I knew my Grandma meant well, but even then I knew magazines like this were obvious traps. Magazines like that are built to boost and then sell to the insecurities of young girls and women. This isn't some conspiracy theory shit...think about it.
"Oh no your pits smell, boys wont like you." kind of messages.
"Use our product so this wont happen to you! Boys will find you attractive!"
In my High School years I wasn't big on make up but I later got into heavy black eyeshadow. Make up became like doing art every day--just on my face. I could use any color eye shadow and have fun with it.
Make up never felt like an obligatory thing for me. Same with fashion. I started shopping at Thrift Stores in Jr. High for my own clothes. This was also when I first bought men's clothes and began to dress in drag. I sought out retro looking clothes and funky David Bowie style jackets. Anything that glittered. I was never a slave to fashion, and certainly not brand names. I hate clothes shopping and hated trying on clothes. Most girls in my age group seemed to love it, while I hated it.
"Don't read beauty magazines they will only make you feel ugly."
- Baz Luhrmann "Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen"My advice to young girls would to NOT read beauty magazines. Simply put, they are only focusing on physical appearance and stupid "issues." Not to mention, the images on the cover and inside are Photoshopped more than you'd believe. Read a book, read a magazine on something that interests you. There are magazine publications on Architecture, Science, Gardening, Animals, and just about anything you could think of. I would suggest you nurture your interests instead of investing in the crap-shoot that is teen/beauty magazines. Beauty magazines put emphasis on appearance not passion, hobbies, and careers.
I remember reading sci-fi books and engaging my imagination. I studied the text in Astronomy Magazines and even Star Wars Insider. I focused on art, I wanted to read about what interested me. Clothes and make up just didn't. They were alright, but not as interesting as music and art. Because of that, emphasis was put on my insides, on my passion, hobbies and intelligence. I idolized people like Joan Jett, because she could rock! I also found a great role model in Princess Leia, who was tough and strong. Fashion models were never the sort of character I idolized.
Being pretty was somewhat alluring, but what had me more was who I was inside. I was a good person, who cared about plants and animals and doesn't want to hurt anybody. I always try to do the right thing, and I have a lot of love for the things that I am passionate about. I am a good friend, and an honest but thoughtful person. These are the sorts of things I'd encourage young girls to focus on. Beauty fades, and it doesn't matter how much plastic surgery you could get---you will still be your age. The key is to get to know yourself and be aware of your bad traits but don't use them as excuses. Be self aware and open to evolving. Change is inevitable and often scary, but if you look at is as evolving it's much more empowering.
In my early teens I expressed interested in the drums which was an uphill battle. Most parents want their kids to play piano or even guitar. Drums are big and loud. But after my intentions didn't waiver over time, I was able to get a beautiful blue Ludwig set. I was over the moon. I focused on drums and read Drummer magazines and started to study drummers. Keith Moon and Ringo Starr were easy early influences, but Sheila E really became my drummer idol. I saw her perform live a few times with Ringo Starr and his All Starr band and she was incredible.
I daydreamed, read books and played my drum set in between listening to music on my stereo. I had no interest what so ever in anything teen magazines had to offer. In my honest opinion, that is why I turned out so well. People often remark how well adjusted and self aware I am, I will attribute that to music.
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