beau•ty (byoo-ty) | cheeky choices

I can never be seen in public without any sort of cheek color.  Without it, I look like the walking dead and I always rely on some sort of blush, powder or cheek stain to liven up my face.  Since I can't always depend on the cold weather (even in the Chicago winters) to give me that rosy cheek effect and pinching my cheeks to get the color doesn't last very long, I have handful of favorite cheeky products to give me the color I'm looking for.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

|What is your go to cosmetic that you can't leave home without?||

beau•ty (byoo-ty) | makeup remover

There used to be a time (ie my college days) where I'd stumble home late night after hanging with friends and the last thing I wanted to do was remove my makeup.  Of course that always meant the next morning I would wake up with mascara smeared under my eyes and half my makeup smothered all over my pillow case.  Luckily I've learned from my mistakes and have become diligent about removing my makeup as part of my routine every night.  

I've tried a handful of different removers and like many products out there, I found that it's very hit or miss.  After trying multiple makeup removers, I found that there are 3 that I could confidently say did the job and the best part?  It fits with any budget!

Great:  Neutrogena's Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes.  

• Starting price point: Less than $7 (if you opt to only buy the refills minus the container)
• Why it's great: 
• You can buy them virtually anywhere (ie: Target, drug store, grocery store)
• It doesn't require any water
• Perfect for removing makeup on the go (great for traveling especially if you carry on)
• Can double as a stain remover for clothes

Greater: Bliss Lid and Lash Makeup Remover

• Starting price point: $16
• Why it's greater:
• Doesn't require water (but I still rinsed my face after use to get rid of any residue)
• One pump goes a long way
• If you stick it in the fridge for a good hour, reduces puffiness from your eyes after a sleepless night or a night of bawling from seeing a chick flick

Greatest: Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil

• Starting price point: $39 (Yes it seems a little extreme for makeup remover, but it really is the best)
• Why it's greatest:
• Requires only a small amount of oil
• Leaves skin moisturized after rinsing with warm water
• Removes stubborn waterproof makeup
• The calming scent helps you relax - perfect right before bed (sometimes I put a little extra oil on my temples right before bed)

|Are you a stickler about removing makeup before going to bed?  What are some products you recommend?|

beau•ty (byoo-ty) | kelly from path to positive

Every week, I introduce you to a blogger who has been kind enough to share their story about a feature they love now that once brought insecurities and how they learned to love it. Together, these women will help re-define beauty in their own words and will hopefully help others feel more comfortable in their own skin because each of you are beautiful - you should feel that way everyday!

Meet today's beauty Kelly from Path to Positive.

What is your favorite feature that you didn't always love, but have learned to appreciate?

My lil elf ear.

I think I finally started liking it when my mom began telling me that my ear got stretched a bit when I was being born. 

Apparently, while she was pushing some angels grabbed a hold of my ear as a way to keep me in heaven with them. They were going to miss me too much. So she says.

What made you learn to love it?

I've come to love it through that story. Obviously, fictitious. But I just loved the idea of it. The magic behind it all.

Now I understand it's quite fun to have these little quirks.

They are what make us different and separate from the rest of the world.

There is no one else in the entire world that is like you. Pretty cool, huh?

Any advice for other beautiful women out there who struggle with being comfortable in their own skin?

Honestly, it took me a while to figure out what I was going to say.

There are so many image issues that women fight off on a daily basis. Sadly, it is all stirred by the mass media we unconsciously consume. I could've easily had said cellulite. But honestly, I may never come to terms with it. I may never love cellulite. I've been hardwired to loathe it. 

All I can say is that if you say you LOVE yourself. Then you should treat yourself accordingly. Talk about yourself in a positive light. Hug yourself. Thank yourself and in turn you will love that self of yours.

beau•ty (byoo-ty) | laura from the blog of worldly delights

Every week, I introduce you to a blogger who has been kind enough to share their story about a feature they love now that once brought insecurities and how they learned to love it. Together, these women will help re-define beauty in their own words and will hopefully help others feel more comfortable in their own skin because each of you are beautiful - you should feel that way everyday!

