by K.M. Cherry

Created on: April 08, 2010

As a former makeup artist I am astounded at the measures we women go to in the name of beauty. It starts with skin care, than primer, foundation and at least a dozen other steps everyday, just to feel presentable. Glossy magazine covers and glamorized celebrities feed our need for beauty products. We covet expensive miracle creams and pricey cosmetic potions hoping to look in the mirror and see someone else. Are we less beautiful without these vices?

My objective in my artistry was to enhance, not change or erase the woman before me. I myself invest in good skin care and stick to the bare minimum, powder, gloss and mascara. And don't let those department store sales women con you, the drugstore is as good of a place as any to acquire what you need, in fact some are even better.  We as women want to feel beautiful and desirable and sometimes a red lipstick and smokey eye will boost our confidence like those favorite jeans that go with everything.

Google cosmetics and see how many hits you get, they love to remind you that your pores are huge and your eyes are to small. Business is booming, there are so many different brands making promises, who do you believe? In the cosmetic world it's about the image, a beautiful women in a white dress and perfect skin, you can look just like her just buy this. I will concede that I was once that girl who actually thought an eye cream was going to change my life, truth is it just lowered my bank account by $60. Don't get me wrong I love makeup, I own to much I'm sure. But I no longer believe that I'm somehow better because I have it on. I'm the same, just me... but enhanced.

My point is, play and enjoy, but know that your beautiful either way. Cosmetics have a long history and we have become dependant to the point that we are tattooing it into our skin. We have become a society of plastic people and air brushed pictures, a society that holds beauty above all else. Trends change daily and their is always some miracle maker being pushed, the truth is you were beautiful before, the lipstick just makes you smile. So paint your lips pink and strut your stuff, but save those dollars you spent on a name and take a vacation......just remember your sunblock.

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