For the first time in my professional life, I found myself on a business trip/day without make up. That is correct, all that money and preparation to have two sets of make up provided the perfect storm for me to head to my bag after a shower and discover I had left both sets at home. I felt panic. Then, as I do in a stressful situation, I started talking myself through the problem. First, the scenario. I am in Denver. The owner of the rep group we partner with in the US is picking up my and me in about an hour. We are going on sales calls. I call down to front desk in the hopes they are selling cheap mascara. I have no hopes of this hotel fulfilling “if you forgot something let us know and we will bring it to you”. But I thought possibly they had a cheap line sitting on the shelf for the last year or so. Nope. Nada. Nothing. OK, no problem, as I now wear glasses. I can hide behind them…wait I have sunglasses. I can wear them! Once Jerry arrives I will simply state my issue and demand to be taken to the next Walmart or CVS. Problem solved. But wait, I have this nagging thought. What does my need for makeup say to my boss and the owner of a partnered company. That I’m much too professional to be seen in public without make up? That I’m such a Princess I am going to make these two men wait for me while I get comfortable in my own skin. Or, do I own it and go through the day as is? I make my choice. I’m going as is. I did joke with my boss about it. We made jokes in the car. But overall, no one cared. Mind you the only three people who knew me were men and could give two hoots if I wore make up. I wasn’t hideous. I gained some confidence. And after all of it, I made my second plan. I need make up for the corporate golf tourney I am attending. But realized I would have only really panicked in Chicago. All those people know me.
What I learned. I’m OK just as me as long as I’m me and truthful to what I’m trying to accomplish. In this case, business.
Confession. It helped that I had shaped my eyebrows, tinted my lashed and happen to have self tanned my face.
Baby steps. I don’t want to lose this little lesson so I can grow and be natural when I want or need.
Solution…found my brand of make up in the airport. Bought less, will use less. Corporate golf tourney…I’m ready
- from Sharl
Sharl, what an amazing story. You’ve captured your experience and thinking so well. This is just the kind of personal story and insight that will make your kindness project connect with women. I’m in awe! Thanks so much for sharing this.
As I always tend to do, I’m making connections with my own experiences and I’ll have reflections later if you want to have a discussion.
– from Erin
I agree, this is a great story!! Some things we should explore (because I think it’s safe to say that we all have our “things”, they just might not be the same “things”.
1. Why do you need make up for the Tourney? I’m not saying it’s wrong, because I’m certain I would feel the same, but I think the why is important for us to understand. For example, is it that women must be made up for this event? that you don’t feel attractive enough without it for the higher end crowd? that is just makes you feel good and raises your confidence? I would like it if we (women) viewed make up like clothes – where whatever makes you feel beautiful. I guess the corollary is something like “if it doesn’t make you feel attractive, it’s not because you aren’t beautiful, it’s just not the right outfit for you”.
2. why did you point out to the man in the car that you weren’t wearing makeup? did he notice? Now that I think about it, this might be like asking “why did you point out to the man in the car that you weren’t wearing pants” haha!! makeup is to some degree and extension of our outfit, isn’t it?
3. this leads to a whole series of questions around the things that we do to enhance our appearance. Like hair colouring (check), hair removal (check), tanning, nail colour (check), botox, etc.