Makeup Makes Me Feel Like a Fraud

The world of technology is compelling. The things we are capable of are limitless.

Make-up is a leading female product industry that helps hide who we are, imperfections and all. I am a victim to it. On the days when I have to feel professional, I put on my make-up, look in the mirror, and I am stunned by what is staring at me.

Is that person me? I feel like I have a mask that disguises everything that I am. Underneath the mask, I am a vulnerable woman who inherited damaged skin, acne, and many flaws. As I age, my skin wrinkles. My true age begins to show.

When I was younger, the elasticity of my skin was mesmerizing. It was firm and lively. Now, it’s a different story.

I look old.

What I could do with make-up at that time doesn’t appear as pleasant now. I don’t even know how to do my make-up now. Are there classes for old people make-up techniques?

In my younger years, I used make-up to accentuate my features. Presently, I feel like I use it to cover-up what’s wrong with me. That’s because modern times only perpetuate women to feel insignificant without it. Filters and apps make it easier to create false stories. The photo-shopped effect boosts social media and gains likes and followers.

This is what makes the world go round.

This makes me question my femininity and authenticity. Am I a fraud? Will anybody want to hear what I have to say if they saw me as I am?

Acne, scars, stretch marks and everything?

Doubt it. The world we live in wants us to be perfect. Vulnerability and truth are masked under the level of idealism.

We want to observe perfection. It is no wonder that self-esteem and self-confidence are lacking. We can’t be comfortable without a facade.

If you search Instagram and follow all the influencers. You will notice the trend of perfectionism. Hundreds of thousands of people only want perfect bodies, perfect make-up and perfect lives.

I don’t imagine everyone could live up to that when they get closer to 40. Why can’t we live in a world where the raw image is appreciated? Why can’t we embrace who we are?

We should love ourselves as we were created, and convey the truth to the world. When I use make-up, it does not make me feel beautiful, it makes me feel fake. Does anyone else feel that way? I want to stop living in the illusion.

I don’t want to keep living in the falsehood that I am only being noticed because I look a certain way. I want my words, thoughts and advice noticed for who I am. Not because I have a picture easily manipulated by make-up and technology.

I don’t know how many public posts I’ve made, which were only recognized because I put up a selfie. Was the insight even taken into account? No, unfortunately. My experiences and stories were not even a factor.

Make-up contributes to this disillusionment.

For anyone who has read so far, make-up is the obvious metaphor for a problem that exists in the world. We cannot be ourselves. We always wear masks that cover our true selves, our inner selves.

We must be the change to create a world of authenticity. Let’s appreciate vulnerability. This is where we will find strength. Pave the way to higher self-esteem and positivity. Let’s see people for who they are.

—

This post was previously published on Medium.

***

You Might Also Like These From The Good Men Project

Compliments Men Want to Hear More Often

Relationships Aren’t Easy, But They’re Worth It

The One Thing Men Want More Than Sex

..A Man’s Kiss Tells You Everything