Ok, so I relate this story not to toot my own horn but to show how easy it is to get a random stranger to compliment you on your appearance.

The other day, I was walking down north Michigan Avenue and coming up behind me I hear a (very loud) voice:

“Now, I gotta come all the way downtown to find a sista’ with some real hair, and she ain’t got no makeup on.”

He catches up to me, and as he passes, he turns to me and says, “How you doin’ girl? You look so fine.”

So is this now the new barometer for what qualifies as “attractive?” 

• Sporting in public the hair that actually grows out of your scalp–Mine was pulled back in a ponytail, and I had a serious case of winter-hat head that day.
• No makeup–I actually was wearing some, so what does that say about my makeup applying abilities?

I took away from this brief exchange a somewhat saddened view of what my fellow sistas are doing to themselves in the name of fashion.  I do have to admit that I’ve seen some horrifying weaves.  And frightening wigs.  I’ve also seen hairlines destroyed from years of too-tight braids.  Ladies, just say no.  Take everything off of your head that did not spring forth from it, cut off all the damaged ends, and give yourself a good deep conditioner.

The same thing with the makeup–less is more.  The glitter eyeshadow with the fake lashes with the ink-brush, wing-tipped eyeliner with the red lipstick with the gloss is just too much.  Too. Much.  Back away from the MAC counter, apply with a light hand, and let your natural beauty shine through.

Then maybe you, too, will be approached by a complete stranger complementing you on the fact that you did next to nothing to get yourself ready for the day.