More Than A Lipstick

For this blog post, I decided to cheat a little and use an old essay of mine. This work encapsulates why I am passionate about makeup and how it has become a major part of my life. Hopefully, you can find inspiration in my words or just enjoy an endearing narrative. either way, here is my story.

More Than A Lipstick

Entering the room, I was distracted by the fragrant aroma of hairspray and blinded by vanity lights. Whisked away by a trio of militant dance moms, I was hurried over to a clothing rack lined with costumes. Finally dressed, I gazed in the mirror admiring my crimson, velvet gown and several smothering layers of petticoats draped over my petite nine-year-old legs. There were hours to spare until I would be called to the stage to rehearse my ballet scene for The Nutcracker.

Wandering into a room of fidgety five-year-olds I watched in awe as another dance mom delicately painted three whiskers on each side of a child’s face, finishing with a bright pink dot on her nose. Suddenly the unkempt, energetic child scrunched her face and began creeping on the floor as she instantly turned into a charming grey mouse. It was then I realized the power of makeup. The next day I mustered the courage to ask the dance mom if I could assist her. I haphazardly completed the first child’s face, with crooked whiskers and pink paint covering too much of her nose. I lifted a mirror to the girl and unexpectedly, a radiant smile stretched across her face. I smiled back with a sense of accomplishment, knowing I had created something special. I was able to help someone transform through makeup.

As I have grown, my passion for makeup has awakened my sense of purpose. This may not be apparent to others since most days I only wear mascara and some blush. My curiosity led me to avidly watch makeup video blogs and attend cosmetic expos. Through exploring makeup, I joined a community of artists. This online group consists of skilled experts, eager beginners, and people still evolving like me. Beyond the collective encouragement and inspiration is an educational venue I use to advance myself as an emerging makeup artist and student.

Further, studying makeup has carried over to artwork I create for school and myself. I see the face as a canvas. The delicacy of my brushstrokes with watercolors mirrors the application of face powder. The patience to achieve the desired shade of acrylic paint resembles time spent blending eye-shadows. In art, light and shadow create a multitude of dimensions; likewise, makeup allows me to develop a more complex perspective of people.

Using makeup also allows me to see people in a profound way. I can create a face from a magazine if desired, but my true satisfaction comes from the intimacy formed from sitting only inches from a person’s face. I can easily intensify hazel eyes with golden eye-shadow and make a narrow mouth appear larger by a dab of sheer highlighter on the Cupid’s bow of the lip. However, my pleasure arises from the connections developed beyond simple conversation. I create a safe environment when people display their bare faces to me. In this circumstance, they often reveal themselves, whether it be their vulnerabilities or hidden aspirations. This enables me to look at others more thoughtfully because I look into their character to see what makes them beautiful. I am fortunate my passion can strengthen people’s confidence and allow them to feel secure in who they are. My friends appreciate when I do their makeup, but they seldom understand how their transformation has also impacted me.

Out of all the accomplishments in my life, I feel most confident expressing myself with the simple stroke of a makeup brush. While most women apply makeup as a mundane part of their daily routine, I pride myself on this unique form of expression. Through the artistry of makeup, I have assisted friends in finding a new sense of pride and guided children toward an outlet to their imagination. As an artist I can transform, just as the tiny girl became a magical creature from three little whiskers and a pink nose.

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