Should I Wear Makeup Or Not?
Have you noticed the make-up free movement happening in Hollywood?
Alicia Keys, Nicole Richie, Kendall Jenner and Salma Hayek to name a few have all been posting with the hashtag #nomakeup.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 26: Singer Alicia Keys attends the 2016 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)
Alicia Keys penned an essay for Lena Dunham’s Lenny Letter titled “Alicia Keys: Time to Uncover’’ revealing her yearning to be empowered beyond the cover up that makeup provides.
‘Cause I don’t want to cover up anymore. Not my face, not my mind, not my soul, not my thoughts, not my dreams, not my struggles, not my emotional growth. Nothing.” – Alicia Keys
Alicia relates wearing makeup to feeling as though you need to cover up to be closer to society’s idea of perfection, and that it is reinforcing her internal insecurities that her ‘real self’ was not good enough for the world to see.
Alicia recently attended the MTV music awards sans makeup, and while she likened wearing no makeup to ‘the most honestly beautiful she has ever felt’ the keyboard warriors responded with criticism.
Some critics baulked at her look; others suggested she was judging them for their decisions to wear makeup, and some claimed it was laughable that the average women would look as good as Alicia Keyes without makeup.
The responses were divisive and brought up within many women insecurities and feelings about their decisions and judgements on the importance of appearance.
Alicia later responded to the feedback, tweeting:
“Y’all, me choosing to be makeup free doesn’t mean I’m anti-makeup. Do you!”
That statement really resonated with me. ‘Do You!’
So, Makeup free…
How does that sound to you?
Perhaps it sounds liberating, terrifying, exciting or boring?
Maybe most days are already make-up free for you, or you have to wear a little bit of makeup to look polished for work and relish the weekends make-up free.
Perhaps for some of you this sends a shiver down your spine. The very thought may inspire you to pull the covers over your head and hide from the world.
For those of you that love to apply your makeup and read up on the different makeup trends and products the thought of putting aside your makeup bag is a sad thought!
For myself, I don’t feel dressed without my makeup, it completes my look and makes me feel good about myself.
For my clients, I always explain that our face is our window, our first point of contact with the outside world.
For some of my clients, while others assume they don’t wish to wear makeup, in fact, they are simply unsure of how to apply their makeup, and self-conscious of the reactions that others might have.
If this is the case, I recommend a make-up tuition with our incredibly talented makeup artist Lacey who can show them some tips and tricks. Makeup application can be as basic as three simple steps or a full face makeup application to naturally enhance their features.
Makeup can be transformative, and the response from clients on their new look is exciting!
Makeup does not need to be obvious, and when overdone it can look too severe and harsh. The key is subtlety for a daytime look and simply amplifying the look for the evening.
If you feel you can’t make time for makeup, or don’t enjoy applying makeup, another option may be eyelash tinting or extensions, and a fabulous eyebrow shape and tint.
A simple concealer and lip balm can brighten your day.
Our make-up artist Lacey Savell reflects on why she wears make-up.
“If I reflect on why I choose to wear make-up, it is because I love wearing make-up.
Makeup is a way to express my creativity and reflect my mood. With my make-up, I create a theme and story for the day that mirrors my feelings. Make up both enhances my features, and tells a story. “
Rachel in our team loves the ritual of applying makeup in the morning.
“I love the ritual of applying my makeup in the morning, I enjoy the way it makes me feel brighter and glowing, and I love the different elements it can bring to my look. For myself, makeup is fun and makes me feel great.”
For others, they may want their natural beauty to shine, which is also a standout look.
Nobody needs to wear makeup, but it comes down to the way a person feels.
Do You!
What are your thoughts and feedback on “to wear” or “not to wear” make-up?
Interesting topic! Makeup can be used to minimise imperfections and still give a natural look. Dressing up at night wouldnt be as exciting unless appropriate makeup compliments the look. I imagine younger women prefer to look natural and fresh while their skin is in full bloom. However as we age … skin sags .. gravity takes over and elasticity is a fact .smoking takes its toll.. and too much sun is evident….Everyone wants to grow old gracefully but not too many want to live gracefully i.e. develop a regular good skin care regime, eat healthily, sun block give up smoking remember to hydrate hydrate hydrate…. this will ensure that make up can be used to enhance at all ages as apposed to covering up and masking our true beauty!!
Hi Antoinette,
So much wisdom in your comment!!!
We all must remember to live gracefully, and we must remember it’s never too late to make change!
Cindy x
I too am a makeup artist and I love wearing makeup. I love how I feel, I love the ability it has to change you completely, make you glow or simply highlight your natural beauty. To me makeup is a part of my creativity – like a painting, I can stand back and admire the creation.
Wow! Beautifully said Debbie!
It really is a fabulous means of expression.
I am constantly wowed by the story Lacey’s makeup artistry is telling me.
Cindy x
When I completed my Style With Cindy Course, I did the makeup tuition with Lacey who showed me some easy tips and tricks and I have to say, it was invaluable knowing how to enhance my features and highlight my eyes. I never wear too much make-up, but I feel polished when I do. If I have an event on, I wear more around the eyes and I have learnt to embrace a little colour in my cheeks and lips which softens my face. I do support the #nomakeup movement in an effort to show women they are beautiful just as they are (men make do without it), but would I do it for work, I have to say I probably would not!
Hi Lara! Apologies as it seems this comment was overlooked 🙁 You hit the nail right on the head with your opinion on makeup!!!! Glad you are still finding your make-up tuition valuable 🙂 xx