I love selfies. I take them all the time. When you're feeling yourself and you have that good lighting, you have to take advantage of the situation. I never post just any selfie though - it has to be perfect. A freshly exfoliated face with makeup is mandatory and my hair has to be decent. None of this if for the sake of other people, thought, because frankly, I don't give a single care if you think I'm ugly - I do it for myself.

A YouTube video was released over a year ago by the name of "The Power of MAKEUP" by YouTuber NikkieTutorials in which she only applied makeup to half of her face. If you are not familiar with the video, you should go and take a look. Honestly, if you are a woman who has been criticized for how much makeup you wear, or that it's trashy or slutty to wear makeup, this is a fantastic video to watch. Nikkie showcases the power of makeup, how it can completely transform a person. She makes it loud and clear that this is not to satisfy other people in any way. She doesn't want to get attention from guys, she is not insecure about herself, and she definitely loves herself!

This article isn't just about praising Nikkie for doing something that no one else had done before. I will also be doing the same thing. The idea of putting my picture in an article that tons of people will see is kind of terrifying to say the least. I won't go into product details because - let's be serious - a broke college girl does not have the money to be going to Sephora every other week. All the products I use though can be found at Walmart or in a monthly subscription bag from Ipsy. I've always wanted to do something along these lines since the video became so popular and never had the opportunity until writing for the Odyssey.

In the picture above I am completely fresh-faced, no traces of makeup at all. Do I like the way I look without makeup? Sure I do. Like I said, this is for me, and I love makeup, so I'm going to wear it and feel amazing.

No filter, no Photoshop, just a girl who loves makeup genuinely. I am no makeup guru, and I'm certainly not a professional, so this isn't the best application, but I. Look. Good. I love the way makeup makes me feel once I put it on. Like Nikkie, I do not apply makeup for the enjoyment of others. Everything that I do is to benefit myself. Yeah, I look absolutely crazy with just one-half of my face red carpet ready but it's to prove a point. All the effort I put in for this look makes me feel good.

I had to do my most dramatic look for this in order to completely show a difference. It's insane how different some bronzer, mascara, and some winged eyeliner, (or, actually, any type of makeup) can change a person's face. The thing is though, if you are putting all of it on so people think you're beautiful, you're doing it for the wrong reason. It does not matter who you are, every person is beautiful. You will be criticized, made fun of or talked about regardless of who you are, but the people who do that do not see the real beauty within you that radiates out. Surround yourself with positive vibes and people that express to you how beautiful you truly are. Wear makeup if you want to wear it! No one can stop you from feeling good about yourself.