Pretty is as Pretty Does..The Journey of a Makeup Artist

Last night on Twitter a discussion was happening between one of the top MUA's out there (KJBennet) and some random dude. The random guy feels that makeup somehow is detrimental to a woman's self confidence and self worth, and that any one that wears it or applies it must be shallow and hate their own 'natural' beauty...... o_O

Now, I'm known as the resident peace maker. I will state my opinion without the intent of ruffling anyone's feathers, and this situation was no different. He 'commended' me for understanding that makeup doesn't define a womans beauty, it just enhances it. Now of course I refused to get in a battle of wits with an unarmed person, which was what was about to happen, so I left it at saying that sometimes women need makeup to realize the beauty that they already possess, which in certain circumstances is true.

I have an issue with people who have no clue of what it's like to be a woman trying to classify makeup. Male makeup artists understand it because they work with women daily. They know what it's like to see a woman that has never felt beautiful in her life look in a mirror and see the beautiful person staring back at her that's been inside her. They know the gratitude women have when you can cover up the acne scars, the burn marks, the permanent discolorations......They also know how to uplift and encourage women that there is more to life than the outer appearance. So when a man says he hates women that wear makeup and he likes a 'natural' beauty, they get a side eye. Why?? Because more than likely, if a woman that looked like he says he likes came his way, he wouldnt give her the time of day. If she walked up to him with major discoloration, dark circles and dull, lifeless skin, he'd have a problem with it. See he's looking for that rare lucky woman that has flawless skin, no bags, natural long lashes and perfectly pink lips.....they do exist but it's not the 'norm'.

And to say just because we love makeup we don't love our natural selves is such an ignorant statement. I walk out the house daily with no makeup, not even my brows done lol.....and when I am made up, more than likely it's just to tweak what I have going on. Yes of course I do like extreme shadow combos and bright pink lips, but on my daily routine it's just powder to even the skin, blush (since my natural glow is diminishing...damn you age!) gloss and eyeliner....So does that classify me as hating my natural self, because I like a bit of enhancement??

I do know women that wont leave the house without makeup.....and yes, that does play directly in with their self confidence. But it's not the makeup that's causing this lack in confidence. That makeup brush didn't chase her down and slap her in the face...The question is what has driven her to the point that she cant leave without it..... Is it society's standards of beauty? Was it from men telling her she wasn't pretty enough? Is it because she looks 'different' that the women she was raised around?

So please, don't lump makeup lovers/artists in a category of promoting degredation of self confidence. We stand before you with brushes in hand to help build up your confidence in the outside of you, and with kind words and shoulders to cry on to help build up your confidence INSIDE you.