Meet today's beauty Laura from The Blog of Worldly Delights. 

1. What is your favorite feature that you didn't always love, but have learned to appreciate?  

It took me a long time, and sometimes I still struggle, but I've come to really appreciate my curves. I've never been a skinny girl, even though all my life I've always pined for a waifish figure. I was always jealous of my sisters who are sizes 0-2 because clothing seems to just drape off of them just as I imagine them when I see them on the rack. Growing up in Asia having my build/shape was hard. I was constantly teased because I was already 5 ft. tall when I was 8 and had already obviously hit puberty. That plus not being stick-thin fueled a lot of insults that stayed with me even though I'm pretty thick-skinned. I was also raised in a very conservative household/culture, and showing off one's figure is really frowned upon. So I wore a lot of baggy clothes to hide my shape. Now, I am more comfortable wearing clothing that shows it off and flatters it. 

2. What made you learn to love it? 

My husband actually made me learn how to love my curves. This is gonna sound cheesy/ borderline-NSFW, but he calls me his Venus Naturalis. As opposed to the Venus Caelestis, who is more ethereal, the Venus Naturalis figure is earthy, sensual, and very curvy. Think of a figure perfect for child-bearing (though I'm not thinking about kids right now!)-- full, rounded, and soft. My husband has really helped me realize that my shape is perfect just the way it is. I can try to mold it as much as I want to, but if I don't love myself now, when else will I ever do?

3. Any advice for other beautiful women out there who struggle with being comfortable in their own skin?  

I really believe that whatever insecurities women have with their bodies are purely mental. That said, it should be easy to change one's view on their bodies because all one has to do is change your mindset on it! I've been using this strategy shared by Bella (from One Sister's Rant), and it's really helped a lot! Every single day-- and especially at times when you don't feel so hot-- look at the mirror. Don't just glance. Don't just take a peek. Really LOOK at a mirror and tell yourself, "You are a beautiful woman." Do it as many times as you need until you feel the message has really sunk in. Once you know you're beautiful, you'll start acting more confident!  

beau•ty (byoo-ty) | butter london

Ever since I decided to paint my own nails I've found a sense of peace doing it. It requires concentration, a steady hand and deep breaths, but I'm getting the hang of it. In fact I'm finding it to be very therapeutic and actually get really excited about painting my nails, especially when I get to test out some new colors.

For awhile I've been admiring and gawking at the various colors available at Butter London.  Since I used to never paint my own nails I would only rely on the colors available at the nail salon and they never carried the brand.  Now that I've promised myself to paint my own nails more often, I'm so excited to finally try the polishes that I've heard so many great things about.

I have to say that I'm truly a sucker for packaging, so I was ecstatic that the bottles are just as cute as the Butter London site.  I was even more excited when I pulled off the top cap and found that each brush handle has a different little icon that represents their brand. 

Painting your own nails is truly an art and requires a lot of practice, but I appreciate that Butter London has a wide brush to help ease the difficulty in the process.  I can't wait to try the other colors and I'll definitely be checking out their site often to keep me up to date on the hottest colors of the season.

And just in case you're like me, still trying to perfect painting your own nails, here's something that might help you "stay within the lines".  Just remember to allow at least 2 minutes between each coat to help your nails dry quicker.

via pinterest

|How did you perfect the art of painting nails? Any specific brands you love?|

beau•ty (byoo-ty) | emily from the daily fashionista

Every week, I introduce you to a blogger who has been kind enough to share their story about a feature they love now that once brought insecurities and how they learned to love it. Together, these women will help re-define beauty in their own words and will hopefully help others feel more comfortable in their own skin because each of you are beautiful - you should feel that way everyday!

Meet today's beauty Emily from The Daily Fashionista. 

1) What is your favorite feature that you didn't always love, but have learned to appreciate? 

