You don’t need makeup to leave the house: Why makeup isn’t the same as toothpaste

Originally published on Medium

I don’t care if you wear makeup.

But what pricks me is the saying you “ACTUALLY put on makeup today”. Such a common saying. It’s like saying makeup is as necessary as…

…Sorry, struggling to find a good comparison to another daily activity.

Oh, showering!

No, wait, skipping a daily shower can be good for the skin. Bad comparison.

Got it! Brushing your teeth. There we go.

Let’s start over.

What pricks me is the saying you “ACTUALLY put on makeup today”. Like makeup is as necessary as brushing your teeth. Like your bare face is the same as walking around with stinky breath.

I see that clean face. I see those groomed eyebrows and booger-free eyes. You have not neglected yourself. You have been taking care of yourself.

Please don’t equate makeup-free with unbrushed teeth.

Makeup is not the minimum of self-care. Clean teeth are.