Authenticity Isn’t Up for Debate: Owning Your Choices

Authenticity Isn’t Up for Debate

A few days ago, I was at work when a male coworker casually asked me, “Why do you wear makeup? Isn’t that too much effort?”

It caught me off guard—not because I haven’t heard comments like this before, but because it was yet another reminder of how often people feel entitled to question personal choices that have absolutely nothing to do with them.

What made it even more ridiculous? I wasn’t even wearing a full face of makeup that day—just concealer, blush, and mascara. The essentials. Nothing elaborate, nothing time-consuming, just a simple routine that made me feel put-together and confident. And yet, somehow, even that was “too much effort” in his eyes.

Let’s get something straight—I don’t wear makeup for anyone but me. I don’t dress up to meet anyone else’s expectations, and I certainly don’t need to justify my choices to someone who sees effort as an inconvenience rather than an act of self-expression.

Authenticity Is Personal

We live in a world where people are quick to judge anything outside of their own routine, their own comfort zone. But authenticity isn’t about catering to someone else’s preferences; it’s about embracing who you are, fully and unapologetically. Whether that means rocking bold makeup, dressing however you please, pursuing interests others don’t understand, or simply existing without explanation—that is your choice.

There’s power in deciding how you present yourself, and even more power in refusing to shrink just because someone else doesn’t see the value in it.

The Strength in Self-Expression

For me, dressing up and wearing makeup isn’t about vanity—it’s about confidence, creativity, and showing up in the world the way I want to. Maybe for someone else, self-expression looks different—like wearing whatever feels comfortable, embracing natural beauty, or curating a personal aesthetic that reflects their spirit.

Whatever it is, it’s valid. It’s worthy. And most importantly, it’s not up for debate.

Final Thought: Own It

People will always have opinions. Some will question, some will judge, and some may even try to undermine your confidence. But at the end of the day, the only opinion that truly matters is your own.

So whether it’s makeup, fashion, career choices, or simply existing boldly in your truth—own it. Show up for yourself, unapologetically, because you deserve to live freely, without needing permission.