Dear Makeup Shamers,

I don’t appreciate you taking the time out of your oh-so-busy day to comment on the amount of makeup on my face. I am completely conscious when applying makeup in the morning; I don’t need you to tell me what I have on my face. Yes, I realize that I’m wearing full-face foundation and I also realize that it makes a pimple on my cheek a little more noticeable. Thank you so much for reminding me.

I don’t care that you’re “glad youdon’t have to wear makeup.” I can see the sour face you make when you ask what I put on and I describe my morning routine. Sometimes, if you’re feeling gutsy, you tell me that it’s too much to put on. Excuse me, but I didn’t realize there was some sort of line that I was crossing in the effort to show myself how pretty I can be. Wearing foundation, powder, eyeliner and mascara every day is entirely my choice. I can stop anytime I want to, but it certainly won’t be because I “envy” your bare face.

Not everyone has something to hide. Our views on makeup are like two sides of the same coin. You think our makeup is a theatrical mask that we wear to deceive the people who see us every day. We think our makeup is a method of artistic expression and skill, much like a brilliant theater. Makeup shouldn’t equate to self-hate. Male and female makeup lovers don’t aim to hide, they aim to highlight. When we look in the mirror, we want to see our glowing skin, posh lips, accentuated eyebrows and bright wide-awake eyes. Is this a new crime we didn’t know about?

My dear haters-of-everything-in-my-makeup-bag, no, I’m not trying to impress anyone when I leave my dorm with eyeshadow and lipstick on. Why isn’t it believable that I want to get dolled up for myself or just try out a makeup look? Not all makeup lovers are attention-seekers. That girl walking through campus wearing eyeshadow, eyeliner and lipstick obviously wants all eyes on her, right?

You sound very ignorant when you say there’s only one purpose for makeup because you don’t know what kind of impact makeup has had on our development. For some, makeup might’ve been the acceptance of themselves as unique individuals. For others, it could be symbolic of maturity or their victory over an obstacle they might’ve faced. It’s wrong to judge and categorize makeup for people when you aren’t familiar with any part of their situation.

One more thing: Don’t crap all over someone’s creativity. Some people want to try out wild eyeshadow looks and boldly colored lips just to have fun with being a little outrageous. Last time I checked, everyone is entitled to experimentation. Just because you wouldn’t wear purple lipstick doesn’t mean someone who would is “abnormal” or “cringe-worthy.” We’re all human, no matter what, so don’t stare as though we’re aliens. And, if you can’t fight the urge to turn and scrutinize us until we’re out of sight, then at least have the decency to smile as you walk by.

Kisses (in bright red lipstick),

A Makeup Lover