just the way it is. It's not that I don’t have insecurities; I just know that my beauty is based on more than the things I don't like about myself.

So back to why I wear makeup. I proved it’s not to hide my insecurities, and I honestly don’t care what society thinks about me, so it’s not expectations either. Why do I do it?

I do it because I want to.

Mind blowing right, a person doing something because they want to, not because other people think they should. I do it because the feeling of getting that wing just perfect is a great feeling. It’s a hobby for me. I try new products and expand my knowledge on techniques and processes. It’s just like how some people like fishing, they gather materials and try new stuff just to get that feeling of catching a big fish. Getting a new pallet and exploring new combinations feels the same as a big fish to me.

I also wear it because it makes me feel fierce. Unstoppable. A full face of makeup brings me from regular confident me to next level. The half hour in the morning spent on my face changes my whole day. I’m not saying the days I don’t wear makeup I’m not confident, because nothing can change that, it’s just that makeup adds a whole other layer of confidence. Also, doing my makeup forces me to try a little harder in other departments like fashion. I never put on a whole face of makeup and waste it on a yoga pants outfit. Makeup helps me to fierce up my whole day. Bold lips push me the hardest and that’s why I fell in love with bold lips.

I hope for all women to not feel like they have to wear makeup for any reason except for the joy it can bring you. If you don’t enjoy it, why waste the time. You can spend that time on other things you enjoy. So rock that smoky or rock that bare skin. You do you. But don’t tell me why I should or shouldn't. And don’t question people’s motives, they have reasons for why they do things.