(Some Lighthearted Ones Too)

If you think beauty is just about your looks, you’re mistaken. I know this might sound weird coming from a makeup artist, but beauty actually has so much to do with self-empowerment and how we feel about ourselves. It’s about the way we see not only our lives, but the world as a whole.

Working as a makeup artist made me realize that the way you look is, of course, important, but that true beauty, true self-confidence comes from self-empowerment.

How many people have you met throughout your life who have this glow about them that you can’t explain? Sometimes they don’t even have objectively beautiful features (you know, the way the fashion industry defines traditional beauty). But still, they are beautiful, confident, and they have that special something you want to emulate. 

This, my friends, is only achieved through self-empowerment. 

I truly believe everything plays a small part in feeling more empowered as a person; from makeup and clothes to books and therapy. That’s why I wanted to share some of my favorite self-empowerment quotes for women.

(But really, these can work for men and non-binary people as well… self-empowerment is for everyone!)

These quotes are the ones I turn to most when I need to feel inspired. Those who follow me on my Instagram might have seen these before. I like them because they are fun, light, deep and beautiful at the same time AND because they remind me that I should love myself, no matter what.

1) “At first, they’ll ask you why you’re doing it. Later they’ll ask you how you did it.” – Unknown

2) “I’m so glad I don’t have a thigh gap. I almost dropped my phone in the toilet, but my legs were like, ‘ah girl, we gotchu.'” – Unknown

3) “We get so worried about being pretty. Let’s be pretty kind. Pretty funny. Pretty smart. Pretty strong.” – Britt Nicole

4) “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, and have found their way out of the depths. Beautiful people do not just happen.” – Unknown

5) “I like who I’m becoming. A lot.” – Unknown

6) “My neck, my back, my Netflix, and my snacks.” – Unknown

7) “This is your world. Shape it or someone else will.” – Unknown

8) “You will be too much for some people. Those aren’t your people.” – Glennon Melton

9) “May your foundation match your neck, concealer be creaseless, and winged eyeliner be sharp enough to kill. Amen.” – Unknown

10) “I’m not saying that putting on makeup will change the world or even your life, but it can be a first step in learning things about yourself you may never have discovered otherwise. At worst, you could make a big mess and have a good laugh.” – Kevyn Aucoin

11) “Pay close attention to those who don’t clap when you win.” – Unknown

12) “Remember when you wanted what you currently have?” – Unknown

13) “There are people less qualified than you, doing the things you want to do, simply because they decide to believe in themselves. Period.” – Unknown

14) “The idea is not to live forever, but to create something that will.” – Unknown

PS: Don’t forget to save these images on your own Pinterest page so you can be inspired by them too! Never forget how great you are, okay?

If you’re looking for some more makeup inspiration, I have a great blog post that lists the top 10 must-have makeup books for makeup lovers. Be sure to check it out if you love makeup and want to be inspired!