Must I put on Makeup?

During my early teens, I remember admiring how groomed some girls were even if they only had their brows done.  Me, on the other hand, didn’t dare to do anything to my myself, needless to say, my face!  I admired their courage, the reliable contacts they have (for brow, cosmetics, skincare etc) and the confidence they exude.

During my late teens, I decided to take that plunge!  I took up a modelling course and makeup class.  That was the turning point of my life!  It was something that started from WITHIN, where that confidence in me was waiting to be unleashed BUT it turned out that I learnt an important lesson too; people react differently when you are groomed!  To be precise, in a positive way! Though I started thinking that I didn’t want to be judged by how I look but I became convinced to make an effort to look good after experiencing how productive and efficiently things can be done when people react to you in a positive way.

Few weeks ago, the photo of our local singer Stephanie Sun spotted on the street went viral, resulting in many comments on whether she should at least groom herself since she is a public figure.  I volunteer with the Singapore Children’s Society regularly and in one of my visits a few years ago, a 5 year old girl commented ,”Jie jie (big sister), I like how you draw your eyes.”  I was speechless!  It was my eyeliner on my upper lash line.  I also realized you get better service in boutiques and make friends easily in networking sessions!  People like to hang around with like-minded people just like happy people attract other happy people.  At work, you will find that it is easier to make friends or receive help from colleagues when you look good.  The effort you spend on yourself also reflects how much pride you put into what you do.

So try it!  Go shopping on a day where you wear little or no makeup and another day with a nicely made up face and proper dressing.  You will notice the importance of putting on makeup!  This also goes to show the respect you have for yourself!

About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International).