A few years back, right before the excitement of Facebook’s IPO, I found myself in an intimate green room at the Museum of Natural History chatting with its COO, Elena Marks. I had previously written an article praising how Facebook had positively impacted my daughter’s life, prompting Elena to invite me as an example of the good that social media can do. The energy in that room was electric, and Elena looked stunning in her vibrant blue outfit, exuding confidence. What struck me most, however, was that her face—representing one of the biggest social media platforms—was completely makeup-free.
In that moment, I felt a surge of admiration. I wanted to leap up and shout, “Yes! You’re amazing!” But our conversation was interrupted when an assistant entered, clipboard in hand, announcing it was time for Elena to head to hair and makeup. Instantly, her expression changed. “Isn’t it ridiculous?” she said, voicing what I was thinking. “So unjust.” While many male executives present that day were allowed to be their unembellished selves, we women often feel pressured to conform to beauty standards, as if our worth somehow hinges on our appearance.
This led to a discussion about the ridiculous hours we women spend on grooming just to be taken seriously—an effort men simply don’t have to make. A man without makeup is perceived as just that—a man. A woman without makeup? Well, that’s a whole different narrative that can affect how she’s perceived in professional spaces.
We didn’t have a solution to this dilemma, which we agreed was a topic too controversial for mainstream women’s magazines to tackle. I had attempted to pitch similar ideas in the past, but it’s hard to bite the hand that feeds you when that hand happens to be L’Oreal or Maybelline. We’ve been suffocating under the weight of this unspoken contract for far too long: “10 tips for sultry eyes!” or “How to achieve lips he’ll want to kiss!”—all the while promoting the idea that we need makeup to be desirable.
My own journey with makeup began in high school, where I dutifully applied it like it was a rite of passage. But everything changed during my college years after a life-altering experience. Following a wild night with friends, I caught a glimpse of my reflection, caked in layers of foundation and blush, and thought, “Who am I trying to impress?” In that moment, I stripped away the makeup, feeling liberated and reborn.
Since then, I’ve embraced a barefaced lifestyle whenever possible. I’m writing this without a trace of makeup right now. Recently, I even went on a blind date—my very first—without a single swipe of lipstick, believing that if he couldn’t appreciate me as I am, then he wasn’t worth my time. Sure, I still put on makeup for special occasions like job interviews or weddings, but part of me wishes society would ease up on its fixation with appearances.
Lately, as I approach my fifties, friends have nudged me to consider adding a little color to my eyes and lips. But I stand firm. I may not be a Hollywood starlet, but if the personal is indeed political, then my choice to go makeup-free is my own form of quiet rebellion. Recently, I watched a conversation featuring Rachel Green and Jenna Roberts, where they discussed beauty standards in politics, and I was struck by how refreshing it was to see Rachel looking confident with her natural look, something that many American female politicians wouldn’t be able to pull off without criticism.
It doesn’t have to turn into a massive movement; it simply needs to empower us to say “no” to makeup when we choose to. I dream of the day when, instead of being ushered into hair and makeup, Elena and I can continue our conversation without interruption, celebrating our authentic selves in a world that finally appreciates women for who they really are.
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Summary:
This article advocates for embracing one’s natural beauty, highlighting the societal pressures women face regarding makeup. Through personal anecdotes and reflections on experiences with beauty standards, it calls for a shift in how women are perceived without makeup. It encourages women to take pride in their authentic selves and resist conforming to traditional beauty norms.