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Why I Don't Wear Makeup: A Story of Abuse

It happens every once in awhile.  A well intentioned friend will ask why I don't wear makeup. Some even have the audacity to tell me that I would be prettier if I wore it.

The truth is, wearing makeup doesn't make me feel more beautiful.  In fact, it reminds me of when I was in an abusive relationship.

I used to wear make up regularly.

I used powder and foundation to cover up finger print shaped bruises left on my neck.

I blended eye shadows to match the purples, blues, and browns of my black eyes,

I wore lip gloss and lip stick to cover up fat lips.

For  years, I wore makeup to hide.  To cover up.

I wore it to hide what was going on inside my home from the outside world.

The first day that I didn't have to wear makeup was one of the best days of my lives.

Some people wear makeup because it makes them feel beautiful.

But not wearing make up, it makes me feel free.

So, please, stop asking.

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