by Cassandra Rae Ferguson

Created on: January 29, 2009   Last Updated: January 15, 2012

Being a makeup artist, you may automatically assume that I have a biased opinion on the absolute necessities of wearing makeup. The truth is; yes, I love makeup. But the reasons I love makeup are not quite what you may think.

I love makeup because it gives us the opportunity to express ourselves; to highlight our individuality and celebrate who we are. Makeup brings with it the chance to build our confidence, to try something new and to have fun doing it.

Beauty is not about perfection. The world of makeup artistry is no exception. We spend too much time and energy on striving for perfection! Our individuality is so much more beautiful!

Each of us is beautiful on the inside and out, with or without makeup. Makeup is in no way a critical necessity for anyone and whether you wish to wear it or not is completely up to you. However, after a decade of working as a makeup artist in all areas of expertise, I have found that just a little makeup can change a woman's whole demeanor.

Post makeup application, that shy, inhibited woman has begun to stand tall, hold her head up high and SMILE with confidence! And that is when she becomes more attractive. Not from the direct result of makeup on her appearance; but from her new attitude and confidence. All of a sudden she feels beautiful and appealing and that makes her appealing to others. If she had that same confidence all along, makeup wouldn't even come into play; she'd already be irresistible.

So, my opinion is yes: women are generally more attractive with makeup on; because of the way it makes them feel, rather than the way it makes them look.

If your confidence cup is overflowing and you don't need makeup to look and feel great; that is wonderful and you are the envy of many, many women. If this is not the case, there is no need to feel guilty about it. There are no rules saying you must or must not wear makeup, or in which manner you must wear it.

Your experience with makeup can be and should be a fun and enjoyable one, not a necessity or chore. You can use it to express who you are, rather than attempt to look like someone else. A healthier approach is to focus on highlighting your best features and enhancing the beauty you already have, rather than focusing on flaws and attempting to look like your favourite celebrity.

As much as makeup application can and should be a fun experience full of self-expression and exploration, true happiness can be achieved through acceptance of others and ourselves for the wonderful individuals that we are. Your natural beauty comes from within. Show it to the world.

Learn more about this author, Cassandra Rae Ferguson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.