"Why do you wear so much makeup?"

"Ooo who are you trying to impress?"

"Why would you spend so much money for just a tube of mascara?"

"You would look better without all that makeup on"

Dear Anyone Who Has Said This,

Please stop. Unless my winged eyeliner is physically hurting you, don't judge me for wearing it. Last time I checked, what I wear out on my face - and my whole body for that matter - doesn't affect you at all. I don't go out of my way to put all this on for you so please don't go out of your way to tell me that you don't like it. I simply like wearing makeup and there should be nothing wrong with that.

Just like playing video games or cooking is a hobby for some, makeup is a hobby that many people, both men and women, enjoy. If you want to learn a new recipe, you can look up a video to teach you. If I want to learn a new makeup technique, I do the exact same thing. If you're into video games and want to expand your collection, you buy a new game online. Just like I buy a new brush or eyeshadow for my makeup kit. When you enjoy doing something, you want to learn more about it and invest in it. So before you critique my choice in spending my paycheck on the new MAC collection, think about how much you spent on the latest NBA 2k game.

Believe it or not, I like to wear makeup for me. It's not because I'm trying to impress anyone, it's not because I'm insecure, it's because I actually like putting it on and I feel good when I wear it. Yes, sitting down in front of a mirror for 15 or 20 minutes and taking the time to apply even some makeup is actually relaxing and enjoyable. It's not some painful or stressful ritual that girls go through because society tells them to, it's just fun. When I wear makeup, I feel like a more powerful version of me. I can express myself in many different ways and it gives me that extra encouragement in the morning to go to class and work hard. It's like that advice that you should always make your bed in the morning because completing that one small task will motivate you to accomplish more. Leaving my dorm room in the morning with even a little bit of foundation and lip gloss makes me feel fresh and that I can attack whatever I have to do that day.

So to all my other girls (and boys) out there who love wearing makeup, slather it on. And if you don't want to, that's okay too. All women are beautiful no matter what we wear or how much makeup we have on. All we ask is that you don't judge us for feeling good about ourselves.

Sincerely,

A Makeup Obsessed College Girl