“Mommy, why don’t you wear any makeup?” My daughter asked me this today, and while I wasn’t completely taken aback, I realized I’ve been in a phase where my daily achievement is simply showering and changing out of my workout clothes.
Makeup has never been a big part of my routine. In fact, the little I do own is tucked away in a Caboodle from my high school days, with some eyeshadows that are definitely past their prime. As I watched my daughter closely examining my face, I wondered what thoughts were swirling in her mind. Did I look different compared to a few weeks ago? I’ve earned every wrinkle and the dark circles under my eyes have certainly deepened since becoming a mom nearly nine years ago.
With three young daughters who closely observe my every move, it’s important to me that they learn to look in the mirror without criticizing themselves or focusing on perceived flaws. It’s often in those very imperfections where our unique beauty shines through.
I want my daughters to care for their skin and appreciate their appearance, but I also want them to avoid comparing themselves to others or feeling pressured to fit a certain mold. My hope is that they grow into strong, independent, and confident women who embrace the natural beauty they possess—beauty that no amount of makeup can enhance.
Equally, I want my son to recognize the beauty in women as something that emanates from within, often concealed beneath layers of unnecessary makeup. I want my kids to learn that beauty can be defined in many ways.
So, what truly is beauty?
Beauty is a woman with a warm smile. It’s about health, confidence, strength, energy, and the ability to uplift and inspire. It’s resilience and how a woman carries herself, undeterred by trivial matters. It’s about acknowledging the effort it takes to cherish something worthwhile.
True beauty also encompasses how a woman cares for herself—emotionally, spiritually, and yes, physically.
My children likely won’t remember that I often went without makeup or that I only put on a bit of lip gloss for special occasions. They won’t notice the years etched into my face or how my wrinkles sometimes bothered me. But I hope they do remember that I faced aging with grace and humor, not taking myself or my imperfections too seriously. I want them to recall the joyful moments we shared, like our dance parties in the kitchen, even when I was dressed in comfy clothes, hair in a messy bun, and completely makeup-free.
“So, Mommy, why don’t you wear makeup?” I smiled, kissed my daughter’s nose, and simply replied, “Well, I just didn’t think I needed it today. What do you think?”
Her response was heartwarming; she wrapped her arms around me and confidently said, “Nope. You look pretty just the way you are.”
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In summary, I want my daughters to embrace their natural beauty and understand that true beauty goes beyond appearances. It’s about confidence, kindness, and how we treat ourselves and others.