Today, October 7th, is officially recognized as National Inner Beauty Day. National Inner Beauty Day was created by Roma Newton, owner of 6Degrees Management in partnership with National Day Calendar to celebrate the beauty we all have, beginning with what is on the inside.
Over the decades, makeup has been taboo, artistic, necessary and then unnecessary and around and around. The feelings associated with makeup have continually evolved. But one thing I find interesting is the correlation about feelings towards makeup and feelings about oneself. Some may think it’s “hiding” while others feel more confident. For some it’s an artistic playground or an expression of their femininity or personality. In other words, makeup is what you make it of it. It is a CHOICE!
As a “makeup lady” you might expect me to tell you something cliche’ like “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” but I’m going to go with “a confident woman is a beautiful woman”. If it makes you feel more confident, do it. If you don’t care for it, don’t do it. I don’t believe at all that our self-worth lies with anything that sits “on” us. It’s what sits IN us, in our hearts. If a woman decides not to wear makeup, I think that is wonderful, but not any more wonderful than if she did decide to wear makeup. This world has enough hate than to shame for a choice to wear or not wear makeup. You should be able to “face” the world, however you choose.
No, wearing makeup isn’t the same thing as having a positive self-image, and the latter is extremely important. But, in my personal opinion, certain cosmetics can give women a sense of control over their looks. Personally, I find that while my blonde and sparse eyebrows don’t bother me most of the time, I do feel more confident when I have some shape and color.
Here's a few quick steps for building your inner beauty.
1. Look beyond your looks.
How you feel about yourself shows so much more than anything you could ever change about your look. Confidence shines through.
2. Face the mirror.
Instead of counting all the things you don't like, start identifying 3 things you like about yourself. It's scientifically proven that the human brain cannot differentiate between a genuine and a fake smile. This is good, because as it turns out a smile not only makes your brain think you are happy, but it also makes you appear more attractive, too. So it’s worth trying to persuade your face of its loveliness each morning - and wait for it to gradually sink in.
3. Think happy thoughts.
Yes, it really is that simple. Women were found to have on average 13 negative thoughts about their body - daily! Negative thoughts distort and destroy. It's been proven. Whatever you focus on shapes your brain. If you are constantly thinking negative thoughts about your body, the neural pathway becomes stronger, and those thoughts become automatic and habitual. Change your thoughts, change everything!
4. Stand tall
I mean really. Straighten up your posture and walk into a room with command. Sometimes behaving as if you had confidence can make you feel more confident. When someone walks into a room with their head held high, smiling, establishing eye contact and giving you a firm handshake, you will immediately find them more attractive.
My Bottom Line
We’ve all said, “why does she wear so much makeup?” Really it’s all relative to what we think in our head is too much. But it is indeed a “surface” product, but that doesn’t mean one is superficial. Even if the effect is temporary, the confidence boost can be powerful. Don’t make it an issue of vanity but one of personal satisfaction and gain. We all have our own beauty and identity. It’s up to us to define it and harness the power of confidence and celebration of our “Youniqueness”. Remember, Makeup doesn’t Make YOU!
