Updated: Jan. 28, 2021
Originally Published: July 12, 2016
“Mom, why don’t you put on any makeup?” my daughter asked me today. I wasn’t caught off guard, as I’ve been in a phase where I consider it a win just to have showered and changed out of my workout attire.
Makeup has never been a big part of my routine, and the few products I do own are stored in a Caboodles case my mother gifted me during my high school years. Some of those eyeshadows are undoubtedly decades old. As I noticed my daughter examining my face with curiosity, I couldn’t help but ponder what was going through her mind. Perhaps I appeared different than I did just weeks ago. The wrinkles I’ve earned, along with the bags under my eyes, have certainly multiplied since I became a mother nearly nine years ago.
With three young daughters who observe my every action, I want them to look in the mirror and embrace their reflections without criticizing their flaws. Our unique beauty often resides in those very imperfections. I wish for my daughters to care for their skin and value their appearance, yet I want them to refrain from comparing themselves to others or feeling pressured to conform to a certain ideal, perhaps based on someone they admire. My hope is for them to blossom into strong, independent, and confident women who appreciate their inherent beauty—qualities that no makeup can enhance.
I also aspire for my son to appreciate women for their innate beauty, which often lies beneath layers of unnecessary makeup. It’s vital for my children to learn that beauty can be defined in numerous ways.
What Constitutes Beauty?
A beautiful woman is one who smiles. Beauty embodies health, confidence, strength, energy, and inspiration. It is seen in resilience, the way a woman carries herself, and her ability to rise above trivial matters. Beauty shines through when a woman understands the effort it takes to attain something worthwhile. It also reflects how she nurtures not only her family but also herself—emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
In the end, my children likely won’t remember that I didn’t wear makeup daily or that I only applied a touch of lip gloss for special occasions. They won’t recall how much I aged during their childhood years or how my growing wrinkles sometimes bothered me. However, I hope they remember that I navigated the aging process with grace, dignity, and humor, never taking myself or my imperfections too seriously. I want them to reflect on the joyful moments we shared, like our spontaneous kitchen dance parties, even if I was dressed in comfortable clothes with my hair in a messy bun and no makeup on.
“So, Mommy, why don’t you wear makeup?” she asked again.
I smiled, gave her a kiss on the nose, and replied, “Well, I just didn’t think I needed it today. What do you think?”
With that, she beamed, wrapped her arms around me, and confidently said, “Nope. You look pretty just the way you are.”
In summary, teaching our children about beauty goes beyond physical appearance. It’s about instilling confidence, self-acceptance, and the understanding that true beauty radiates from within.
For those interested in family planning, you can explore more about home insemination options through resources like this at-home insemination kit and check out this excellent article on IUI success. If you’re looking for a comprehensive kit, consider this 21-piece at-home insemination kit.
Keyphrase: beauty and self-acceptance
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]