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Why I Feel Empowered Without Makeup
“There’s a part of me that loves stylish shoes, beautiful dresses, vibrant makeup, and the joy of writing. I believe many women can relate to this. Yet, society often pressures us to select only certain aspects of ourselves to showcase.” – Inspired by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
One evening during family dinner, the conversation took a quirky turn as we dove into cultural grooming habits. I casually mentioned, “Historically, women’s shaving practices have been employed to keep them looking docile and childlike.” My 11-year-old son rolled his eyes. “Come on, Mom! If I can run around shirtless, why can’t Lila?” Clearly, my point hit home.
Lately, discussions about women and feminism have been everywhere, especially with the media buzzing about how we should communicate these issues to our daughters. Women are making waves in entertainment, too. Alicia Keys boldly released an album featuring her bare, makeup-free face—launching the #nomakeupmovement that has taken social media by storm. In her essay “Time to Uncover” for Lenny, she articulates her revelation: “I don’t want to cover up anymore—my face, my thoughts, or my struggles.” It’s a powerful message of self-acceptance and empowerment.
Personally, I rarely wear makeup, so much so that it’s more remarkable when I do! My hair? Let’s just say it often resembles a wild bird’s nest that I can quickly gather into a messy bun. I spend about 80% of my time in workout gear, so if my appearance were a measure of success, I’d be failing miserably.
But Alicia’s message goes beyond just going barefaced. She is tearing down her protective barriers to reveal her authentic self—flaws and all (though I don’t see any flaws in her!). She’s tapped into the immense power of listening to her own voice, refusing to let societal or industry standards dictate her choices. Her transformation is about taking back control and asserting one’s power.
In an article for New York Magazine, Emma Wells reflects on Hillary Clinton’s decision to appear without makeup at a post-election press conference after months of carefully curated looks: “Liking lipstick doesn’t undermine our participation in feminism or our careers. Yet, rejecting vanity can be liberating.”
The recurring themes here are power and freedom—prioritizing personal choices over societal expectations.
Now, I’m not suggesting women should throw out their razors or makeup entirely. Instead, let’s reflect on what influences our choices. Rosie Jordan, a dear friend and author of The Real You: A Daily Guide to Radical Self-Acceptance, argues that beauty standards are political. “If you’re obsessed with them, you’re oppressed,” she says.
When I rush to get ready for work and my 9-year-old daughter remarks, “Mom, you care too much about what others think,” I feel compelled to explain. How do I convey to her that my choice to present myself a certain way professionally is valid? I consciously choose how I dress when teaching, yet I embrace a more natural look in my everyday life and while coaching. I am a multi-dimensional person, and I’m comfortable showing different facets of myself.
It’s tempting to toss my makeup and throw my hair into a messy bun in solidarity with Alicia while blasting “This girl is on FIRE!” But grooming choices are just the tip of the iceberg. The way I express my power and freedom should be woven into the fabric of my daily life. “Just because” or “That’s how it’s always been” are not sufficient answers for how we choose to live. I owe it to myself to demand more.
For now, I’ll continue to shave my legs and occasionally apply makeup because it’s my choice. I don’t need to let my legs look like my dad’s to make a grand feminist statement. Instead, I will strive to be more aware of the motivations behind my daily decisions. It’s time to analyze the frameworks surrounding my role as a woman in today’s culture. There are countless issues that need deeper exploration. I’m with you, Alicia—let’s uncover some truths together.
In summary, embracing our authentic selves—whether that means going makeup-free or dressing up—is about more than just appearance; it’s about empowerment and self-acceptance. We need to examine the influences behind our choices and ensure they reflect our true selves.