My complicated relationship with my mom and makeup

I remember it like it was just yesterday. I came home to all of my makeup scattered and broken on the floor. My mom standing over them, waiting for me to explain myself.

Needless to say, my mom is against my relationship with makeup. To this day, she doesn’t understand why I love it so much. It’s such a shame because our relationship would be so much better if she could just accept it.

Every now and then, I imagine what life could be if my mom, myself, and makeup would all get along. This is how it would play out in my mind.

I get to be inspired and learn beauty secrets from her.

The reason why I love the NARS Claudette Collection so much is because of the fact that it’s a collection inspired by the mother of François Nars. I wish I could watch her apply makeup and pick her brain to find out what her beauty philosophies are.  

I get to share makeup with my mom.

This one is really frustrating and somehow heartbreaking. One time, out of curiosity, I secretly looked at my mom’s makeup bag when she was asleep. I wasn’t surprised. Inside were pressed powder that hit pan already, a nearly dried up mascara, short eyebrow pencil, and two lipsticks.

My mom is frugal and practical, which is why I know she’s all about functionality. I just wish I get to share my makeup with her. I tried buying her new makeup before, but she only questioned why I decided to buy her makeup instead of something more useful.

We could go makeup shopping together.  

Whenever we’d go to the mall, my mom would randomly ask me if this particular mascara or lipstick is nice. I respond with general statements. “Oh, I heard good things about that mom,” or “I think that will good on you.” You see, I’m worried that she might be testing me.

We could give each other a makeover.

My mom doesn’t need one - she’s gorgeous with and without makeup, but I just think it would be so much fun if we could do each other’s makeup. Like I mentioned earlier, my mom’s all about functionality, which is why she never experiments with makeup. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but I would love to see her in a bold red lip or a smokey eye. Also, I wonder what look she’ll choose for me.

We would be closer than ever.

I consider my mom my best friend. However, sometimes, she’s like my worst enemy. It’s hard that I don’t get to share a big part of myself with her. I know that if we overcome this obstacle, our relationship will soar to new heights.

Letting my mom know that I still love makeup to this day is easier said than done. I’m afraid of so many things. I don’t know how she’ll react. I do know, however, that the only way to find out is to try.

Maybe the reason why she can’t accept my love for makeup is because she has yet to accept me for who I am. Our relationship - that’s the relationship I need to work on first. Then, we can talk about inviting makeup into the picture.