Still thinking about my material feminist self, I found myself talking with a student about what it means to live your feminism. We set out to talk about Lean In, bell hooks, intersectionality and a few other “big” issues.
But, as is often the case, we found ourselves reflecting on the little things we do and trying to understand the extent to which we are doing feminist or not feminist on a daily basis.
Which brings us to makeup (shakes fist). This is something I struggle with. Basically nothing about my physical body challenges dominant gender & beauty expectations for women. I shared that usually at least once a semester I find myself talking about makeup with students. It’s a popular topic (see this Shout Out JMU! post for an example). When these conversations come up I usually think to myself – I can go A DAY without makeup. This will be a good feminist exercise for me. I can go ONE DAY without makeup and reflect on the experience while also spending ONE DAY showing that I can still be myself even without makeup.
If you are wondering if this no-makeup-day has ever happened – the answer is no 🙁 Whyyyyy is this so hard for me. After my conversation with the student recently I decided today would be the perfect no makeup day. I’m working from home. My only outside the house plans are to take the dog to the groomer and go to the grocery store. Here’s what happened after I brushed my teeth:
I glance down at my makeup bag on the counter. It’s zipped shut. I think, ok, ONE DAY without makeup. But then I think, just a little mascara. So I slowly zip it open just a few inches at the top. I see the yellow tube. But I also see my powder brush and compact. I think, just a little dusting of powder. That hardly counts. So I open the case a bit wider. I pull out the brush and powder under my eyes, over my forehead, and across the bridge of my nose. Maybe just another once over. I look at my face and think, a little eyeliner goes with the mascara. So I drag the kohl over my lids. If I’m putting on mascara I might as well curl my lashes quick. I quickly zip the case shut. I look up and grab my lipstick without even thinking. I mean lipstick is not even really makeup, it’s just the basics of grooming.
So much for my ONE DAY without makeup. Sigh. Sometimes it feels really hard to be a feminist in body. Maybe I’ll add extra feminist posts on Facebook and Twitter today.