One of the major differences I immediately noticed in moving from a small town in the Midwest to a very populated, chic, fast-paced city like Liverpool, is that everyone steps out in style. People care about what they look like and really use their physical appearance as a way to express their personality. This is one of my favorite parts of the city, because it makes so much sense to me.
If you know me in person, you know that I have always loved clothes, and fashion, and personal style so incredibly much. People-watching in Liverpool is one of my favorite things to do because I am constantly inspired by how creative people are.
So, I had fun with trying new looks for a couple of weeks. In addition to gorgeous clothes, I noticed many people complimenting their outfit with makeup and hair to match. So, I tossed on some foundation, lipstick, and hairspray as I was getting ready in the morning.
Fitting my life into two suitcases in order to fly from the United States to England means my wardrobe and makeup bag are limited. I honestly don’t mind, though, it makes packing for weekend trips a thousand times simpler.
When this past week began, I felt less excited about getting ready in the morning. I couldn’t put my finger on exactly why. All I knew was that my morning routine was starting to feel like an unnecessary amount of work.
Later in the day I was on Facebook, and happened to look at my profile picture. It struck me that in the photo I am wearing no makeup whatsoever, glasses instead of contact lenses, and hair that isn’t styled in any particular way.
In spite of this, it never occurred to me to dislike the picture. Obviously I felt it was a good representation of me, because I made it the first thing people will notice when they click on my Facebook page.
Seeing that picture again, I finally understood where the disconnect was coming from.
It came down to authenticity. I didn’t feel like myself. By wearing makeup, I wasn’t actually hurting myself or other people, or affecting my day in any major way. It was as simple as the little voice in my head that whispered, This doesn’t feel quite like me.
When these moments arise in life, I think it is so important that we listen to them and respect them. They are important to us, even if in the grand scheme of things they seem very small.
It is the difference between doing something because it makes you feel happy and confident, versus doing it because you feel you are obliged to put on some kind of mask every day.
I am in no way criticizing people who wear makeup. To many people (my own sister, for example), makeup is an art form. They look forward to putting it on every day.
If everything you do in a day is as fulfilling as working with makeup is to a professional makeup artist, you are probably on the right track in life. In fact, you are completely on the right track. Please share your secrets with the rest of us!
There will be days in the future where I put on makeup, but the difference is that I will be doing it because I feel like it. There does not have to be another reason.
If I wear lots and lots of makeup for three weeks straight, then come in with a clean face on Monday, everyone might do a double take because they aren’t used to seeing me that way.
That will be okay.
If the way people are used to seeing you and the way that you actually are don’t match up, it might be time to start listening to that little voice in the back of your mind.
Start with the small things, and work your way up from there. For me, in order to feel genuine, authentic, and totally like myself, some days I skip the eye shadow.
It can be as simple as that.
