When I was younger, I never learned (or had any interest in) how to apply makeup when I was younger and had deep self-esteem issues. I remember going to high school crying when I tried to apply eyeliner and I couldn’t get it to “look right”. By the time I was 18, I had basically given up makeup entirely and any hope of feeling attractive. I’m a classical singer and for the holiday choir concert we were told we had to wear lipstick and blush so we could be seen on stage. I reluctantly donned red lipstick to match my red satin choir dress (I remember the lipstick was the Nyx Round Lipstick in Snow White!) And felt stupid the whole time. I remember walking back from the concert lonely and miserable (I was very shy and had trouble making friends on my first year). When I went to my dormitory, my RA, Monica, had opened her door and saw me come in. “Wow, this lipstick color looks very good on you! You should wear more lipstick, it really makes your eyes pop, ”she smiled. I remember feeling stunned – it was the first time I remembered anyone other than my family who added to my looks.
That single moment sparked a new obsession with makeup and was the catalyst for the self-love journey I’ve been on since then. A decade later, I’ve got way too much makeup, I’m better at doing eyeliner (though I still screw it up a lot), and I feel way, much more comfortable and secure in my own skin, makeup or not. Instead of the lonely red lipstick girl feeling silly, I am a confident young woman who proudly works to improve myself, be it through makeup, my physical or mental health. I don’t remember what I said to Monica, but I hope I thanked her and I want to thank her today. Without this simple addition, I probably wouldn’t be who I am today. Remember to be kind to others, you never know what impact it could have on someone! <3
