In my almost-30 years of life, I have never been one to wear lots of makeup. For the longest time I felt I was “giving into the patriarchy” and didn’t like being “told” I had to look a certain way to be societally acceptable as a professional woman. Getting into the studies about how a woman in the workplace is more trusted if she wears makeup is an entirely different discussion, albeit interesting! I was satisfied swiping on some mascara and tinted lip balm and would call it good. I had never grasped the concept of wearing makeup for myself!
Recently, I had a photo shoot for some head shots. Being privy to the studies mentioned above, I knew it was in my best interest to go above and beyond my usual makeup routine. Rather than attempting to DIY my face a la YouTube, I chose to hit up a local beauty counter. Who knew my life would be changed!?
As a doula, it is my job to offer women physical, emotional, and educational support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. When I walked up to the beauty counter that day, I had no idea that the fresh-faced teen in her black smock, brush in hand, would end up being my lipstick doula. She made a profound impact on my perception of beauty and forever changed the way I view myself.
Girl did me good.
e applied so many products to my face, I would not have known what to do with all the different tubes we went through. Before applying each layer, she taught me what the product was, why I would want to use it, and how to pick the right kind for my needs. The entire time she was doing this, she was simultaneously pampering my self-esteem. She taught me that a woman should wear makeup (or not!) for herself, that it can be empowering! My eyes were opened, I was enlightened, and I wanted to try all the lipsticks!
Before sending me on my merry way, with my new skinny, contoured nose; she slipped me a sample lipstick palette, 24 of their best selling shades, and told me to enjoy my newfound knowledge. That is exactly what I have been doing. I have thoroughly enjoyed trying on each lipstick and seeing what it can do for my mood, outlook, even my body image.
Here are couple of my favorites:
I also took home this little nugget of wisdom; eyebrow liner is AWESOME. Like I said, my life has been changed. I now wear makeup without feeling guilty or icky. I enjoy it, it makes me feel rad, beautiful, strong, cool…many things. I am sorry that I didn’t give it a chance earlier.
