Lipstick

 

The day I turned 12, I felt pretty much the same as the day I turned 11. I was entirely sure, though, that the day I turned 15, things would change. That’s when I would start wearing lipstick. No one told me that. I simply thought it was the age when one began some sort of makeup routine. (Remember, there were no influencers or TikTok tutorials; less pressure to do “grown-up” things.)

So, when I turned 15? I didn’t start wearing lipstick. No urge, no nothing. Was I an aberration? And anomaly? Still a baby? 

But really, when did most adults first put on makeup? How did it start? Did someone like me wake one morning with a sudden urge apply mascara? I had a great relationship with my parents, yet I was too embarrassed to ask.

I don’t remember the first time I dipped a toe into my (still) minimal routine. The only thing I do remember is buying a compact with several shades of green eyeshadow. (As a side note, I took that to college with me and tried to tint my face just green enough to look like I was sick to get out of a date with this guy I really didn’t like. Seriously. Why did I say yes to him in the first place?)

I suppose, the point of this post is something like this: Adulthood, the theme of the month, in any way, shape or form, does not rely on a calendar. There is no appointed time, no right or wrong stage, to start being or doing or going or thinking. It took me a while to become totally comfortable with that notion but ever since I have, life's been really, really good.

Jody Feldman often puts on a bit of makeup before she goes out. Not always, though. Her characters? She hopes the ones she really likes get dolled up only if and when they want.