The #NoMakeup movement has gained significant traction, largely thanks to celebrities like Alicia Keys, who have boldly shared their natural beauty on social media. Even high-profile figures, such as Kim Kardashian, have made appearances without makeup, signaling a shift towards embracing authenticity. While this trend is commendable and promotes self-acceptance, I resonate more with Amy Poehler’s perspective: “Good for her! Not for me.”
I am unapologetically a fan of makeup. My daily routine includes vibrant red lips, perfectly shaped eyebrows, and a full face of cosmetics. This is how I express myself, and it has nothing to do with societal expectations or the choices of others. It’s crucial to recognize that how one woman presents herself does not dictate how another should choose to appear. In fact, if I could offer a simple guideline to the community of women, it would be: there are no “shoulds.”
If Alicia Keys or someone like Sarah from down the street feels empowered without makeup, that’s fantastic. However, my love for bold brows and a pop of lipstick doesn’t make me deceitful. If I meet a friend who opts for a makeup-free look, my first thought isn’t about their lack of contouring; instead, it’s simply, “I’m glad to see my friend!”
I have my credentials in feminism: I’ve explored Naomi Wolf’s The Beauty Myth, earned a degree in women’s studies, and even penned an awkward poem about loving makeup while embracing feminist ideals. While that may be cringeworthy, my identity is not confined beneath layers of foundation. When I apply MAC’s Ruby Woo, I don’t see a façade — I see a confident woman.
Alicia Keys expressed in Lena Dunham’s newsletter, “I don’t want to cover up anymore. Not my face, not my mind, not my soul.” While I appreciate this journey of self-discovery, my path leans in the opposite direction. I’ve spent nearly two decades mastering my eyebrow technique. Without them, I feel like a canvas without definition.
Is this harsh self-assessment? No, it’s an honest reflection of who I am. When I met my partner, my eyebrows were thin and drawn on, and at one point, I modified my appearance to appease him. That was a mistake driven by youth and a lack of self-awareness. Today, we are equals in our relationship, and I refuse to conform to anyone’s idea of how I should look.
After receiving our Christmas photos years ago, I vowed to embrace my true self, and I haven’t regretted that decision since. For me, applying makeup is not about hiding emotional turmoil or pandering to societal standards; it’s about choosing what makes me feel authentic — which in my case includes striking brows and bold lips.
It’s a misconception to equate makeup with a lack of freedom or to assume that a bare face signifies liberation. Women are complex individuals with diverse expressions that defy simplistic labels imposed by society. The patriarchal narrative seeks to categorize us into binary roles, but why should we conform?
If you feel empowered in your choices, whether they involve makeup or not, embrace that freedom.
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In summary, the #NoMakeup movement is about personal choice and empowerment, and every woman should feel free to express herself in a way that resonates with her identity. Whether that includes makeup or not is entirely up to the individual.