We’ve all seen the Dove commercials telling us to embrace our natural curls and discouraging misconceptions of ourselves fueled by low self-esteem. They are beautifully crafted, and after watching them, many of us feel somewhat empowered.
But that was last night. It’s morning now, and you’re sitting at your desk, applying cover-up all over your face and straightening every stray hair. Your judgment of your appearance is at an all time high right now. Each day we meet new people and question what they might see in us. So how do we extend the natural beauty empowerment beyond the span of the 30-second Dove commercial spot? How do we change, or rather return, the definition of beauty to its most natural state? Unfortunately, my friends, it takes more than just buying the newest Dove deodorant on your next trip to CVS.
Realizing the beauty that every girl possesses, without layers of artificiality, has never been more important. The age of women empowerment is gaining speed quicker than ever. Just listen to Patricia Arquette’s Oscar acceptance speech from Sunday night. Yet we continue to perpetuate our insecurities by dousing our faces in makeup for a single class rather than letting our true beauty shine.
article.wn.com
College is a time of discovery: discovery of who you are, who you want to be, and most importantly how you will make your mark on the world. However, we live in a culture of hyper-sexualized degradation of girls everywhere. Balancing the constant fight to be treated equally while making self-discoveries is increasingly difficult as we are persistently pulled to be the girl others think we are and the girl we truly are. I urge you start here: reexamine the ways in which “outside image” plays a role in your life and how it has affected you recently.
The makeup you wear does not define your personality. Your mascara doesn’t make you any less of an amazing person. Truest beauty really does lie within our souls. Yes, it sounds corny, but the more people you meet, and the more challenges you face in life, the more you will find this to be completely true.
The time that we dedicate to obsessing with our image in the mirror could serve a much greater purpose. We just need to let go, realizing that our inner beauty is the only thing that will matter in the long run. Yes, it can be extremely difficult to do this when trying to impress others we respect, but the ones who truly matter will remember you for your sense of humor, not your eye shadow.
Positive energy is radiated naturally. The concept of calculated beauty is not, yet it’s spread so easily across our culture. So next time you apply that smoky eyeliner, try to focus on what makes YOU beautiful from the inside out, rather than what you have to add, or change, or cover up. Your value to the world and those around you comes from your personality, not your appearance.
The era of female empowerment is here. What kind of women do we want our grandchildren to read about? Strong, confident, and natural women? Or beauty obsessed drones? Thankfully, we have the power to be empowered.
strategyonline.ca
cover photo from huffingtonpost.com