“Mommy, why don’t you wear makeup?” My daughter asked me this today, and honestly, it didn’t catch me off guard. Lately, I’ve reached a point where I consider myself accomplished if I can manage to shower and change out of my workout clothes for the day.
Makeup has never been a big part of my life. In fact, the makeup I own is tucked away in a Caboodles my mom gifted me back in high school, and let’s just say some of those eyeshadows might be older than my kids! As my daughter scrutinized my face, I couldn’t help but wonder what thoughts were flitting through her mind. Maybe I looked a bit different than I did a few weeks ago. I’ve definitely earned every wrinkle and the noticeable bags under my eyes that come with motherhood and sleepless nights over the past nine years.
With three little girls watching my every move, it’s important to me that they learn to gaze into the mirror and appreciate their unique beauty instead of critiquing every little flaw. It’s in those so-called imperfections that we often find our most individual charm.
I want my daughters to cherish their skin and take pride in their appearance, but I also want to instill in them the understanding that their worth isn’t tied to how they measure up against others. They should never feel the need to morph into someone they admire, but rather embrace the natural beauty they were born with—beauty that no amount of makeup could ever amplify.
And let’s not forget about my son. I want him to recognize and appreciate women for their genuine beauty, which often lies beneath layers of makeup that may not even be necessary.
What Does Beauty Really Mean?
So, what does beauty really mean? Beauty is a woman’s smile. It’s health. It’s confidence. It’s strength. It’s energy. It’s uplifting others and inspiring those around you. It’s resilience. It’s in the way a woman holds herself and how she rises above life’s trivialities. Beauty is understanding the effort it takes to achieve something worthwhile.
It also means taking care of oneself—emotionally, spiritually, and yes, physically. My kids won’t remember whether I wore a full face of makeup or just a swipe of lip gloss for special occasions. They won’t recall how aging affected me or how my wrinkles sometimes weighed on my mind. But I hope they will remember how I embraced aging with grace, humor, and a light heart, never taking myself too seriously.
I want my children to cherish the joyful moments we shared, like our impromptu kitchen dance parties, even if I was in comfy clothes, my hair in a messy bun, and completely bare-faced.
“So, Mommy, why don’t you wear makeup?” I smiled, kissed my daughter’s nose, and gave her the straightforward answer she deserved. Looking her in the eye, I said, “Well, Mommy just didn’t think it was necessary today. What do you think?” She beamed, wrapped her arms around my waist, and confidently declared, “Nope. I think you look pretty just the way you are.”
This article first appeared on July 12, 2016.
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Summary
The article discusses the author’s perspective on beauty, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and valuing natural beauty over societal standards. It highlights the lessons she wants to impart to her daughters about confidence and inner strength, encouraging them to appreciate their unique qualities rather than conforming to external expectations.