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Why wear make-up?

What a question ... to look better of course.

I don't know how other women feel when they look in the mirror in the morning, but my first reaction is ... oh boy. And that's putting it politely.

After I had my shower and picked out a suitable outfit for day, I look in the mirror again ... better, but not quite what it should be.

So the process of make-up begins: moisturizer, foundation, lipstick, eye shadow, eye liner, mascara, rouge.

With each application the image improves until I can stand back and think ... there, that looks better.

I still don't look like the girl pictured in the mascara ad, but it will do.

So that is one reason for wearing make-up.

Another is to have a finished look.

A woman can wear a nice outfit, stylish shoes, jewelry and wear her hair in a flattering style, but if she does not wear any make-up she is not all that she can be.

I meet women every day who do not wear any make-up and it makes me wonder how they dare to show themselves like that.
Do they honestly think they can get away with not wearing any color on their faces, not even some lipstick? Or do they just not care?

Too much work, one woman said to me, when I asked her why she does not wear make-up.
Work? Even if a women does not want to go the whole nine yards, how much work is it to apply some foundation and lipstick? One minute, two? Oh, that's a lot of work alright.

In all honesty, there have been occasions that I have gone out with no make-up on.
A trip to the grocery store; the bowling alley, or even a visit to the mall.

I'm not bothered with the grocery store and the bowling alley, but as for the mall, I always regret not having taken the time and trouble to put on my face'.

When I get there, I see beautiful people walking around and when I compare myself to them, I want to crawl in a hole.
They look so beautiful, so well put together and I ... well, I look like death warmed up.

And that is another reason why I prefer wearing make-up ... when I do, I feel ready and comfortable to face others.
I may not be as young as they are; I may not look as good as they do; but I look the best I can be and that gives me confidence.

When I'm dressed up and done up, I no longer want to crawl in a hole.
I feel ready to step up to any occasion.

Learn more about this author, Conny Manero.
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