I have never been one to prioritize makeup; it often feels more like a chore than a necessity. However, I understand that it serves a purpose. Attending an important event without a touch of mascara or a hint of blush would leave me feeling out of place. Thus, I make an effort to keep the essentials on hand.
Recently, an event was approaching, and I realized my collection of Lip Smackers wouldn’t suffice. The only reasonable course of action was a quick trip to the nearby drugstore. I consider myself somewhat of a pro when it comes to scouring the clearance section—give me a 50% discount, and I can make just about anything work. While rummaging through the discounted items, a young woman approached, introducing herself as the store’s “beauty consultant.”
As someone who frequently navigates the bargain bin, I was uncertain what a “beauty consultant” entailed. She explained that her role was to answer any questions and cater to my makeup needs. Great. Then, she made a comment that took me aback: “For a woman of your age…” Excuse me? I’m a 32-year-old mother of three, not someone on the verge of a bingo night.
Her chatter about concealers and firming creams faded into the background as I fixated on her comment about my “age.” I glanced into the dimly lit mirror, trying to assess my so-called aging. Naturally, I have aged—I’m a wife, a mom, a nurse, and so much more. These roles have left their mark, contributing to my “level of aging.” In that moment, I realized my aging was something I couldn’t control. The dark circles around my eyes tell tales of sleepless nights with a teething baby, my smile lines reflect years of finding joy in difficult situations, and my flushed complexion hints at my rich Russian heritage. Each of these features represents the person I have become.
As for my “beauty consultant,” she has yet to live enough life to appreciate the depth behind my aging. I managed to smile politely, grab my clearance eyeliner, and deliver a gracious but firm, “Thank you, but no thank you.” I am not looking to conceal any part of myself, especially not my experiences or my age. I’ll stick with my bargain finds and Lip Smackers for now.
If you’re interested in similar discussions about family and pregnancy, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination. You might also want to explore our other blog posts, including one on the importance of understanding your fertility journey.
Summary
The author reflects on a recent encounter with a young beauty consultant who made an insensitive comment about her age. While the author does not prioritize makeup, she acknowledges its place in her life. She embraces her experiences and the signs of aging as markers of her journey, choosing to remain authentic rather than conforming to societal beauty standards.