Hey y’all! Today I’d
like to tackle an icky-sticky subject that many Christian teenage girls are
curious about: makeup. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been
confused, clueless, curious, and captivated by the creativity of makeup. Perhaps you still are. You may also have lots of questions. Although I’m no expert on these topics, I’ve
been asked to write, and so I shall.
First off, let me say
that makeup is a definite “level 3” issue as far as spirituality goes, with
level 1 being the non-negotiables when it comes to salvation (believing the
Bible is true, Jesus lived a perfect life and died for our sin, etc.) and level
2 being the serious-but-not-crucial issues.
Level 3 issues might be better considered “personal preferences;” they
don’t have a clear right-or-wrong answer from God’s Word. This is the category makeup falls into. Unfortunately, level 3 issues are often the
cause of dysfunction and disunity among God’s people.
Let me quickly share
with you my history when it comes to makeup, so you have a better idea of where
I’m coming from.
Growing
up, I think it was generally understood that I wouldn’t wear makeup until I
turned 16. Although I occasionally had breakouts, I was in no way ashamed
of my natural, makeup-less face.
My 16th
birthday came and went, but I didn’t really speak up until I went to camp in
July and had the worst breakout of my life. I was supposed to perform on
a brightly-lit stage the next day, and I was petrified. It was the first time in my life I felt I
“needed” makeup, but I didn’t have access to any. Thankfully, my breakout
wasn’t as noticeable the next day, but when I went home I spoke immediately to
my mom about it.
The next day, my dad took me out to dinner
and gave me permission to wear makeup. In fact, he told me that I was
allowed to wear as much or as little as I wanted, confident I would do it
tastefully. It took a little time for my brothers to accept it, and I got
an awkward comment from a tactless person, but it was a fairly
easy transition.
Here are three questions to ask, whether you
are undecided about makeup or confidently wear it on a daily basis:
Why Am I Wearing This?
Always examine the “why.” Are you wearing makeup because you “need”
it? Does peer pressure play a part? Examine your heart and attitude concerning
makeup. I know people who are so
obsessed with makeup that they can’t leave the house without it, or they’re
constantly checking to make sure it looks perfect. If you have a stronger “addiction” to makeup,
going on makeup fasts would probably not be a bad idea.
Would Others Be Shocked to See Me Without
Makeup?
Your friends and family should be able to
recognize your face without makeup. If
they can’t, you’ve gone way overboard. Let
people get to know the real you, behind the face decorations. Don’t be ashamed
when you aren’t wearing makeup.
Does This Look Natural?
It’s not a beauty or comparison contest. Keep it natural, please. Its fine for it to be slightly noticeable,
but your face doesn’t have to shout “MAKEUP!!!” to everyone in the
vicinity. No one appreciates you globing
it. Try to go with a look that is natural
for your personality, too. Are you
extroverted, loud, and bold? Brighter
and bolder looks will probably work better for you than for someone who is
introverted, shy, and quiet. Remember,
the goal of makeup is to enhance; not to transform.
Remember:
being a Christian affects every area of your life. Although makeup is not a “spiritual” issue
per say, everything is spiritual in a sense.
The physical makeup you hold in your hands and put on your face is not
an issue; issues stem from your heart.
Your decisions in every area of life should be backed by the Word of
God, prayer, and wise counsel.
What excites me, personally, to wear
makeup? For me, it mainly comes down to
a couple things…
First, it’s because I simply just love
makeup! It’s fun, and there are endless
possibilities! You have different shades
and products which can create unique looks.
It’s part of my love for creativity.
Second, it’s because I like to enhance. My eyelashes are light because I’m a
redhead. Wearing mascara makes them
visible. :)
Third, it’s feminine! Makeup has always been and forever will be a
feminine thing to me. Same with jewelry,
long curly hair, nail polish, and other accessories. I think women should wholeheartedly embrace
their God-given femininity, and makeup can play a part in that!
I’d
love to hear your thoughts below!
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