Why I Don't Wear Makeup or High Heels

Note: This was not written to judge, shame, or condemn anyone. I believe that whether or not you wear makeup or high heels is ultimately between you and God. I know many kind, Godly women who wear makeup/heels, and I respect their right to make that choice. Issues of personal preference should not divide us as Christians. Ultimately, it's not what we wear that matters—it's what's in our hearts. That being said, I want to share my perspective on this issue because I feel like it's relevant to my life. 

Reason #1: Makeup and high heels are expensive.
• Makeup and heels come with a high price, both money-wise and body-wise. As Christians, we're called to be good stewards of our resources, including money. I feel that it's irresponsible to waste money on makeup and fancy shoes when it could be spent on more worthy causes. Also, we're called to treat our bodies as temples of God. I don't think that clogging my pores with makeup and exposing myself to all those chemicals would be a wise decision. Neither is injuring my feet and straining my calves with high heels.

Reason #2: Makeup and high heels have become a symbol of vanity and low self-esteem.
• Some people claim that makeup is "empowering" and "a form of art." But in my experience, most people wear makeup to cover up their perceived flaws. I know women who won't even leave the house without layers upon layers of makeup. I also know women who wear heels because they feel self-conscious without them. That is NOT the kind of life I want to live! As Christians, we should be grateful for the features that God has given us. We should be confident enough to be ourselves without hiding behind a "mask" of makeup/high heels.

Reason #3: I want to be a role model for girls who challenge the status quo.
• As women, we need to realize that young girls are looking up to us. They are watching (and imitating) the things we do. I don't want younger girls to feel pressured to wear makeup or high heels that could damage their bodies. I want them to know that it's okay to just be themselves. Girls are feeling the pressure to be pretty at a young age. Are we, as adults, responsible for that pressure? I sure think so. And we need to do something about it. 

"Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works." —1 Timothy 2:9-10