This I Believe

I’ve always thought all human beings should embrace their usual splendor. Of course not all women will decide to stop wearing makeup because they met me and listened to my speech about how beautiful they are without it. But, wear it for the right reason. Wear blush because you want to lighten your face, not because someone made you feel bad about the dark freckles you have. Put a little foundation on because you want your eyes to pop a little more, not because a random guy decides to point out the faintly visible bags under your eyes.

I believe in lipstick; the kind that offers all colors, but doesn’t limit me to one shade. The kind that I can choose depending on how I feel that day. The kind that can brighten my face without putting on the extra make up. I believe in self-expression. Lip stick is about attractiveness. My natural beauty stands as my best beauty, but there’s always a little space for something extra. Be you; even if that’s slightly weird and unordinary.

Growing up, I didn’t have a father to tell me how beautiful I was and call me his “pretty little princess”. However, I did have an extremely loving grandmother; to whom I called “Mama.” My grandmother embraced her flaws. I remember walking into the calm living room of Mama’s house one day for a visit with her, and noticing how much her skin glowed. Mama and I sat and talked for hours, then made dinner. For some reason, that day was the first day; and not the last day, however, that Mama’s casing intrigued me. She had the most beautiful skin with a few nicks here and there, but that didn’t bother her. She looked at me and said, “You are beautiful and don’t let anyone tell you differently.” That day, I also found out that the doctor told Mama she only have 6 more months to live, being diagnosed with cancer. I then told my grandmother, “You will live a long life and don’t let anyone tell you differently.” My grandmother loved herself, and a tad bit more when she wore lipstick. That day, I left visiting Mama, inspired. She taught me that being yourself is the best way to live; to love yourself first; to not depend on anyone else to love you.  

I wear it, if it gives me joy; even if no one else does, and even if no one else likes it. I like it. I wear it because it boosts my confidence. Some days I will even make my own. Take a little eye shadow; the color of your choice, and mix in a little petroleum jelly or clear gloss. New lip stain. I don’t limit myself to what is provided on the shelves in Sally’s Beauty or what my mom buys and leaves on my night stand during the day. I enjoy variety, being creative, trying new colors. I wear it; and I wear it with an attitude; not one that will cause others to be hesitant to approach me with a “Hi”. Not an attitude that will constantly have my friends asking “What’s wrong?” But, with poise. An attitude that says, “This is who I am, and I love every bit of it”.

I believe in lipstick. The kind that lasts. The kind that brightens my smile. I am comfortable with my infrequent look. I am not perfect, but I believe I can acquire the perfect lip. I believe in lipstick. This, I believe.