Thoughts | "Why Do You Wear Makeup?"

"Why do you wear makeup" is a question that comes up in my life so often. I've been referred to as a 'Barbie' countless times because of my love of makeup so I thought it's perhaps the time to address such a big question and discuss why I do wear makeup.

I do believe the most common misconception as to why women wear makeup is for the benefit of men. Yes, I'll put my hands up and admit that when my makeup is looking nice I do feel more confident around the opposite sex but I don't wear makeup simply to achieve this. The sure idea of me changing my appearance simply to impress someone of the opposite sex drives me insane.  If you feel the need to wear makeup just to impress that special someone, they clearly can't be all that special.

I don't wear makeup to pretend to be something I'm not. I wear makeup because it brings out my confidence and gives me a little boost each day. Having my face done nicely helps me to feel like I can really take on what lies ahead on that particular day. Even when I'm feeling at my crappiest, a simple face of makeup can leave me feeling badass. For some people, it's the same case for having nice manicured nails or wearing a particular outfit. One little change to your appearance can have such a huge change to how you feel, either positively or negatively.

I'd be lying if I was to say that my rather awful skin doesn't play a part in my love of makeup. Although I'm more than aware that no amounts of makeup will ever fully cover up every little blemish, for the most part it does its job. Makeup allows people to see the real me, not just my blemished skin. I love the feeling that comes from catching a glimpse of yourself in a mirror midway through the day and actually being proud of your appearance.

Makeup is something I've always loved experimenting with; something I've always loved spending money on. The vast majority of my wages each month (once the essentials are out of the way of course) are spent on makeup and I get so much enjoyment from working my way through the counters in Boots and unleashing my inner makeup magpie, swatching lipsticks to my hearts content.

I really do enjoy putting makeup on of a morning. Half an hour or so of "me time" is the perfect way to kick off the day. There's something so satisfying that comes from having the control over which of your facial features stand out and which imperfections are hidden. I'm sure many women will understand what I mean when I say there's nothing better than putting on a red lipstick and truly feeling like you own the world.

Ultimately though, I wear makeup for me. Not for anyone else. I'm not trying to conform to any stereotypes or draw attention to myself. I'm not trying to impress anyone or pretend to be someone I'm not. I simply love the way I feel inside when I have makeup on. I love the confidence boost it gives me and the way it helps me to feel like I can really take on the day and whatever it throws at me.

Why do you wear makeup?