I had to learn to appreciate my hair color, actually. I grew up not being allowed to highlight or dye my hair, so once I moved out of my parent's house I went crazy with hair dye. I was tired of being a strawberry blond and really wanted to try something completely different. I did thick highlights first then I started doing color. I even went a little crazy after my wedding but before the honeymoon and chopped off my hair and dyed it black. I've been a brunette, auburn, and super light blond. Sorry to say I don't have too many pictures of that time in my life, since I was so self conscious around a camera. But if you look back in my blog archives you can see me as a brunette.

2) What made you learn to love it?

I started to identify my hair color with my heritage. My maiden name is Kenyon and literally means "fair haired" or blond. My dad, my sister and some of my cousins all share this color. Plus I didn't know anyone with my last name so it kind of made it feel more special to me. Oh and my family is originally from northern England which is where our name is derived. 

 

3) Any advice for other beautiful women out there who struggle with being comfortable in their own skin? 

Your born with what you have. I think that going the total cosmetic route and changing up your look temporarily is fun for a little while, but sometimes its the original features that we have that set us apart and make us more interesting! I may dye my hair again, but for now I really like having my real hair color and I also love the fact that I don't have to worry about maintenance! 

beau•ty (byoo-ty) | brittany from brilliance of b

Each week I've been introducing you to a new blogger who has been kind enough to share their Beauty story.  Today's blogger not only has a great lesson that we all should learn that will help us appreciate our own beauty, but she's someone I have a short history with.  

Meet today's Beauty - Brittany from Brilliance of B.

My first rendezvous with Brittany is actually one for the books.  We met in Mexico this past summer at our resort where we sipped on cocktails (emphasis on plural) and got to know each other.  Even though we talked a bit of fashion and style, surprisingly neither one of us mentioned that we were bloggers.  Fast forward to September when Brittany stumbled upon my blog and the rest is history.  It's crazy how small this world is, isn't it? 

1) What is your favorite feature that you didn't always love, but have learned to appreciate?

My lips! I LOVE lipstick and I always felt like my lips were too big to wear red or bright pink. I've learned how to make those bold colors work by applying a liner close to my skin color. Now, I can't stop wearing bold lipsticks!

2) What made you learn to love it?

What made me learn to love it is by daring myself to wear bold lip colors out in public. I would gradually purchase colors that I would NEVER purchase just to see how I could make it work for my lips.

3) Any advice for other beautiful women out there who struggle with being comfortable in their own skin?

B.ecause

E.veryday

A.n

U.ndeniable

T.ruth

I.s

F.ulfilling

U.r

L.ives 

No matter how true the things we don't like about ourselves come to surface daily, we must embrace these things and love them because it is who we are. Be true to yourself and love every part of it! :)

Definitely check out Brittany's blog - she not only has great style, but has the 411 on Boston's fashion scene.

beau•ty (byoo-ty) | pretty powerful

I started my Beauty series because we often spend too much time concentrating on the things we hate about ourselves that we never see all the things we should love.  It's difficult to not dwell on our imperfections, I do it almost everyday, but we should all remember that we control our own confidence and can learn to love what we hate most.  I'm a strong supporter of any campaign that helps empower women, so I was thrilled to hear that Bobbi Brown's Pretty Powerful Tour of America was coming to Chicago.  The campaign follows Bobbi's belief that every woman is beautiful without (yup without) makeup, but with the right makeup women can feel powerful. Her belief is that makeup shouldn't transform you into someone you're not - it should help showcase who you are.

Saturday morning I went sans makeup (something I never do) to Nordstrom at Northbridge Mall and was greeted by Shawn and Holly who are part of the Bobbi Brown team.  I sat down after snapping some pics and Shawn went right into teaching me about Bobbi's philosophy, as well as Pretty Powerful (which has been around for over a year).  I absorbed anything and everything he had to say, feeling so inspired by her passion for empowering women to embrace their true beauty.  As he was giving me the scoop on Pretty Powerful, he was teaching me how to feel confident with every step of my makeup routine.  Shawn did an amazing job listening to what I told him was important to me (cheek color and eye liner) and I left not only feeling empowered, but motivated to help other women feel the same way.

