What is your make up? - For ladies only!
By Anna Atsu
What you like!
There is no one else like you!
You might hear these varying types of "You are unique," sayings.
Usually, the first one has a pinch of mockery and can serve as a joke, a friendly way of showing surprise by what someone has just said or done, akin to 'I think she's a lovely lady.'; the latter one is predominantly affirmative, resonating with admiration for individuality.
I promised a discourse on self-image, steering reasonably clear of slang, colloquialisms, hate crimes, or FGM, which are issues that populate my professional daily sphere. Despite these tempting distractions, I will keep my promises. Following my own rule-breaking on taking selfies in a frame of a sociological experiment, I will dive into self-image again with a truly lady-like perspective — so be ready for lots of drawing final lines about makeup and cars, of course! This time, sole reflection, with no contra-argument.
Makeup
Literal makeup holds significant importance for women. It encompasses far more than meets the eye—just a heads-up for those unfamiliar with its complexities — just saying, in case you are not a lady and you ventured into this world to find out what they really think.
Primarily, it's an art form. I know several artists skilled in professional makeup, adept at creating meticulously applied façades, from theatrical to film "monster-like stuff."
However, in everyday life, where the only cost is a "3 for 2" deal at a cosmetic drugstore, the application is often swift and casual, with little regard for the consequences of branded purchases.
Makeup embodies spontaneity, hastily applied and revealing its effects only upon reflection in the mirror.
For some, makeup is indispensable—even for mundane tasks like taking out bins —garbage, trash, rubbish bin, whichever you use in your country. However, a counter-trend has emerged, with individuals, typically older women, posting makeup-free photos on social media. It's a recognition that spending a lifetime to accept oneself is slightly too long. In contrast, younger girls often layer on makeup until their faces are barely recognisable. While the Japanese geisha style is revered as an art form, in daily life, moderation is key.
Why, then, does makeup hold such sway over our perception? It acts as a shield, concealing imperfections and fatigue, albeit imperfectly. Yet, some defy this societal norm, embracing their bare selves in defiance of societal expectations.
Cars
There is something about the cars that I can’t quite put my finger on. Perhaps it is not even about the make of the car but driving itself.
It’s a bit like self-image; we yearn for control, thinking about ourselves as “unstoppable”, reaching high and proudly achieving the desired version of ourselves, taking control over our life to confront humbling moments of stillness when faced with a red light. And what’s to hide, it is to check own image before leaving the car with a rushed coverage of makeup.
Thankfully, we glance into mirrors, confronting not just the road behind us but our reflection.
Interestingly, in Japan, there was a time when only fender mirrors (mirrors installed on the hood) were allowed. Modern car mirrors, akin to our inner perception, offer insights into what lies behind and beyond. The rearview mirror, positioned to gaze ahead, serves as a reminder of the self before the façade of makeup. In contrast, side mirrors reveal what we leave behind, urging caution against unseen dangers lurking in our blind spots.
You need side mirrors for checking the status of following cars while driving, checking behind you when changing lines or turning, checking the distance to obstacles and walls, even checking the boundary line when entering a garage.
Yet, like our self-image, these mirrors require maintenance. Neglect leads to obscured visibility, endangering not just ourselves but others on the road. Thus, we adjust, ensuring clarity in our reflections and foresight on the road ahead.
In the drive of self-discovery, we don’t end until our last breath, we navigate the complexities of perception, embracing both our adorned and bare selves.
So, as you gaze into these reflections, ponder not just the surface but the depths of self-discovery they reveal.
Don’t be scared to look at the mirror.
Enjoy your day!
Drive safely!
Ps: Following numerous requests on sending sleepy eyes photos:
Please enjoy looking at this morning's hot cookies, or if you don’t use American English and find British biscuits boring, have as many crunchy rounds as you wish.
