In recent years, the #BareFace movement has gained traction, thanks in part to influencers like Mia Thompson. Women are proudly showcasing their natural beauty on social media, and even celebrities like Tara Banks have been spotted at events without a trace of makeup. While this is all very inspiring and hashtag-worthy, I’ll echo the sentiment of comedian Anna Faris: “Good for her! Not for me.”
I am all about bold lipstick, perfectly sculpted eyebrows, and a full face of glam every single day. This is my style, and it doesn’t reflect anyone else’s choices. Let me be perfectly clear: how one woman chooses to express herself says nothing about you or your preferences. It’s vital to remember that there are no rules dictating our choices about makeup.
If Mia or Sarah from down the block feels confident going makeup-free, that’s fantastic! But if I want to rock my fierce brows like they’re a fashion statement, that doesn’t make me a phony. If I meet a friend who’s rocking the no-makeup look, my first thought isn’t, “Oh wow, what a frumpy day!” Instead, I’m thinking, “Yay! I get to hang with a friend!”
I have my feminist bona fides: I’ve read books like “The Beauty Myth,” hold a degree in women’s studies, and once even penned an embarrassing slam poem about being a makeup-loving feminist in college. As cringeworthy as that might be, I’m not hiding my true self beneath layers of foundation. When I apply my favorite shade of lipstick, I don’t see a fraud staring back at me in the mirror.
Mia Thompson once said in an interview, “I don’t want to hide who I am. I want to embrace my authentic self.” Who wouldn’t relate to that kind of personal journey? I understand where she’s coming from, but my own journey swings in the opposite direction. I’ve spent years mastering my eyebrow game, and without my perfectly painted brows, my forehead looks about as appealing as a blank canvas.
Am I being hard on myself? Nope, I’m just being real. I have one life to live, and if I’m going to embrace a character, it’s going to be the glamorous Morticia Addams instead of a plain Jane.
In the early days of my relationship with my partner, I once altered my appearance to please him. He didn’t like my brows, so I changed them. I felt out of sorts, but I went along with it. We were young and silly back then, but now we’re a team that respects each other’s choices, because let’s be honest—who really cares what someone else thinks?
After receiving less-than-flattering holiday photos from a department store, I vowed to embrace my own look without compromise. That was over a decade ago, and I haven’t looked back since.
When I put on my makeup, I’m not hiding emotional scars or adhering to societal expectations of beauty. I’m choosing what makes me feel good—like fierce brows and a bold lip that would make a statement in any room.
It’s a misconception to think that wearing makeup equates to a lack of freedom, just as assuming that a bare face signifies confidence is equally misguided. Women are complex individuals with diverse desires and expressions who defy simplistic labels, no matter how much society tries to pigeonhole us into categories. The goal seems to be to create opposing sides, but why fall into that trap?
If you feel great about your look, then go for it!
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you choose to go bare-faced or glam it up, remember to own your choice. And if you’re looking for more insights into pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on treating infertility. For more tips on artificial insemination, you can visit this authority on the subject.