Down with Makeup

I've been reading a lot of feminist blogs and one this morning caught my eye from a blogger who is forgoing makeup. I have spurned makeup, treatments, beauty regimens and the general idea that I am a walking mannequin for the fashion/beauty industries for at least a decade, possibly longer. I wear what feels comfortable, brush my hair and teeth at least once a day and don't use makeup at all. Part of it is that I am really quite lazy when it comes to my own personal care. I love to be clean, shower daily, sometimes twice a day, but rarely shave my legs or armpits. I mean, why should I have to, men don't?? And the makeup, or lack thereof- why do I care? I don't have to look at myself and I don't spend much time before the mirror. If my looks cause pain, then look away. Plus as a fairly frugal person the stuff is frigging expensive!!

Last year a friend of mine started selling Mary Kay and asked if she could have a party at my home. I had participated in these in my early 20s, always bought shit I didn't really like or need, because they were my friends, but I'm 44 now and have had enough. I said it was fine, I'd be happy to host, but I wasn't going to buy anything, so don't ask. She said, "Oh no they have lovely stuff for your skin and hair." To which I replied, Please don't be offended by what I'm about to say, but I don't believe in makeup or beauty treatments. I think they are silly and unnecessary. I find their existence and perpetuation to be repugnant and offensive to my feminism. If you want to spend ridiculous sums of money on stuff you don't need, feel free, but do not ask me again to purchase said stuff. I won't. And the discussion was dropped.

My sister, who always looks beautiful, classy and well-put together (I've always said she could wear a potato sack & look glamorous) does buy this shit. And whether it's the hugely expensive snake oils or just natural & a really lucky genetic disposition, I'll never know, but she looks great, all the time. She has also had some treatments, botox, laser something or other, and convinced me to go for a consult. The woman at the spa counseled me that I'd have to stick to a really strict daily regimen of cleansing, moisturizing, sunscreening, avoiding the sun, etc. I said, No, that is not how I operate. I wash my face with water in the shower and never put on sunscreen. I refuse to spend an hour in the bathroom to cleanse, tone, demist, mist, etc. Can we work on some of the wrinkles without all of that insanity? What are my other options? She said perhaps I should see a surgeon. HA!!