Painting my face

I wonder what people think of make-up when they really consider it. Me, I don't have much of a problem with it. It's not distorting the face; it's colouring it, enhancing it, bringing out what's already there. I love putting on a bit of make-up when I go somewhere that's not just the corner shop. It can also become something of an art-form. I have a friend who does the most amazing eyeshadow, all blended colours and beauty. It's incredible and really draws attention.

However, I'm aware that make-up can become too powerful. It can become a mask to hide behind. My younger sister, just about to turn 19, can't stand to leave the house without it. I remember a couple of months ago I dragged her down to the shop at the bottom of her road to get some snacks and she, at first, refused to go because she hadn't done her make-up. I eventually managed to get her down there without even a touch of mascara. She had her hood pulled forward as far as she could to hide her face, but she was still so impressed that she managed to go out without her mask that she phoned our mother to tell her.

It saddens me, because she's a beautiful young woman. Yes, make-up can be fun. It can bring confidence and that is never a bad thing. However, when it means that a person feels the need to hide what they have naturally every day of the week, even to a corner shop where no one will care, it's destructive and bad.

That is why I'm careful how often I use make-up. I don't want to get into that dangerous trap of thinking my own face isn't good enough for society. Just who am I trying to impress? I walk down the street and expect men to look at me when I'm wearing make-up. I'm not even that interested in men; it's just ingrained in my nature. I don't want that.