“One day, I decided that I was beautiful, and so I carried out my life as if I was a beautiful girl. I wear colors that I really like, I wear makeup that makes me feel pretty, and it really helps. It doesn't have anything to do with how the world perceives you. What matters is what you see.” - Gabourey Sidibe

Through the years, I have heard positive and negative remarks about my makeup. From family to strangers, everyone seems to have an opinion about it. It's either “I love your lipstick where did you get it?” or “Your makeup looks caked on, maybe you shouldn’t wear so much.”

To the curious woman who asked me about my lipstick, it’s by Elf Cosmetics, and you can find it in the half-off bin at CVS. And to the other not so kind person, what is my face doing that has affected you enough to bring attention to a supposed flaw of mine?

I don’t understand why people who wear makeup should be shamed for using it. I believe people should feel free to express themselves despite their gender, race, skin color or personal beauty routines/preferences.

We're all told to express ourselves through choices that make us who we truly are, but once we try to do just that, society shuts us down for incomprehensible reasons. In addition, people should not be judged or shunned because of their skin types. Some people might have acne, some may have scars or birth marks, but that doesn't make it acceptable to judge them based on their physical appearance. I can't count how many times I have seen photos or memes poking fun at people with acne. The memes often read, "This is what girls with zits look like with makeup on." I'm sorry (#SorryNotSorry), but that is RUDE.

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But, despite what everyone else thinks or feels, this is what you should get back from reading this: You are you. If you like to wear winged eyeliner, go for it. If you like to wear glitter on your eyebrows, that sounds awesome, do it! If you like to rock blushed cheeks and yellow eyeliner, do it.

Everyone has a license to creative freedom, especially when it comes to your own face. If you feel great with your choices then don't listen to others who just want to tear you down because of their possible insecurities.

I remember being around 13-years-old, I just starting trying out different styles of makeup, and I would get so hurt by what people would say regarding my choices of color or style. Well, I chose to put stripes of color as my eye-shadow, so I basically set myself up... but, what's important is, is that I thought I looked good! But aside from that, people would say mean things that would cut a little deeper than the surface of my makeup. She wears that much makeup to hide her face. Her skin is terrible. Yes, I have heard it all, and I overcame it.

My father used to tell me that people make fun of others due to their own insecurities. He would always say that they don’t mean the things that they say, they are just jealous. Typical dad, but you know what? I believed him and he made me feel like I shouldn't listen to these people. This simple line of dad advice got me through my younger years of and it helped me find myself.

It lead me to realize something: No one should need to feel jealous or put down, because newsflash, everyone is beautiful! This might sound cliche, but it is true. You live one life, in one body, with one face. Be the best you can be, be as creative as you want and never let anyone tell you otherwise. Wear the makeup that helps enhance who you want to be!

Because YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.

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