A few years back, I had the opportunity to meet with the talented COO of a major tech company, Clara Mendez, just before she delivered a significant presentation to the advertising sector in New York. At the time, I had written about the positive impact social media had on my family, which led to Clara inviting me to witness firsthand the buzz surrounding her presentation. The atmosphere in the green room was electric. Clara looked stunning in her chic blue outfit, and what stood out even more was her completely makeup-free face.
In that moment, I felt a surge of admiration for her decision to go barefaced. I wanted to leap up and exclaim, “Yes! This is exactly what we need!” Our conversation was flowing when an assistant entered, clipboard in hand, and announced, “Clara, it’s time for hair and makeup.” Clara’s expression shifted to one of frustration as she remarked, “It’s absurd, isn’t it? And so inequitable.” I couldn’t help but notice that the male executives present didn’t have to endure such preparations. We exchanged thoughts on the hours women lose to grooming, just to be considered equal to our male counterparts. A barefaced man is often viewed as simply being himself, while a woman without makeup can be unfairly judged.
Neither of us had an immediate solution to this dilemma, recognizing it as a complex issue that mainstream media often shies away from. I had pitched similar ideas to various women’s publications previously, fully aware that they rely heavily on cosmetic advertising revenue and are unlikely to challenge the status quo.
We’ve been grappling with this societal pressure for far too long, bombarded with tips for enhancing our looks and the myth of the “natural look.” One can only hope that someday a prominent magazine would dare to publish a headline proclaiming: “Ditch the Makeup! True Beauty Lies Beneath!”
My personal journey with makeup began during my teenage years, when I felt compelled to conform to societal expectations. I remember vividly learning to apply makeup at a summer camp, feeling like it was just another trial of female adolescence. However, my perspective shifted dramatically during my junior year in college when I had a life-changing realization after a psychedelic experience. Staring into the mirror, I questioned, “Why are you hiding behind all this?” That moment sparked a transformation; I washed off all the makeup and felt liberated.
Since then, I have often opted for a barefaced approach. Most of the time, I work and socialize without makeup, even recently going on a blind date in my natural state, believing that if someone can’t appreciate me as I am, they’re not worth my time. Of course, I still adhere to societal expectations for significant events. However, part of me yearns for a world where those expectations are less rigid.
As I approach my fifties, I often receive well-intentioned suggestions from friends to enhance my appearance. My response is a firm “No!” While I don’t aspire to celebrity status, I believe that embracing authenticity can inspire others to do the same. Recently, I was inspired by a conversation between two prominent figures discussing the unfair standards placed on women, particularly in leadership roles. The way they carried themselves—confidently showcasing their natural looks—stood in stark contrast to the expectations often placed on American women.
This isn’t just about personal choice; it’s about redefining societal norms. It’s time to normalize the idea that women can step into the spotlight without a facade. With a little courage, we can create an environment where embracing our true selves is celebrated, allowing us to engage freely without the pressures of external appearances.
For those interested in further exploring themes around self-acceptance and motherhood, I recommend checking out this resource for fertility supplements and this guide for couples navigating their fertility journey. Additionally, UCSF’s Center for Reproductive Health is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination information.
Summary:
This article advocates for embracing natural beauty and the challenges women face regarding societal expectations around makeup. It reflects on personal experiences with makeup, the pressures to conform, and the desire for a cultural shift toward authenticity.
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