In a recent encounter, my son, in classic toddler style, followed me around as I completed various tasks around the house. Suddenly, he exclaimed, “Mommy, don’t paint your lips again, OK?”
Confused, I responded, “What do you mean?” He elaborated, recalling a family visit where I wore red lipstick. “You know when we went to Grandma’s for Mother’s Day and you painted your lips red? Don’t do that again.”
His choice of words made me chuckle—”painting” my lips as if I had dipped into a can of red paint and applied it with a brush. How peculiar and messy that would be! His aversion to my lipstick was likely due to his finicky nature; he struggles with change, even something as small as how I slice his bagel.
This conversation made me realize that my son has never seen me wear makeup. He doesn’t even have a concept of it. I don’t consider myself a “no makeup mom,” yet I fit that description. Before becoming a parent, I rarely wore much makeup, and I’ve been fortunate to have clear skin. I thought that adding foundation would only complicate things. During my pre-motherhood days as an English instructor at a university, I would occasionally apply light mascara and lipstick, but it was inconsistent—mostly an attempt to appear more adult in front of my students.
Now, as a full-time mother and part-time work-at-home parent, makeup seems unnecessary. I reserve it for special occasions, which are quite rare these days. I do wear it for school events, as I often feel like a child myself when entering my older son’s school. Makeup gives me a fleeting sense of adulthood.
Most days, I find myself in yoga pants and comfortable T-shirts. A successful day is when I’ve showered, my hair isn’t in a messy bun, and I’ve donned a fresh pair of yoga pants. This is my appearance whether I’m at home, the library, or running errands. I often see other moms who look polished, with styled hair and fashionable outfits. I admire their appearance and can’t help but feel a twinge of envy. I wonder how they manage to look so put together.
For me, the daily grind is full and demanding. Preparing meals, attending to my children’s needs, and keeping the house clean take precedence. I shower when I can, but not daily, as there simply isn’t enough time. Exercise is also a priority; without my daily endorphins, I would feel overwhelmed.
My life is so full that I have to prioritize what’s important, and applying makeup is very low on that list. If I valued my appearance as much as I value a clean home, I might prioritize it more. My husband claims I’m attractive, regardless of my look, but I wonder if wearing makeup more often could inject some liveliness into my life. Would it change how I feel about my identity, making daily life feel less centered around my children?
I suspect as my children grow older, I’ll find more opportunities to focus on my appearance. There will be more chances to dress up and enjoy the process of beautification without interruptions.
For now, though, I embrace my identity as a makeup-free mom. It suits me and my children—especially my discerning little one—seem perfectly content with it.
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Summary:
As a mother, I’ve embraced a makeup-free lifestyle, prioritizing comfort and practicality over appearance. My son’s innocent remarks highlighted my lack of makeup usage, a choice that stems from my busy life as a parent. While I admire other mothers who look polished, my focus is on managing a full household and nurturing my children. I wonder if, in the future, I might incorporate more beauty rituals into my routine as my children grow.
Keyphrase: Makeup-Free Mom
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