I recently wrote about how the general messaging around beauty can be confusing and detrimental to the self-image and mental health of young people around the world. I also suggested that to break free from that women need to set their own standards regarding what is considered beautiful.
However, it is not lost on me that my words may come across as insincere to some seeing as I’m a skincare blogger who also writes about things like red lipstick and base makeup that are supposed to ‘enhance our beauty’, or in some cases even transform us into something else entirely.
So I’m writing this post to clarify what I believe in.
I believe that skincare is important
I consider myself a skincare blogger, not a beauty blogger. (I do that because ‘beauty’ is subjective. Skincare, on the other hand, is pretty straightforward.) I believe everyone should take care of their skin. It is our largest organ, after all, and neglecting your skin can lead to not just superficial damage but also serious cases such as melanoma.
The goal is to have healthy skin since often unhealthy skin is a reflection of something not being right at a deeper level. ‘Flawless’ or glass skin is not something I’m after. And even though I keep abreast of beauty trends, I do not personally follow them unless they align with my own skincare goals.
I believe skincare should be simple
My aim is to demystify skincare and share with my readers simple routines that just work for the oily skin type (which, I presume most people reading this blog would have). I use affordable, but respectable, products to help achieve this goal. You absolutely do not have to spend lots of money to establish a healthy skincare routine.
That said, if you want to splurge on and experiment with different products, go for it! Pamper yourself as much as you want to. After all, you set your skincare goals and devise routines that help you get there. Skincare is deeply personal and no two routines are the same, nor should they be!
I believe it’s important to share honest reviews
Skincare is a confusing topic for many. And it’s easy to see why.
There are so many products out there that promise to do all sorts of things. Skincare trends are difficult to keep up with and can make one feel like they are missing out on something important.
The blogosphere and social media are teeming with skincare bloggers and influencers that promote products they may not personally use. Even targeted recommendations from certified and well-meaning dermatologists might not work for everybody.
I believe there is a clear need for ordinary people like me (and you) to share their views on which products have worked for them and which haven’t, along with explaining why. So that we can learn from each other regarding how to best look after our special skin.
All my product reviews are 100% honest and uninfluenced. I only ever write about products that I have personally used. And if you have any questions regarding any of them, I’ll be more than happy to answer.
Makeup may or may not be empowering but it sure is fun
I’m not sure whether I believe in the whole ‘makeup is empowering’ sentiment.
If you feel you cannot step out of the house without slathering on makeup, then that doesn’t sound very empowering to me.
www.oilyskindiaries.com
However, if you are happy with your bare face but also do like the idea of playing around with colours and textures, then makeup is definitely fun. It is art. It enhances what you have. It helps you create something new entirely. That can be empowering.
But makeup isn’t your real face. Don’t lose yourself in the looks you create. If you feel inadequate or less than without your made-up face on, then makeup certainly isn’t empowering and it might be time to take a break from it.
Skincare is not beauty. Beauty is what you believe in
Having said all of the above, I do not confuse skincare with beauty. Skincare can help you get beautiful skin, but beauty on its own is something else entirely. And I believe every woman should define it for herself. Acne, freckles, pores, wrinkles… they are all beautiful. I believe we should see beauty in everything. Be kind to your skin. And to yourself.
Sorry if that was confusing, but beauty is a complex subject and I don’t think anyone should be telling us what is beautiful and what isn’t.
