A few years ago, I found myself in a green room with the COO of a well-known tech company, Ava Jennings, just before a significant presentation she was about to give. I had written an article highlighting the positive impact of social media, and Ava had graciously invited me to observe the excitement surrounding her company’s big moment. Dressed in a vibrant blue outfit, Ava radiated confidence, completely unadorned by makeup.
In that moment, I felt a surge of admiration. I wanted to leap up and cheer, “Yes! You go, girl!” Our conversation flowed until an assistant entered, clipboard in hand, announcing, “Ava, it’s time for hair and makeup.” It was disheartening to see Ava’s expression change as she realized the expectation placed upon her. She remarked, “It’s absurd, isn’t it? And really unfair.” While her male colleagues were free from such demands, Ava was reminded of the extra effort women must make to be taken seriously in professional settings. A man may go without makeup and be seen as just that—a man. A woman, however, faces judgment that can significantly impact her professional image and opportunities.
Neither of us had an easy answer to this dilemma; we understood that overcoming these societal standards would require a profound shift in perception that mainstream women’s magazines would likely avoid. I had even attempted to pitch similar stories to various publications, only to realize they were financially tethered to beauty brands like L’Oreal and Maybelline, making them unlikely to challenge the status quo.
Meanwhile, we’ve been entrenched in the absurdity of it all, bombarded with tips for the perfect smoky eye or how to achieve that elusive “natural” look with the right products. The so-called “natural” look? Please. I long for the day when a magazine like Vogue or Glamour might boldly proclaim: “Ditch the makeup! Your genuine self is what’s truly beautiful.”
My own journey toward embracing my bare face began in college. I had been diligently applying makeup since my early teens, feeling pressure to conform to beauty norms. However, during a transformative experience one night, I looked in the mirror and had a revelation: “Who are you trying to deceive?” I realized the layers of makeup I wore were not only uncomfortable but also untrue to who I was. After washing it all off, I felt liberated, as if I had been reborn.
Since then, I’ve largely opted to go without makeup, even on occasions like a recent blind date. I figured if someone couldn’t appreciate me without the layers, they were not worth my time. Of course, I still adhere to societal expectations for certain events—interviews, weddings, and public appearances—but I often wish those standards didn’t dictate how I present myself.
As I approach fifty, I receive well-meaning suggestions from friends encouraging me to enhance my appearance, especially as I re-enter the dating scene after a long marriage. But I’m resolute. I may not resemble a Hollywood star, but I believe that my choice to go barefaced can inspire others to do the same. Watching figures like Mia Anderson confidently embrace their gray hair and natural beauty in the public eye is refreshing, especially when contrasted with the critical scrutiny faced by women like Hillary Clinton.
Ultimately, it’s not about sparking a revolution, but rather about empowering those of us tired of the makeup narrative to simply say no. Next time I find myself in that green room with Ava, I hope we can continue our conversation without the interruption of a makeup appointment, celebrating the freedom to show up as our authentic selves.
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Summary
This piece reflects on the societal pressures women face regarding makeup and appearance, inspired by a personal experience with a prominent figure in the tech industry. It advocates for embracing one’s natural beauty, sharing a journey toward self-acceptance, and the hope for a future where women can confidently present themselves without the expectation of makeup.