There’s always that cute boy that I see every Tuesday and Thursday in one of my classes.
So every once in a while, I’ll throw on a cute outfit and sprinkle on a bit of make-up—a little blush, a touch of rouge—to boost my confidence.
Ironically, that goes against everything I stand for. I believe in being myself and fabricating my natural appearance seems like false advertisement.
I’m not trying to fool anyone, especially myself.
It’s similar to those girls on Facebook who post their best picture as their default: the one where the camera is looking down on them to make them appear more slimming.
Otherwise, I’m completely comfortable rocking an old school hoodie and my favorite pair of soccer sweatpants.
I’ve never been one to smear on pounds of make-up and wear eye-liner like war paint.
I always made fun of those girls who used so much dark eye make-up that they look like raccoons.
Instead, I believe in natural beauty: how a girl looks fresh and truly herself in the early hours of the morning.
A woman’s natural glow is breathtaking and not even Maybelline can fabricate such an authentic and personal reflection of beauty.
Of course, a little basic foundation is understandable to cover minor blemishes, but there is nothing like seeing a woman blush.
When I make someone laugh, I like to see the smile. And when I make someone nervous, I like to see him or her blush. So why conceal a genuine emotion by brushing on phony blush.
Ultimately, make-up is a modern day tool that acts like a mask to conceal a woman’s vulnerability.
Vanity takes over and the constant need to impress consumes their lives.
Upon hearing the doorbell ring or jumping out of the shower, women constantly refuse to be seen in their natural state.
This is where the famous lines come into play: “I can’t go out looking like this!” and “What if so and so sees me?”
So many women will not even leave their home without having makeup on. But the underlying question is why?
Is it a weapon of seduction? Is it a mere confidence booster?
Or does make-up make a girl feel more comfortable with herself?
Upon going out, the ladies of UT spend hours getting ready. The application of make-up is a daily routine and becomes embedded within a woman’s agenda. Maybe even a higher priority than it should be.
They run from room to room trying on clothes, styling their hair and applying their make-up.
They continue to stumble out towards the Courtesy Cab and make their way to the notorious VIP line at the “hottest club in Tampa.”
As they dance the night away and sip on their pitcher of beer, they start to sweat profusely.
Their make-up runs and they develop an odor from rubbing up against all the sweaty men and the stench of beer or vodka stains their breath.
It’s amazing how all their hard work has gone down the drain. Hours upon hours and indecisive groups of girls all lead up to a messy hairdo, smeared make-up and a dress drenched in a disgusting mixture of sweat, alcohol and cigarettes.
Such is the glamorous life of sex, drugs and rock and roll! Right? Well, not so much.
So they’re inevitably left with an appearance less favorable and more unattractive than when they began.
In the end, is that cute boy really worth all that work?
To me, it’s a lose-lose situation. So embrace your natural beauty, because there isn’t anything else quite like it.
Narisa Imprasert can be reached at nimprasert@ut.edu.