We all know – and feel – how much pressure there is on women today to look a certain way – perfect skin, perfect body, perfect hair, perfect clothes. Perfectly unrealistic. Our newsstands are stacked full of tabloid magazines promoting ridiculous features of celebrities “caught with NO MAKEUP!” as if that’s the most shameful thing to happen to a woman and to see her “naked” face is like some kind of circus act.
A few months ago when Kate Middleton stepped out in public for the first time to show off her 1 DAY OLD little Prince George, it was mayday in the British press as her figure had not yet gotten back to her pre-baby body and many were “horrified” that she would be seen that way. On top of pointing out that Kate didn’t have insta-washboard abs a day after giving birth, magazines obsessed over what her weight loss regime was going to be – as if that’s the biggest concern to a new first time mom. To be fair, there was a definite roar of backlash against these idiotic Royal watchers, defending the beautiful and proud new mama, but unfortunately, I’m not sure that damage like this can be undone. The horribly unkind pressure is not only put on Kate, but it sends a message to all women and girls is that we should be ashamed to look natural.
In my life, like most women I have been susceptible to this message – it’s not always easy to stay grounded and confident when nasty things are said about you or even others. It’s easy to become fixated on what you would change about yourself instead of appreciating the things you do love – appearance and otherwise. There have been times in my life when I have definitely been guilty of concerning myself too much with my outside appearance when I KNOW that’s not what matters in life. Loving, learning, growing, experiencing – those are what truly create happiness for me.
All of that said, I do realize that I have a fashion portion to my blog, and I’m not going to lie – I LOVE clothes, accessories, shoes, make-up… I love getting dressed up! And that’s also part of the gig with Love It or List It as well – I get dolled up, I have a professional makeup artist and hair stylist. I’m not saying there’s necessarily anything wrong with all of that as long it’s balanced by the recognition that it’s not real. They’re just clothes. It’s just makeup. It’s notme.
THIS is me. Make-up free. I’ve braved the bare face for all to see.
xo THE REAL Jilly
You look beautiful! Your skin looks amazing without make-up, you barely need it. What’s your secret!?
I absolutely love this. Thank you. As a mother of three girls I want them to be able to look in a mirror and not have that image define them. x