Pretty Unpretty

These past few weeks have been hard on woman-kind. Is it just me, or has there been a giant wave of insecurity blanketing the so-called fairer sex? Things like getting makeovers and not feeling pretty enough today are constantly the topics of conversation lately, and I just feel like sometimes we girls are really too hard on ourselves.

Photography by Tata Yap

A couple of weeks ago, my teacher played the Dove Evolution TVC in class, after which he asked who among the girls think they are pretty. Only two ladies raised their hands–two out of 15. I’m not sure why, but this kind of struck a chord in me. I suppose because I was with seniors and I was expecting them to be a bit more self-assured. I mean, I think it’s a given that almost everyone blooms in their junior or senior year, or by that time feels more secure about themselves.

In another instance, my friend was criticized for posting her daily beauty routine after she was asked about it on Formspring. The person insinuated that she would probably be ugly without her routine, and was high maintenance or something to that effect. It seemed like her routine was simple enough, and maybe even required by her skin doctor, yet someone still found that as a fault.

It goes both ways, I guess. You take care of yourself and put some effort into looking presentable everyday, and people say you’re too vain. On the other hand, you come as you are, wash and wear, and are dismissed as homely.

I really don’t think there’s anything wrong with “working on” your prettiness. Maybe you need more concealer today, after staying up until 3am writing your paper (or watching Mad Men, whichever). Or go ahead, visit the dermatologist if you have to. You feel like sporting curls today? Sure. Do what makes you feel good about yourself.

But I draw the line at well, cosmetic surgery. Do you dislike parts of yourself so much that you have to literally chop things off or something? Do you honestly need that to look presentable? Plus, it’s just too expensive for people our age. And there are other ways.

I don’t want to pretend like I never have days (weeks) where I feel like an ugly duckling, but I’d like to think I have a positive outlook about myself. Enough to admit that even if I’m a bit rough on the edges, I’m still quite charming. I know I’m not unfortunate-looking, for the most part! And yeah, it does take a little work. Anyone who tells you that their beauty is effortless is lying. Even Giselle Bundchen, the goddess that she is doesn’t wake up looking like that, I’m sure. I’M SURE! What I’m trying to say is it’s okay to feel ugly sometimes, but do something about it so that you will feel that way less and less over time.

I miss my super long, super thick, bionic hair

One of my favorite quotes, one which I usually repeat to myself when I’m almost at the end of a painful workout, is from Helena Rubinstein, a lady who ran a cosmetics company which rivaled that of Elizabeth Arden’s in the early 19th century. Though she was actually a very beautiful woman, there was something she was still willing to admit: “There are no ugly girls, only lazy ones.”

First photo involves two of my best friends, Rose Santos and Tata Yap. Photo was taken for a requirement for my Advertising Management class. Thanks, guys! ILU

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