Chapter 1: The Art of Concealment

In this poem, I reflect on the intricate relationship between makeup and self-expression. The act of applying makeup becomes a metaphor for masking emotions and coping with life's challenges.

As I adorn my face with color, I find myself layering on not just makeup, but also the emotions I wish to conceal.

Section 1.1: The Canvas of Emotion

I transform my tears into shades of crimson, a rouge that blends seamlessly into the canvas of my complexion.

Subsection 1.1.1:

I build upon layers, where black mascara streaks intertwine with curled lashes, representing both beauty and the fear that lingers beneath. My foundation lies not just on the surface; it seeps into the depths of my being, as if my skin breathes beneath oceans of emotion.

Chapter 2: The Colors of My Soul

This first video titled "SETTING POWDERS FOR BEGINNERS | A Complete Guide" offers insight into the art of applying setting powders, ensuring that your makeup remains flawless while embodying the layers we all carry.

Moods swirl within me; lipstick shades shift from bold ruby to timid taupe. In the morning, I embrace the warmth of a sunrise, but by evening, I am enveloped in a storm.

The second video, "How to Apply Perfect Finish Translucent Pressed Powder - Makeup for Older Women," provides guidance on achieving a perfect finish, reflecting the delicate balance of self-care and resilience.

Eyeliner becomes my boundary, a subtle yet profound delineation around my wilting gaze. It prompts the question: Do you see me or merely the façade I present?

Anxiety strokes my canvas, blending blues into purples and grays, leaving my palms stained with the remnants of my struggles. I wipe, smudge, and begin anew, caught in a cycle of color—a cycle that never reveals the clarity of my tears, always shrouded by vibrant hues.

The whispers of colors speak in tones, where undertones mask the screams muffled beneath a glossed smile.

I dip into glitter gloss, allowing it to shine until the stars fade, yet I continuously redraw the lines of my identity.

The blush I apply is a fleeting touch to revive my pallor, mimicking the flush of life that often feels absent.

The vanity reflects the fractured aspects of myself, as I observe each stroke, blot, and blend, concealing cracks with vivid swatches.

In the end, I ponder whether it is the palette of colors or the pain that truly defines me. Makeup serves as a metaphor for the coping mechanisms we employ to hide, alter, and reconstruct our identities, celebrating every woman who faces the world despite her internal battles.

With gratitude to Debra G. Harman, MEd. and the team at Imogene’s Notebook— © Misbah Sheikhh 2024