by Amanda A Ashley

Created on: February 15, 2008   Last Updated: January 30, 2009

Maybe it's the lack of beauty sleep we get, or the careless ways we live our lives, but most women, including me, look much better with makeup.

I know this can be a touchy subject, but let's face it, most of us weren't born with long, thick lashes, and beautiful flawless skin.

Granted, I know that there are women who look great without makeup. But, even for those women, who, I must say, are few and far between, a touch of lip gloss brightens their appearance as well. But, for most of us, the lip gloss is just the finishing touch after a long line of cosmetics, including foundation and/or powder, concealer, eye liner, eye shadow, brow color, cheek color, and lip color. Did I miss anything?

I am not saying that women should be afraid to step out of their homes without makeup on. I have done just that on many occasions. I have noticed the difference when I do go out without wearing makeup. The difference is not in how people treat me, it's in how I feel about myself. I feel better about myself when I have makeup on. I feel more confident, and I don't worry about my appearance. I am able to concentrate on everything that I am doing, and I'm not trying to hide away somewhere so no one will see me.

When I go out without makeup it's a completely different story. I am constantly hoping and praying that I don't run into anyone that I know. I don't want them to see the dark circles under my eyes, or my blotchy, uneven toned skin. Call it vanity, but I just prefer to feel better about the way I look. It makes my entire day much better.

There is also the issue of how much makeup is too much makeup. I have also seen some women go out with so much makeup on, that if they were to take it off, you wouldn't be able to recognize them. They would look like a completely different person. It's amazing how much make up can change your appearance. So, it is important, if you do decide to wear makeup, not to overdo it. That really does defeat the purpose.

Of course, every woman has the choice of whether to wear makeup or not. I wouldn't criticize any woman who made the choice to not wear makeup. I do feel, however, that every woman should care about their appearance. Like it or not, your appearance is the picture of yourself that you show to everyone you come across on a daily basis. Whether there's makeup in that picture or not, the important thing is that you are happy with it.

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