Ever have those days when you need a little extra boost before leaving the house? For some of us it’s strong coffee or an outfit that always rocks. Others crave a kiss and kind word from a loved one to send them on their way.
But for me, it can be as simple as a little more make-up, the kind that stands out, instead of blending into my skintone like I usually prefer. Not that it’s necessarily a conscious decision to apply more. Sometimes it just happens and I’ll find myself reaching for a bold bronze eyeshadow before my eyelash curlers.
Next thing I know I’m lining beneath my eyes with an ebony pencil. Of course, those kind of eyes require lots of mascara so who am I to stop at just one coat? Oh, and a sculpting blusher to give the impression of razor-sharp cheekbones. Suddenly, five minutes have gone by and staring back at me is an obviously made-up face. So then I need a slick of gloss as the finishing touch.
Exactly how it all happens is a bit of a blur. But I do know I feel brighter and more confident at the end. Funny isn’t it what a touch of colour can do for a face?
Not that the story ends there. It doesn’t have to be make-up. I know plenty of women who find taking the time to do an actual ’do is like putting on a suit of armour. Without those straighteners (or perhaps the hypnotic effect of running them through the lengths), their confidence would be shot. Even if they had a toddler tip cereal all over their yoga gear an hour earlier, they now look fiercely together.
Whatever your feelgood beauty booster is, we’re lucky to have them. Being able to amp up our appearance is one thing but the positive overflow into the realm of self-assurance is entirely something else. Sometimes, beauty equals power. And that’s a beautiful thing.
What beauty ritual makes you feel powerful?
