Wednesday, April 10, 2013

A to Z: I is for Intimidation

Warning! Warning! Text post ahead!


This is going to be a feels heavy text post. Namely because I don't have any products that start with I (not yet, anways). 

This is going to be about intimidation. Fear. And how it can hold you back from doing what you really want to do.

Now I could go on for days about fear. I have anxiety disorder, and while I'm learning to get it under control, it does sort of cripple some of my life. Something I've never done before, even if it sounds like lots of fun? Nope. Not a chance. Spending time with new people without a person I already no? Ugh. Sounds awful. 

But today, I'm just going to limit this talk to the beauty industry. The world of makeup, and how absolutely, utterly terrifying it can be. 

You see, when you're battling anxiety, it can be tough to walk up to a woman at a makeup counter and ask for help. You know it'll help, but it's embarrassing to need help. Not to mention, she looks like a pro. Her contouring is perfect, her mascara flawless, her blush blended seamlessly into the apples of her cheeks. Surely, she won't want to talk to someone like you, who showed up with absolutely no makeup on. (Fun fact: always go makeup shopping barefaced. That way you know that the product will look good on you no matter what.)

And what about when you want to try something new, but you know you won't be good at it, so you don't even try? Like me and that Eyeko Eyeliner I reviewed a month or so back. I still haven't touched it. I'm scared that I'm just going to mess up and look like a goofball.

But here's a secret: So what? 

Makeup isn't permanent. It's not a tattoo. Or a scar. It can be washed off. Redone. Sure, it might take some time and effort, but in the end. there's absolutely no reason to be scared of makeup. 

It took me a long time to come to grips with that little fact. It took me years to be able to shop in the makeup section without feeling like a loser. Like a child wanting to buy her first lipstick. 

It's scary. And it's tough. I'm not going to be able to tell you that it's any but. The beauty industry is full of these airbrushed models and if we don't look like them, we're not good enough. Our eyeliner isn't straight enough. Our lipstick isn't quite the right color. Our contouring is nonexistent. 

But in the end, you just have to stand up and brush it all off. Despite the pounding of your heart. Even with the eyes of Drew Barrymore and Zoey Deschanel bearing down on you from those ads. 

Cause against it all, what really matters is what makes you happy. Period. End of story. 

And who knows, maybe one day I'll get over my fear of applying eyeliner. 

Until then, I'll take little steps, like painting my toe nails fluorescent green. Or perusing Sephora even those the sales people always seem to be judging me. 

Hopefully, you'll keep going, too. Even when you're scared. Or confused. Or intimidated. Cause in the end, your happiness is what matters most.

Thanks for reading!

2 comments:

  1. But in the end, you just have to stand up and brush it all off.

    Amen Sister! Much like you, I struggle with anxiety...so I understand what you are saying. Great post....text heavy of not! :)

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  2. I would like to speak to you as the person behind the makeup counter...Hello, can I help you with a foundation? You have such pretty skin, and I think this color with blend beautifully. (I'm thinking...wish I had skin like hers I wouldn't need so much makeup). How do you like this shade of eye shadow? I think it's just the color to bring out your pretty blue eyes. (I'm thinking...just look at those lashes...if I had them I wouldn't need these false ones).

    See there is another side of the counter, and you never know how YOU affect another person or event unless you TRY!

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    AtoZ LoneStar Quilting Bee

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