Beauty was your armor. Fragile stuff, all show. But what's inside you? That's steel. It's brave and unbreakable. And it doesn't need fixing. ~Leigh Bardugo
I never realized how true this quote was until I experienced it myself. People often say that beauty is vain, but when you wear it like armor, it can give you strength—especially in moments you didn’t know you needed it.
Greetings, wonderful @ladiesofhive. It’s me, Iris from East Java, Indonesia. I want to dedicate this post to all the women who are struggling in silence yet still find a way to keep going—because the world won’t stop just because we need a pause
Recently, I received shocking news that turned my life upside down. I felt distracted, helpless even. But I still had to keep moving—because work, motherhood, and daily responsibilities don’t wait. There are people who rely on me, and I can’t let my personal turmoil spill over into their world.
Actually I didn't really like putting on make up more than necessary. Usually it was just a mosturizer and sunscreen when I had to go out because I sweat easily and didn't really bother to touch up. I add some light foundation, cushion, and lip tint for work if I have spare time, but sometimes just a light powder if I was running late.
But lately, I’ve found myself spending more time on my makeup. I needed that extra layer—not just on my skin, but on my emotions. It felt like a shield, a way to show the world (and myself) that I was okay, even when I wasn’t. Maybe it’s a defense mechanism, but looking “put together” helped me keep my composure.
It might sound silly to care about appearances when it doesn't have anything to do with my line of work. But when I looked in the mirror and saw someone who looked nice and well, it gave me a small sense of calm. After all, being perceived as beautiful can bring a little joy—especially when the inside feels chaotic.
Of course, I know that in our lowest moments, even taking a shower can feel like a big achievement. The urge to curl up in bed and shut out the world is strong, because believe me, I really want to do that right now. And if that’s what you need, take the time. But when life doesn’t allow a pause, maybe taking care of yourself can help you face the day.
Looking presentable made me feel more capable of handling my problems than when I felt like a complete mess. If you’re in a similar place, maybe this small ritual can give you courage too.
Because we know that deep inside, behind those layer of uncertainty, we made out of steel that unbreakable and doesn't need fixing.
So, stay courageous. Stay confident. And if that means putting on a little “armor” in the form of makeup or self-care, embrace it. It’s not vanity—it’s strength.
Thank you for reading, and may you find peace, courage, and self-love wherever you are. See you around, ladies..