The other day, my little one, in classic toddler fashion, followed me around the house while I went about my day. Out of the blue, he exclaimed, “Mommy, don’t paint your lips again, okay?”
Confused, I asked him to clarify. He reminded me of that time we visited Grandma on Mother’s Day when I wore bright red lipstick. He referred to it as “painting,” which made me chuckle. I could just picture him thinking I raided our arts and crafts supplies, dipped a brush in red paint, and adorned my lips. What a hilarious visual!
His aversion to my lipstick was no surprise; he’s a picky 3-year-old who gets uneasy if I cut his bagel into halves instead of quarters. Change is unsettling for him, and evidently, my makeup was a big no-no.
But this little exchange got me thinking: my son has never seen me in makeup. In fact, he doesn’t even know what it is. While I don’t label myself as a “makeup-free mom,” it appears that’s exactly what I am. Before having kids, I rarely wore much makeup. I’ve been fortunate with clear skin, so I always felt that adding foundation would only complicate things. In my pre-parent life, teaching at a university, I would occasionally swipe on some mascara and lipstick, but even that was hit or miss. Honestly, I only did it back then because I was 25 and wanted to appear more mature to my college students.
I never really moved past that stage of trying makeup as a teen, where it felt more like playing dress-up than a daily routine. Now, as a full-time mom and part-time work-at-home parent, makeup seems unnecessary. I reserve it for rare special occasions, which seem to happen less often these days. I’ll put it on for events at my older son’s school, primarily because I feel like a child myself when I’m there, and a bit of makeup helps me feel more grown-up for those few hours.
Most days, you’ll find me in yoga pants, cozy tees, and sweaters. A successful day involves a shower, hair down instead of in a messy bun, and a fresh pair of yoga pants. Whether I’m at home or running errands, I embrace this casual look. I often see other moms at the park or during school pickups looking polished in stylish outfits, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of envy. How do they manage to look so put together?
Honestly, I’m curious! Between making lunch, feeding the kids, and fitting in some exercise, I can barely keep up with my own needs. Showering is a must, but daily showers aren’t always feasible. Keeping my house clean is a priority, and I often feel overwhelmed with everything on my plate. Therefore, I have to prioritize, and focusing on my appearance falls very low on that list—so low that it’s almost nonexistent.
If I were as committed to my makeup routine as I am to maintaining a tidy home, maybe I would make it a priority. My partner thinks I look attractive regardless of my appearance, which is sweet, but I sometimes wonder if wearing makeup more often would inject some vibrancy into my daily life. Would I feel more spirited? Would taking time to beautify make my life feel less centered around the kids?
I suspect that as my children grow, my attention to appearance will shift. There will be more chances for outings and dressing up, allowing me to take a moment to apply mascara without a toddler trying to snatch my “brush” away.
But for now, I’m embracing my role as a makeup-free mom. It suits me, and my kids—especially my discerning little 3-year-old—don’t seem to mind. If you’re curious about exploring home insemination options, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination at Hopkins Medicine. Plus, you can find reputable at-home insemination kits at Make a Mom.
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