Makeup makes me a prettier person, but not for the superficial reasons you might think. Just like many of you have - I've had friends tell me "you don't need make up," "you spend so much time on your hair and make up - what a waste of time." They always end up complimenting me on how I look - unless I've done an outright ratchet job (it happens), but I'm always a little off-put by their first comments. I have my reasons for spending time on my appearance, and it has nothing to do with being insecure with my looks.
For me, being happy is all about taking time for myself - and my favorite way to do that is to sit in front of my makeup mirror. When I get up a half hour earlier than I need to just to take that time to play with my products, it is relaxing. Music on, makeup brushes in hand, and time to think. I use this time to think, to tune out any drama from the day before, and to FEEL GOOD ABOUT ME. There is something therapeutic about taking a half hour every day to be 100% selfish. I get to take that time EVERY DAY (or most days) to be alone with my thoughts and do something completely indulgent. Never, ever, will I apologize for doing something for me.
Too often we get caught up in pleasing others, and forget about ourselves. I always want to get all my work done, go over and above, and please everyone - but we cannot forget about ourselves in the process. Doing something as simple as taking a half hour every day to do my make up is a half hour that I can say I appreciated me. I took time to make myself feel good, and that beauty radiates from the inside.
No, I will not lie to you and say that I don't use concealer to cover up blemishes, hyper-pigmentation, or those ghastly under eye circles. I do ALL of those things - but not because I am ashamed. I cover them up because I know how, and it makes me feel good about myself. I will still go out on weekends or lazy days with no makeup at all, in sweat pants, and not care! I am comfortable in my own skin, I just enjoy putting stuff on my face (makeup, I don't know where your mind went - but get back on track people).
If you do use makeup because you feel self conscious or insecure - do not be ashamed!!! My advice to you is to start small. Take half a day where you don't wear make up and you go to the grocery store, then step it up and keep your makeup off for an entire day. I want everyone to know that they are beautiful - with or without makeup. But the most important thing is - NEVER let anyone make you feel bad for taking time for yourself, and doing something that makes you happy! You do you, ladies. You do you.
Spread the word - #MakeupMakesMePrettier
#RadiateFromTheInside
With love,
Traci J
--
http://www.lifeofmeg.com/2014/03/mingle-monday-link-up-big-announcement.html
