Ladies, Listen Up!

There is a vast pool of information flooding the internet. However some content can only be described as questionable at best. Following are some famously searched topics-

How to look fair ?
How to apply makeup so a popular boy likes me?
How to look like a model?
How to look beautiful despite your ugly features? The ridiculous list goes on.

What is it that can be found in almost every woman's purse today? Tissues? Sanitary napkins? Perfume? All close answers. But the real deal, apparently, is makeup.

Women have been presented with impossible beauty standards since a long time. They are supposed to look young, spotless and dignified wherever they go. But guess what, women are only as imprefect/perfect as other living creatures. They are prone to the hazard of imperfections just as much. Sadly, whenever a pimple, blemish or scar strikes, most women immediately grab their tool kits of make up and hide it all up. It is an almost annoying practise in a World which only preaches to "Be You". You want to know another annoying thing? Oh yes, that's patriarchy. Society has conditioned women to believe that whatever they are, is simply not enough. You don't need to look further than the shiny advertisements for cosmetics that promote beauty above all. However, in my opinion, women are just so so very much more than that. I cannot differentiate a kajal from an eye liner if held at gunpoint, and I am weirdly proud of that.

Here are some scientific reasons which might solidly convince you to avoid makeup -

1. Toxicity of chemicals- Cosmetics are, at the end of the day, man-made. They are filled with chemicals which accumulate and harm your skin. I remember reading a report in my chemistry laboratory not too long ago. Makeup from all the popular brands was tested, and no product was free of harmful chemicals. This includes the M.A.C products ( the ones that normally cost more than your left kidney). Most of them also showed cases of serious adulteration.

2. Skin allergies, infections, reactions, or even cancer can be triggered by the harmful substances present in them.

3. Premature aging of skin- which ironically even makeup will not be able to hide.

4. Animal testing is another cruel practise which has not stopped till date.

In short, do not allow makeup to be a medium of validation of your existence. You were not born to be eye candy. That is to say, I am not against makeup; just the general thought behind it which bothers me. So ladies and gentlemen, if red lipstick makes you feel powerful, go for it. Use it as a tool of expression not oppression. Just remember, Beautiful is as Beautiful does. Be You- truly and always. Cheers!