Have you ever caught yourself studying every line, blemish and feature of your face in the mirror wishing different or dare I say, for a more youthful appearance?
Well, I must admit I’ve been guilty of that for sure. But I will also say in my defence I have a wonderful mother (God Bless her) who taught me to be my natural, authentic-self and enjoy the blessings I have been given. Now at the age of 47 I really understand the value of her teachings.
As a mother of two beautiful, young girls aged 7 and 11 years, it’s my mission in life to pass down my mother’s wisdom to them as well.
While I feel it’s my duty as a woman and as a Makeup Artist to share this kind of empowerment with other women so they too can attain the level of self-love and acceptance they deserve, I also acknowledge the reality that looking good leads to feeling good, feeling good leads to empowerment also.
Unfortunately, the reality for us older women is that today’s culture equates youth and beauty with value. Many of us tend to walk a tight rope of wanting to feel comfortable with the aging process against this modern-day culture obsessed with youth.
Sadly, we don’t need to look far to see this in effect. The unapologetic, gender driven marketing printed in magazines or fed to us through social media happily shames women (especially the older among us) into believing we are no longer worthy to be considered beautiful after a certain age. It is then through their promises of lotions and potions (at varying degrees of cost to the hip pocket) or through far more extreme measures has women sadly scrambling for the holy grail of beauty.
Well, what if I told you this hamster-wheel of fear mongering and sabotage to our womanhood can be stopped this very instant – starting with you?
You should take ownership on how you play the beauty game, set your own rules and choose what’s important to you.
Take both your blessings and shortcomings in the way you physically look and embrace them. Never lose sight of the fact you’ve been given the privilege to age in life when sadly there are those who have not been so fortunate.
However, having said all of this, I also want to make clear there’s absolutely nothing wrong in taking care of yourself through traditional methods of beauty. Performing skin care regimes, applying makeup suited to your taste and style is just as important in giving you the confidence you deserve as a woman. Just don’t ever let it become an obsession or competition in attaining the falsehood of what the ideal woman should look like.
In closing, I would like to wish all you beautiful women (young and old) a “Happy International Women’s Day” for Sunday 8th March 2020.
Absolutely on point
Thank You Fleur.
Vanessa that is well said ! Today to many women now days are so worried about their shape the lines the loose skin ! I think as long as we are healthy and have a good lot of people around us we have a good life ! Also you are a beautiful lady and fabulous make up artist !
Thank you Rosa for your lovely comment and insightful wisdom. Much Love
Fantastic article Vanessa and an important message to pass on to our kids. Especially our girls. The modern day outlook on beauty is unrealistic, unnatural and down right dangerous. Education and empowerment is key to making a change.
Thank you Vicki for your comment and for also being a woman who lives by her truth.
Such a beautiful empowering message Vanessa. Thank you for your positivity and for keeping it real. Can you please do a video blog next?
Thank you Lynne for your comment. Yes I am planning to do a video blog in the future which I hope will be fun and informative. Much love
Will look forward to reading your blog.
Hi Jen, Thank you for your comment. I hope you soon get a chance soon to read my article.
I loved every minute of reading this, it spoke to my heart and resonated with my soul.
You express yourself beautifully , you are so talented as a makeup artist And inspiring mother and friend. ❤️
Hi Mon, I am so pleased you enjoyed the article and hearing it touched your soul. Thank you my lovely.
I love this article! And I can highly recommend Vanessa for all your special occassion/photoshoot/etc makeup needs. She is very professional, super talented and reasonably priced. She will put you at ease with her quick wit and caring nature too. Tell all your friends, this woman is amazing!
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for your beautiful words, support and encouragement. Much Love.