Reason #4768 I'm Not a Feminist

One of the few promises I've kept to myself since I was a kid was never to wear makeup (I make exceptions for stage makeup, but it's still an incredibly rare experience).  This one is easy to keep because I don't like the feel of it.  I also don't wear bug screen or sunscreen or lotion, which will probably kill me one day, but until then I'll be happy.  And then I'll be dead.  

I've read a handful of articles lately about women talking about going makeup free, and how that's empowering, and valuable and I think, really?  

Not wearing underwear can be empowering if it's a change.  That's the difference.  It's just a change, and your perception of yourself regarding that change.  I don't feel more empowered or secure or whatever because I don't wear make-up because I never did.  The opposite is more likely- I have small eyes set beneath a heavy brow and bad skin- these are the two basic things makeup does, even out the skin and highlight the eyes.  I'm sure if I started wearing it on a regular basis, more people would think I was not unattractive, which would probably change my life in subtle ways and then possibly my perception of myself.  Only I don't really care, and I cannot stand the feel of the stuff, so it's not worth the effort to me.  These articles leave out the fact that the make-up is not the vehicle for change- wearing or not wearing make-up is not *inherently* linked to perception.  It's your choices and personal risks that make-up your self worth.  

Make-up your self worth.  See what I did there?  

I wish these articles instead urged people -not just women, people- to experiment in their lives and find out if the routines they've established are the life they want to live, and whether change might not be a better option.  But, I suppose that's not a headline for an article in Glamour or what people expect a celebrity to tell them when that celebrity is not fulfilling traditional celebrity roles.