#IAMNOTMYMAKEUP

Hey everyone,

Lately, I have seen countless of alarming videos on social media that defames women for wearing makeup. The content surfacing social media has seemingly made a spectacle of what has been a female practice for decades-makeup. As I ponder on why society overwhelmingly makes these degrading memes, videos, and other disparaging imagery that associate negative connotations to makeup, I realized that #iamnotmymakeup. Makeup is a form of art and has different social and personal meanings. For example, several fellow makeup artists argues that they share a strong passion for makeup not because it's the "trending" occupation, but because of the art. As mentioned in my first blog post, makeup is for some an escapegoat from the world. Many makeup artists are mothers, hold corporate and demanding careers, supermoms, and etc. Makeup for some is an outlet that allows individuals to explore their creativity. Just so happen creativity can come from using intensely pigmented colors, glitter (we all love a little sparkle), bold lips, and the possibilities are endless.

After watching this video, I thought it was quite the transformation. Wait a minute? Isn't that what makeup has the power to do? Transform... Let's be honest here. How many of us has naturally defined brows? long flaring eyelashes? colored cheekbones? even all over skin? naturally strong contours of the jawbones, etc.... I will be the first to say that I don't have any of these features, but with the help of makeup it can be gracefully achieved. I wasn't shocked to see her transformation as I have seen tons of similar transformations. THIS IS ART!!! When a person can take a sparse brow to a uniquely defined brow, THIS IS ART!!. When an artist puts on eyelashes, THIS IS ART!!!. When an artist makes a rainbow on her eyes, THIS IS ART. When an artist uses paint to draw pac man on his/her lips, THIS IS ART!!! Seriously, one of my makeup followers will draw just about anything on her lips to perfection- THIS IS ART!!!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=282546048597218&set=vb.100005254747161&type=2&theater

While there is a  preponderance of imagery surrounding women wearing makeup, I seldom see artists take a stand for what they love. I think women and men should, especially makeup artists, makeup lovers, makeup enthusiasts should be more proactive in counteracting these negative messages about women who wear makeup.

Therefore, I decided to start a challenge, #iamnotmymakeup challenge. This challenge conveys the message that we are proud, we love what we do, we love our natural beauty, and we love ourselves. Makeup is simply an enhancement, not who we are. Makeup does not define who or what we are. Hence, #iamnotmymakeup !!! The collage should consist of two pictures, one no makeup picture next to your full face makeup pic using the hashtag #iamnotmymakeup. Lastly, on your non-makeup #iamnotmymakeup!!! Be sure to post it on ALL social media sites, tag artists to join, spread the word and share the love!!!

Be sure to follow me on social media- Makeupdiva901_ on instagram and Dominique GodsDivaMua Watson on facebook.

xoxox,

diva