The Makeup industry is a worldwide campaign that influences men, women, and children to express themselves through exotic colors, glossy lipsticks and a lot of glam. But does it do a good job of allowing people to express themselves without fear of judgement? When someone wears a full face of makeup, do you automatically judge them for what they painted on their face? When you see the purple undertones that lay underneath the pigmented eyeliner that has been perfected for the 15th time, do you look at the artwork and think ¨isn´t that odd?” Do you laugh at men who apply foundation or eyeliner to themselves, do you sneer at young boys and girls experimenting with hair dyes and piercings? 

 

Its not about being the prettiest one in the friend group or the skinniest one in school. Its about having confidence in yourself, and to have the ability to wake up in the morning and not care what your mom or dad, your brother or sister or your peers think about how red the color of your lips are, or what hairstyle you decide to wear. We all have inner struggles and demons that lay beneath our skin, and its okay to hide our deepest regrets, our scars, with foundations and makeup.

 

Anyway, some might argue that hiding our pain is wrong and not healthy, and yes, not addressing our issues can be damaging to our mental health. But, any man, woman, or child that challenges themselves to express their deepest and most personal story through powders and palettes, through goth or glam, deserves our love and above all respect. 

 

The way we feel about ourselves is such an important part of becoming a incredible person, a person of confidence and strength, a person of incredible artistry and passion, a beautiful person with crooked teeth, heavy eyeliner and gorgeous nails, its all good if your good. And always remember, we don’t have to show it outwardly we can rage from within and still be heard and still make a difference. 

 

We have a long way to go; unfortunately our society continues to ridicule our differences and flaws and it is truly appalling and upsetting because no one can determine who you are — who we are! The only person that matters, is the one whose image reflects back at you when looking in the mirror.