How do you handle makeup in your house? This dad wants to know.
My daughter is almost four-years-old and she's taken an interest in the things my wife is interested in. Naturally this includes Chapstick.
I'm pretty sure makeup is just around the corner.
Every part of my fathering instincts wants to nip that in the bud.
I know I'm being overprotective. Thankfully my wife isn't a heavy makeup wearer. She has a natural beauty I'm still smitten by, and uses makeup moderately. I'm hoping my daughter follows her example.
Beyond these hopes for my four-year-old, I confess that I'm intrigued by this San Francisco Globe article demonstrating the power of makeup. Here are some examples:
It makes me wonder: is makeup making a comeback? If so, what are the implications for the next generation of girls (and future women) like my daughter?
What intrigues me is how this comeback is surfacing during the same time initiatives like the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty are gaining momentum. Perhaps you saw the viral video last year that gave everyone someone to talk about:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpaOjMXyJGk
One of the comments on the San Francisco Globe article seemed to sum up the tension between "real beauty" and makeup:
In my experience, wearing makeup has little to do with the man, but with how we as women perceive ourselves. We do it to feel good. It's a form of self care. That said, there are times when women wear makeup to impress, but that is not necessarily every day. Most women that I have come in contact with do not go to this level of makeup every single day. It's typically reserved for special occasions, like that ball gown or tuxedo or nice outfit. Makeup to this extent is more for specific occasions rather than everyday. - M. Irvine
I'm reminded of 1 Peter 3:3-4:
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
What are your thoughts on makeup and daughters? How is makeup handled in your home? Any advice for a dad with four-going-on-thirteen-year-old?
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This is an interesting subject. My friend actually has started a ministry based around the insecurities that fuel this. I think it’s vital to come to understand that the actual product and use of it isn’t the actual issue here, and to focus on the fact that there is something much deeper going on. Like that commenter on the other article said, women tend to wear make up more to feel good about themselves; to find a source of identity that they can feel secure in. If our source of secure identity comes from anywhere except Christ, we’re walking in fear (and that can easily turn into an idolatry situation). It’s hugely important to affirm all positive aspects of young girls and to point them to where they can find the truth about who God made them to be.
Just my 2 cents.