I Don’t Know What My Eyes Really Look Like Anymore

Some mornings, I stare at my hazel eyes and wonder if anyone’s ever seen their real color—without the purple liner, the gold-flecked mascara, the careful dance of taupe and green shadow. I’ve spent years learning which shades make them look greener, bluer, more golden, like I’m always trying to prove something about myself through a trick of the light. It’s not just makeup. I pick sweaters and earrings like armor, hoping they’ll make my eyes pop enough that no one notices how tired I look. Sometimes I catch my reflection and don’t recognize myself unless I’m wearing the right colors. I wish I could remember what my eyes looked like before I started trying so hard to change them. #MirrorFatigue #BeautyBurnout #BareFaceAnxiety #Beauty #Makeup