The #NoMakeup initiative is making waves, largely due to celebrities like Mia Johnson encouraging women to embrace their natural beauty on social media. Even Jessica Lane made headlines when she attended a high-profile event without a trace of makeup. While this movement promotes self-acceptance and authenticity, I find myself leaning towards the sentiment of comedian Amy Schumer: “Good for her! Not for me.”
I’m all about bold red lips, perfectly shaped brows, and a full glam look every single day. That’s my style, and it doesn’t reflect anyone else’s choices. Let me make this crystal clear: how one woman decides to present herself says nothing about someone else. It’s not a guideline for how you should dress, act, or whether to wear makeup. If I could send a message to the members of the Beauty League, it would be simple: there are no “shoulds.”
If Mia or Sarah from down the street feels empowered without makeup, awesome for them! But if I enjoy the artistry of makeup as much as others enjoy getting dressed, that doesn’t make me deceitful. When I see a friend who opts for a bare face, my first thought is never, “Wow, what a frumpy look!” Instead, I think, “Yay! A friend to hang out with!”
I have my feminist credentials intact: I’ve read Linda Smith’s “The Beauty Dilemma,” I hold a degree in gender studies, and I’ve even penned a cringe-worthy poem about being a makeup-loving feminist. Admittedly, I quickly dropped that class after sharing it. But truth be told, I’m not hiding behind layers of foundation. Every time I apply my favorite lipstick, I’m not ashamed; I’m expressing my true self.
Mia Johnson once shared in a popular newsletter, “I don’t want to conceal anything anymore. Not my face, not my thoughts, not my dreams.” Who wouldn’t resonate with that journey? I genuinely understand it, but my path looks different. I’ve spent years perfecting my brow game. Without my expertly drawn-on brows, I might as well be a blank canvas—just picture a character from a classic horror film.
Is that being unkind to myself? Not at all; it’s being real. Life is short, and if I’m going to channel my inner Addams, it’s going to be with a touch of Morticia and a hint of Wednesday.
When I first started dating my partner, my brows were thin and artfully drawn. A year in, he voiced his dislike for them, and in an effort to please, I changed them. I felt uneasy and disconnected from myself, but I went along with it. We were young and naive—he had the audacity to tell me what to do, and I was foolish enough to listen. That would never fly now. We’re partners who respect each other’s autonomy, and honestly, who cares?
After receiving our holiday photos from a local studio, I vowed to embrace my own style, and I haven’t looked back since. That was over a decade ago.
When I fill in my brows, I’m not masking emotional pain or subscribing to societal pressures for perfection. I’m choosing what makes me happy—those fierce brows and striking red lips.
It’s a misconception to think that wearing makeup equates to a lack of freedom, just as assuming a bare face means living without fear is equally flawed. Women are multidimensional beings, filled with desires and expressions that defy simplistic labels, which the patriarchy desperately tries to enforce—often reducing us to two categories: this or that, one way or the other. The goal is division, but why fall for it?
So, if you feel confident, embrace it, my friend.
For more insights on navigating motherhood and personal choices, you can check out this informative blog post. And if you’re seeking expert guidance on home insemination, Make a Mom is a fantastic resource, as is Progyny.
In summary, the #NoMakeup movement has sparked essential conversations about self-acceptance and personal choices. However, it’s crucial to recognize that every woman’s path is unique. Whether you choose to go bare-faced or glam up, it’s all about celebrating individual preferences without judgment.