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How To Do Makeup?

How should I respond to people who ask why I wear makeup?

  • I'm not the best with words so I apologise in advance if anything is a bit confusing :s In the past, I had terrible acne and have been on every medication imaginable for acne (apart from Accutane because the side effects are too severe for me to cope with because I react badly to the weaker medicines). I am currently on Lymecycline. My acne is improving *touch wood* but I scar very very badly which leaves dark marks and some holes in my skin. I wear a very gentle, natural foundation (bare minerals) everyday, which has actually helped calm down my acne and has protected my skin from the weather. I know that some foundations can make acne worse but mine has definitely helped to keep my skin calm. Since I have been left with a lot of scars, I like to wear a bit of concealer too. I also wear a bit of mascara and a natural blush to make sure that I don't look ill/sick and washed out. I started wearing the makeup about 2-3 years ago and I am now almost 18. I KNOW I do not wear too much makeup because I make sure that I look natural. All I am aiming for is to hide my embarrassing scars :(. But my friends who knew me when I didn't wear any makeup always ask me "why do you wear makeup?", "I really want to see you without makeup" and "I remember when you never used to wear any makeup". I just don't understand why it is such a big deal for them and why they feel the need to constantly ask me. I guess its because I never respond or I just laugh it off. Anyway, I am going camping/hiking with some friends for school next week and will be applying a small amount of makeup to save me the embarrassment. But I am almost certain that at least one person will ask me why I am wearing makeup camping. I was thinking of using this as an opportunity to finally speak up about it and to say that it upsets me when they constantly ask. I think my friends think I am vain because I wear makeup but I'm actually the exact opposite. My self-confidence in every part of my life has been affected because of my skin and I just don't feel like I can be myself. If I had the choice, I probably wouldn't wear any makeup. I also suffer from other skin conditions on my arms, legs and back, which have lowered my self-confidence even further, but no one apart from my parents know about this. I’m sure that my friends don't know that I have scars because otherwise they wouldn't ask me to wear no makeup, which means I must be applying it pretty well! haha I just feel like saying to them "if I was as lucky as you I wouldn't wear any makeup but its something I have to deal with everyday of my life". I just think I should tell them that if it makes me feel better then I am entitled to do what I want and I don't need to explain myself to anyone. I just wish I could go bare faced with no one caring but I know that the truth is that people will look at my scars and people will think that I have bad skin and judge me. I know that some people will comment on here saying "you probably look better without makeup", "it doesn't matter what other people think" or "be brave and go bare faced because no one will notice". Please don't comment something like that because I know what the truth is and I know that my scars are less noticeable with makeup. Anyway, after this LONG post, the bottom line is that I just want to put an end to it by responding the next time someone asks with something that will stop them from asking again. I don't want to tell them that its because I have scars or have had acne :( I just need to express somehow that it is my choice and that they should respect that if they are my friends. I don't go around asking them "why don't you wear makeup" so they shouldn't ask why I do :( Since I'm not great with words, I was wondering if any of you lovely people could help me with a way of responding to people who ask me and people who make comments about my makeup :( Oh gosh, I probably sound really shallow but I can promise you that I'm not. This has really been getting to me and has been extremely difficult for me to express it in word on here :s I just hope to put an end to it all! Also, I'd like to say it in a polite way that will make them realise the impact it has on me and that will make them think before they speak next time. I don't think it is as simple as saying "why do you care" or "it has nothing to do with you". This is quite a touchy subject for me and I understand that unless you have gone through it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand why it upsets people so much. Thanks

  • Answer:

    As far as I know grooming or make up are the things that you do for yourself not for other people.   It's about what you want to do,if what you want to do is not hurting any one else and is beneficial for you,considering you are getting social confidence,and you think you are looking better with it,then why not.   It's not like you actually have to give a justification on every single thing you do,that's one point.   Basically you could just say that you think you look better groomed that way and you always try to keep it simple,and logically speaking,that much should suffice for anyone.   If anyone presses even after that that 'they don't wear make up' or 'women shouldn't wear make up',then they are over complicating things and should be ignored,diverted or directly reasoned that everyone has got a choice and your lifestyle does not or need not be same as theirs.   When they asked for a reason,you've already given it to them.If someone presses even after that they are just asking for an argument which does not need to take place at all.Just tell them that it's their opinion and you just think the other way.What you do for make up is not other people's business,although how you dress up that might be other people's business if that turns them on.

Mayeesha Tahsin at Quora Visit the source

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You aren't shallow for wearing makeup, and you don't owe anyone an explanation for wanting to wear makeup. I used to wear it everyday when my acne was bad, now not so much but I still enjoy applying makeup when I get dressed up for a party or a date. People tell me I look better without, but I don't care; I like the way I look with makeup and so basically I wear it for myself. Honestly I just think wearing makeup is just plain fun because its the easiest and most diverse way to change your appearance. I dislike all the makeup-hating and judging from non-makeup-wearers. No one asks a sharp dresser why they dress that way, or tells them they would look better dressed like a slob. No one asks girls with long lovely hair why she puts up with all the trouble of long hair and tells her she should cut it all off. But for some reason people think makeup is ok to criticize. So the best answer to "Why do you wear makeup?" Is "Because I like wearing makeup!" Say it loudly and firmly, in a way that lets them know that further discussion on the subject is not necessary. I'm surprised your friends hound you over what should be an obviously touchy subject for you (as you did mention you have skin problems elsewhere on your body). You could reply more defensively and reply "Because I prefer to conceal my very serious and embarrassing skin issues which may have escaped your notice. Any more questions?" You could get more philosophical. When people say to me "I want to see the REAL you without makeup," I tell them that the way I look with makeup IS the real me. It's the look I create for myself, and it is how I see myself in my mind's eye. Seeing me barefaced would give you no insight into my personality whatsoever. You could say this and add "Furthermore, you would probably just be distracted by my bad skin issues. This is not something I usually show people because its embarrassing for me. So please don't ask again."

Penny Chan

If you'd like a polite way to say it, you could say "Because I don't have perfect skin like you.... :))" They could choose to be flattered, in which case you've just given them a compliment and changed the focus of the conversation to them. They could read between the lines and understand that you feel a bit self conscious about your skin, which you do.  Then they could respond by saying "Oh, your skin isn't that bad" Either way you could then just move on and talk about something else if you like. 

Yinna Wang

Many people go or went through something like this, so don't be ashamed of it! The reason you are wearing makeup is because you want to and it is your choice. Whenever someone asks you that just tell them you feel comfortable in it, or you just like what it makes you look like. If you trust the person just tell them it is because you want to cover acne. I always say that, don't be ashamed of it! Its normal! Good luck!

Elizabeth Anne

Just say - You like it. Whatever! Its nobody's business to poke their nose in what you apply on your face.

Ruchi Jain

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