A few years back, I found myself in a cozy green room at the Museum of Natural History, sharing a moment with the COO of a major tech company, Jenna Carter. This was just before she delivered a pivotal presentation to the New York advertising sector, and I was there as a testament to the impactful role social media can play in our lives—having previously written about how it helped my then four-year-old during a tough time. The energy in that room was electric, and Jenna, dressed in a stunning blue outfit, exuded confidence. What struck me most, however, was her completely makeup-free face.
I felt a surge of admiration for her. I wanted to leap up and shout, “You go, girl!” Our conversation was flowing smoothly, filled with laughter and insight, until an assistant interrupted, clipboard in hand, announcing that it was time for her to head to hair and makeup. I watched as Jenna’s expression shifted to disappointment. “Isn’t it absurd?” she remarked, clearly on the same wavelength as I was. It was a stark reminder of the different standards men and women face in the workplace; while the male speakers were free to appear as they were, women were expected to conform to beauty norms.
We lamented the countless hours women invest in their appearance just to be taken seriously. A man without makeup is simply a man, but a woman without makeup risks altering perceptions of her competence and value. Unfortunately, neither of us had a straightforward solution to this dilemma. It was clear that real change would require a level of feminist awakening that mainstream women’s magazines, reliant on beauty ads, would shy away from discussing.
We’ve been inundated with unrealistic beauty standards and tips that perpetuate this cycle. When will we see a magazine cover proclaiming, “Ditch the makeup! Men want to know the real you!”?
My own journey toward embracing my natural self began in college. As a teenager, I had diligently followed the trend of wearing makeup, believing it was a rite of passage. However, after a transformative experience during a college trip, I had a realization while looking at my own reflection. “Why are you hiding behind all this?” I asked myself, scrubbing off the layers of makeup. That moment was liberating; I felt renewed, and since then, I have mostly chosen to go without makeup.
These days, as I approach fifty, friends often suggest I should enhance my appearance with a bit of makeup, especially as I navigate the dating world once again. But I stand firm in my choice. I may not be a celebrity, but I believe in the significance of personal authenticity. Perhaps my small act of defiance against societal norms can inspire others to embrace their true selves.
I recently watched a discussion featuring renowned figures like Sophie Bennett and Maria Lane, who tackled the double standards surrounding beauty in politics. It was refreshing to see Sophie confidently presenting herself with her natural features, something an American politician might be criticized for.
Ultimately, it is not about leading a revolution; it’s about empowering ourselves to say no to the pressures of makeup. One day, perhaps Jenna and I can reunite in that green room, free from interruptions, laughing about how we’ve embraced our authentic selves in a world that often pushes us to wear masks.
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In summary, embracing our natural beauty is not just a personal choice but a stand against societal expectations. By rejecting the norms around makeup and self-presentation, we can foster a culture of authenticity and self-acceptance.