Fun, Feminine and Fundamental: In Defense of Frivolity
It will be the Year of Perfect Skin, I told myself. I had arrived at my mid-forties, and the mirror suddenly gave me a face crosshatched with creases. I was Portrait of a Woman Aging. I was a cubist composition,
In a year marked by perfect skin, the author found herself grappling with the harsh realities of aging. Her face, once smooth and youthful, was now marked with creases and blemishes. The author embarked on a journey to find solutions, beginning with an extensive regimen of creams, serums, and oils. The quest for flawless skin became a form of self-revision, a way to reclaim control over her appearance in the face of an impending global pandemic.
The author donned a mask and gloves, distancing herself from others while reflecting on the frivolity that comes with the territory of beauty and self-care. The frivolous, often considered trivial or insignificant, is a means of escape from the harsh judgments of society. It allows women to indulge in the pleasures of fashion, fragrance, and indulgence, momentarily forgetting the imperfections that plague their skin.
However, the term "frivolous" is often wielded as an insult, aimed at those who partake in such pursuits. It is a gendered criticism, directed towards women who invest in their appearance and enjoy the luxuries that society deems unimportant. The author argues that the frivolous should be embraced, as it provides an opportunity for self-expression and a respite from the constant scrutiny of the mirror.
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