Do you feel beautiful? It’s a simple question… or is it? A lot of how we feel about ourselves has to do with the perceptions of those around us. We convince ourselves that if they think I am worthwhile, gorgeous, and spectacular… than I am. But what about when people don’t give you the satisfaction of proclaiming you as beautiful? What then?

Looking for Self Worth in Other’s Eyes
Being at the beck and call of other people’s opinions or ideas of beauty is like being a maid for the worst kind of client. You can do everything you can to change yourself, mold yourself, and make yourself to please that person, only to feel emptiness when they don’t appreciate you.

You can’t get your image of beauty from other people’s opinions, whims, or statements of taste.

Looking for Self Worth from the Beauty Industry
You may turn to the media or the beauty industry in order to find a standard of beauty to live up to. For African American women, especially, this can be difficult as media and beauty advertisements continuously leave us wanting more… more diversity… more variety… more shades.

It is a little known fact that African American women in the US spend billions of dollars on beauty care. According to Essence Senior Beauty Editor, in 2012, African American women spent 1.2 billion dollars on beauty care products (Source).

And as Natural Belle beauty blogger explains in her post titled “Look Who's Misrepresenting You: The Beauty Industry and Women of Color,” there is also a need for cosmetics that cater to African American women in the UK.

In short, there is a lack of beauty products that complement the broad range of African American skin tones.

What’s more, since commercial make up has been exposed for containing harmful chemicals and toxic metals, there has been a shift in the beauty industry for natural or green beauty products. But these natural or green brands still draw a blank when it comes to including products for African American women.

You can’t get your image of beauty from an industry that does not represent you.

Yet, You Are Still Beautiful

"You are all together beautiful, my darling and there is not a blemish within you." Song of Solomon 4:7

True self-worth and value can only come from the one who created you, Jesus. When you embrace His love, His affection, and His grace, you can experience a confidence and peace like never before. Who does Jesus say you are? He says you are His child (1 John 3:1), His friend (John 15:15), His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10), His chosen one (1 Peter 2:9), and He delights in you (Zephaniah 3:17).

“We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love, live in God, and God lives in them” (1 John 4:16).

Cherish you: An Open Letter

Hello beautiful. Yes, you. You’re a lovely sight…

Truly beautifully formed and fashioned. You are more than you think. Yes, you. And you will always be beautiful, a queen, a diamond. It does not matter what others may say, every part of you is the word “glorious” at its best. From your hair to your feet you are washed with beauty. So love you… love your hair because it is a part of you. Love your skin because it is how God made you. Perfect and blemish free. Cherish you today.

Love,
Natural Sunshine

Give your own shout outs of encouragement! #PepTalkTuesday

More: Hello Beautiful! Beauty Products for African American & Multicultural Women