“Mom, why don’t you wear makeup?” my daughter asked me today. Honestly, I wasn’t shocked. Lately, I’ve been in a phase where simply taking a shower and changing out of my workout clothes feels like a small victory.
I’ve never been one to pile on makeup. In fact, the little I do own is tucked away in a Caboodles my mom gifted me in high school, and some of those eye shadows are, well, let’s just say they’ve seen better days. As I caught my daughter examining my face closely, I couldn’t help but wonder what she was thinking. Maybe I looked different than I did a few weeks ago. I’ve earned every wrinkle in my face, and the bags under my eyes have certainly deepened since I became a mom nearly nine years ago.
With three young daughters who absorb everything I do, I want them to look in the mirror and appreciate themselves rather than criticize their perceived flaws. It’s in these imperfections that some of our most unique beauty resides.
I want my daughters to care for their skin and appreciate their appearance, but I don’t want them to fall into the trap of comparing themselves to others or feeling pressured to fit a certain mold based on societal standards. My hope is for them to blossom into strong, independent, confident women who recognize the natural beauty they possess—a beauty that no amount of makeup could ever enhance.
I also want my son to appreciate women for their innate beauty, which often goes unnoticed beneath layers of makeup that are not even needed. It’s essential for my children to learn that beauty can be defined in countless ways beyond the surface.
So, what truly is beauty?
It’s a woman with a genuine smile. It’s health and vitality. It’s confidence and strength. It’s energy and encouragement. It’s inspiration and resilience. Beauty lies in how a woman carries herself, in her ability to rise above trivial concerns, and in her understanding of the hard work necessary to achieve meaningful things.
True beauty is found in a woman’s commitment to not only caring for her family but also nurturing herself—emotionally, spiritually, and physically. My children won’t remember that I didn’t glam up every day or that my makeup routine consisted of just a dab of lip gloss for special occasions. They won’t recall the aging process I experienced during their childhood or how my growing wrinkles sometimes bothered me.
What I truly hope they remember is that I embraced aging with grace, dignity, and a sprinkle of humor. I want them to reflect on how I didn’t take myself or my flaws too seriously. I hope they cherish the memories of our kitchen dance parties as some of the best moments, even when I was in comfy clothes, hair in a messy bun, and makeup-free.
“So, Mom, why don’t you wear makeup?”
With a smile, I kissed my daughter on the nose and replied, “Well, I just didn’t feel like I needed it today. What do you think?”
She hugged me tightly and confidently said, “Nope! You look beautiful just the way you are.”
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In summary, the essence of beauty transcends the physical. It encompasses confidence, kindness, and the ability to embrace one’s true self. I aim to instill in my children a sense of self-love and appreciation for the unique beauty that lies within.
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