The #NoMakeup movement has gained traction, largely fueled by the influence of celebrities like Alicia Keys, encouraging women to embrace their natural beauty on social platforms. Even fashion icons like Kim Kardashian have made headlines by attending events without makeup. This is all very admirable and, sure, it’s incredibly brave, but I resonate more with Amy Poehler’s take on the matter: “Good for her! Not for me.”
For me, a bold red lip and perfectly sculpted brows are part of my daily routine. That’s just how I express myself, and it has nothing to do with anyone else’s choices. It’s essential to understand that how one woman chooses to showcase herself doesn’t dictate what another should do. If I could advocate one foundational principle to fellow women, it would be this: there are no ‘shoulds’ in self-expression.
If Alicia Keys or someone like Sarah from down the street feels empowered without makeup, that’s fantastic. But if I choose to enhance my features, it doesn’t mean I’m being untruthful. When I meet a friend who opts for a bare face, my initial thought isn’t a critique on her look; it’s simply, “Yay! I get to hang out with my friend!”
I’m no stranger to the discourse surrounding beauty standards: I’ve read Naomi Wolf’s The Beauty Myth, earned a degree in women’s studies, and even penned a cringe-worthy slam poem about being a makeup-loving feminist during college. Despite the embarrassment of that memory, I don’t believe that my essence is buried beneath layers of foundation. When I swipe on my favorite lipstick, I don’t see a traitor in the mirror.
Alicia Keys once shared in Lena Dunham’s newsletter, “I don’t want to cover up anymore. Not my face, not my mind, not my soul.” While I admire her journey, my path diverges from hers. I’ve spent years perfecting my eyebrow game; without my meticulously shaped brows, my forehead resembles a blank canvas—definitely not my vibe.
Am I being harsh on myself? Not at all; I’m simply being authentic. I’ve got one life to live, and if I’m going to channel an Addams Family aesthetic, I’m going full Morticia, with a hint of Wednesday’s charm.
There was a time when I altered my appearance based on my partner’s preferences. Early in our relationship, my husband expressed his discontent with my brows, and foolishly, I complied. It left me feeling insecure and not like myself. Thankfully, that was over a decade ago. Now, we respect each other’s autonomy, and quite frankly, who cares about conforming to anyone else’s ideals?
After receiving some family portraits from a photoshoot, I decided to embrace my true self, and I’ve never looked back. When I apply my makeup, it’s not about masking my emotions or adhering to societal expectations; it’s about making a choice that reflects who I am—bold brows and vibrant lips included.
It’s misleading to equate makeup with a lack of freedom or to assume that a bare face equates to a fearless existence. Women are multi-faceted beings with diverse desires and expressions that defy simplistic labels. The patriarchy thrives on reducing us to binary choices, but it’s crucial to resist that trap.
Ultimately, if you feel good about your choices, own them!
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Summary
The #NoMakeup movement celebrates natural beauty, but each woman’s journey is unique. Wearing makeup doesn’t imply a lack of authenticity; it’s simply a personal choice. Women should feel empowered to express themselves, free from societal expectations. Celebrate your choices and embrace what makes you feel good!