Ever since I moved back to Guyana, I’ve been asked, Kerry why do you live here? Why are you makeup artist? Why are you so enthusiastic about makeup, and keep insisting that everyone should pay closer attention to their appearance? Why is it important to wear makeup?Healthy hair in any hairstyle is accepted. But a healthy well-groomed face is pristine.
Makeup is becoming more of a trend lately with many young Guyanese women and teens flocking to YouTube for inspiration.
But do we really understand why our appearance is important? Why fashion and culture is important? Why makeup, especially as a public figure, is important?
Too many times, I turn on the local television stations and am appalled, turned off by the appearance of the TV personalities. “Why aren’t they wearing makeup?” is always the baffling thought that consumes my mind.
I often joke that my claim to fame is “being Enrico Woolford’s daughter.” He’s a popular former news anchor on Capitol News and his face was recognised by almost everyone I knew, everywhere I went, especially in Georgetown and New York City. As a result, his public appearance always matters. It would be blatant disrespect for him to walk around in slacks, and unpolished. That’s just plain rude.
As a public figure especially, such as a state minister, member of parliament, dignitary, government representative, it’s imperative that your face is well made up, because when you’re more likely to be photographed by the media. When you speak people look at your face. When you’re addressing Parliament, making speeches and PSAs, people look at your face. Therefore, you should always ensure you wear makeup, and wear it well.
A few past government officials have given makeup a bad rep, such as a former finance minister with the wrong shade of foundation you know, the ghetto barbies of the world. Maybe, they were misguided. No one is perfect, we’ve all been there and made those mistakes, that’s why it’s always best to learn from them, keep calm, then carry on our lives.
For the rest of us, when making public appearances, it’s important to show up looking your best. It’s a sign of etiquette. Good manners means having respect for those around you by showing that you care. It’s not fair to the rest of the world to watch you in agony. My late grandmother had a saying “don’t be sick, and look sick”
Even though I don’t agree with suffering in silence, I would prefer to fight illness fabulously in style.
Imagine showing up to a five star restaurant for fine dining, everyone dressed in gowns and you’re that one person dressed in slacks, casual jeans, and a fitted cap…stop! It’s not unique or stylish, it’s standoffish, and a cavalier disregard for civility and a vulgar attempt at destructiveness. There are other ways to incorporate personal style, without dishonouring a dress code.
The same rules and etiquette apply to makeup. There are times to be subtle and times to be loud and flamboyant…let’s keep things civil. Respect each other, respect yourself, and show the world that you care.