Howdy, folks!
First and foremost I want to wish a huge Mazel Tov to Leah Caras and her husband on the birth of their little girl. She is so cute! (Leah, have fun with the pinks.) You should have a lot of nachas from her. Now on to beauty…
Spring’s in full bloom here (though it snowed on Shabbos). The buds are budding, and the sun is shining (well, sometimes). Pinks, purples and greens are spurting out of nowhere. I love this time of year; it reminds me of fresh and pretty beauty.
Beauty is one thing all girls enjoy. Although our moms constantly tell us we’re absolutely gorgeous without it, we all love experimenting with make-up. One time or the other, we raid our mothers’ make-up kits and experiment. It’s just a girly thing, you know. Not all moms allow it, so if your mother is like that, then don’t. You are beautiful without a stitch.
But if your mom gives you the go-ahead, by all means do. Weddings are also a great excuse to play around. But while you go have fun, keep these points in mind.
Whether for a wedding or you’re just in the mood of playing, less is always more. You’re going to groan, but it’s true. Last thing you want to look like is a clown. The key word with make-up is NATURAL. Make-up is meant to make you pretty, not cover you in a globby mask of different shades. And, please, no cakey make-up! Ugh!
If you’re going to buy make-up, you should know you don’t need to spend the big bucks. Nope! Tons of pharmacies, dollar and dime stores sell make-up and here’s the secret: they’re (Okay. Okay, almost!) as good as the ones in the fancy department stores. People often think that the more expensive wig, piece of clothing or lipstick is better quality. Most of the time, the difference is only in the price tag. In fact, many make-up artists go to corner shops to get inspired. And they’re the pro’s!
Make-up isn’t a new invention. It goes way back. In Egypt, the women’s mirrors were their prized possessions. When they donated them for the Mishkan, they were very dear to Hashem since He saw their sacrifice and He therefore used them to make the Kiyor (the special washing basin for the Kohen). Our grandmas used beets as lipstick. In a certain way, make-up is like a chain. By wearing it, you’re doing what women have been doing for generations. Our ancestors wore make-up in a nice and tzniusdik manner, so when you wear it, why not continue the chain? Why not wear it in a pretty and modest manner? You’re wearing it anyways.
But most of all, remember that outer beauty isn’t what counts, inner beauty is. It shines through and that’s the most beautiful thing of all.
Talk you soon, gorgeous girls!
Tonni
PS This is a flower from the cherry tree we used to make Birchas HaIlanos (the blessing on the trees) on. Isn’t it beautiful?
Hi Tonni, I just wanted to thank you for making sure to emphasize inner beauty. Although it’s true that we do always want to look our best, and being a shlump is disrespectful to ourselves and others, it is always important to remember that artificial looks are not all that matters. I recently read a really upsetting article that claimed that young women should be doing all they can (spending tons of money on make-up and clothes and even plastic surgery) in order to get a good shidduch. I think that article is wrong, and has halachic problems, and sends a really bad message to today’s girls.
So I just wanted to thank you for talking about modest make-up, that looks aren’t what really matter, and for presenting a really fair view of beauty and make-up.
I love how you write Tonni! When you say you don’t want to look like a clown, i am envisioning some girls we know (hmm…)and i can say that i definitely agree!
Thank you Tonni! I have never, ever worn make up in my life. My parents always tell me how beautiful I am, so I understood and thought it was cool when you put that part in. I guess that the complexion of the girl really makes a difference in the want to use make up.
Yes, I agree, Yael! when you put on make-up you don’t have to put on tons. a touch will do!
I personally think that we are pretty just how we are-directly how hashem made us, so I don’t wear make-up. but if you do, keep in mind these tips.
great work, Tonni! and I LOVE the picture! the blur in the back…great! did you take it?
Thank you for stressing the point where you only need a little. The girls here put on so much make up every day that 1. Its plain discusting and 2. They don’t even look pretty anymore. I mean what’s the point?!?
tonni im impressed you write so well!!!and yael i agree with you~!!!!!!uhhmm hhm!
;) yup