I am a person who likes to wear makeup – a true “Lipstick Lesbian”. I don’t wear a lot of make-up; I am not particularly good at it. But in my mind, I look significantly better on the days I wear make-up (which is almost every day). On a Sunday I might skip mascara, because I dislike taking it off at the end of the night. I don’t have a ton of products; just what works for me and is fairly good for my skin. I don’t watch make-up tutorials (except occasionally Angie Hot & Flashy – she’s amazing!).
One day recently I had some time on my hands and got the bug to just put make up on half my face. I put my sunscreen (Elta MD tinted moisturizer SPF 30) and a bit of primer for glow (Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer). Then I took some photos in different light and the results were shocking…in that there was not as big a difference as I perceived.
The key is “as I perceived”. As I looked at the photos there truly wasn’t a huge difference. I asked my 18-year old if she noticed anything about my face …” new bronzer?” I then showed my make-up obsessed, somewhat critical 16-year-old the photos and even she said, “Not a big difference, IG”.
This was mind-blowing. Is putting on makeup a waste of time or is the point that it makes us FEEL better, different. We may not actually look that different, but we feel better – which makes us look different.
To me, the side with the makeup did look more lifted — and that alone is worth the time and energy! I’m not going to go au natural and stop putting on make-up any time soon. But I’ve come to the conclusion that the point is that I feel better with it on.
You are beautiful just the way you are – and do what’s right for you.
WETSU! WETSU!
XO JT