We each have a story to share about what helped us become more confident about our looks.  Now with Bobbi Brown's Pretty Powerful initiative you can share your story for a chance to be the next face of the Pretty Powerful campaign.  Even if you don't feel like sharing your story, definitely read (and vote) on the stories that have been submitted by other women.  It's amazing how much more confidence you build just by reading stories from people who are just like you.

Thank you to the wonderful team at Bobbi Brown (Shawn, Holly, Jasmine and Kelly) for giving me an opportunity to experience Bobbi's philosophy - I'll definitely do what I can to spread the good word!

|To quote the Pretty Powerful mantra: Be Pretty. Be Confident. Be Who You Are.|

beau•ty (byoo-ty) | katy from modly chic

Every week, I introduce you to a blogger who has been kind enough to share their story about a feature they love now that once brought insecurities and how they learned to love it. Together, these women will help re-define beauty in their own words and will hopefully help others feel more comfortable in their own skin because each of you are beautiful - you should feel that way everyday!

Meet this week's beauty - Katy from Modly Chic.

1) What is your favorite feature that you didn't always love, but have learned to appreciate? Without a doubt - my height. I am a little over 5'9" and have a 35" inseam. 

2) What made you learn to love it? I grew up in a tall family and loved that fact. It was something I took for granted and thought was normal, until I graduated college and suddenly found myself in the working world and inches taller than some of my male colleagues. As a reporter you want people to find you approachable and I worried about my height being a detriment to that. I love heels but ended up wearing flats all the time. It wasn't until a blog reader started leaving comments on my posts telling me I looked frumpy and should switch out of the flats. I made it a habit to wear heels all summer no matter the height of the people I was with and I ended up loving my height all over again.

3) Any advice for other beautiful women out there who struggle with being comfortable in their own skin? Do something that challenges that misconception. For me it was about allowing myself to rediscover something I used to love. For others it could be about discovering a first love.  

beau•ty (byoo-ty) | kileen from cute and little

Every week, I introduce you to a blogger who has been kind enough to share their story about a feature they love now that once brought insecurities and how they learned to love it. Together, these women will help re-define beauty in their own words and will hopefully help others feel more comfortable in their own skin because each of you are beautiful - you should feel that way everyday!

Meet this week's beauty - Kileen from Cute and Little.

1) What is your favorite feature that you didn't always love, but have learned to appreciate?

My legs. I've always blamed my short legs for my lack of height {I'm a shortie at 5'0"}. I've always envied women with long legs that go on for miles only to look at my short stumpy legs with frustration. I used to shy away from wearing shorts and jeans that would make me feel like I had sausage legs and it's only through trial and error that I've found styles that flatter the lower half of my body without making it look bottom-heavy.

2) What made you learn to love it?

Realizing that I should be grateful that I have strong legs that have let me travel the world and taken on such adventures as climbing the Great Wall of China, backpacking through Japan, and even winning a few trail races back in my competitive running days. My legs may be muscular instead of skinny, but they've definitely served me well throughout the years.

3) Any advice for other beautiful women out there who struggle with being comfortable in their own skin?

Finding style that works for you and your body type is always a work in progress. Don't always succumb to trends but also don't immediately write off certain styles as un-doable. I always keep an open mind and am willing to try out different things from time to time. You never know when something might just strike your fancy and push the limits of your fashion boundaries!

I never thought I'd be wearing skinny jeans, but here I am!

beau•ty (byoo-ty) | liz from 26 & counting

Every week, I introduce you to a blogger who has been kind enough to share their story about a feature they love now that once brought insecurities and how they learned to love it. Together, these women will help re-define beauty in their own words and will hopefully help others feel more comfortable in their own skin because each of you are beautiful - you should feel that way everyday!

Meet this week's beauty - Liz from 26 and Counting.





1) What is your favorite feature that you didn't always love, but have learned to appreciate?
My hips.

Truth be told, it’s been a bit of love/hate relationship. Growing up as the hippy {and I do not mean that in a bohemian kinda way} tomboy I didn’t know how to dress for a body that grew up quicker than me. Almost all of clothes I wore in middle school and high school were a size too big – I tactic I used cover up the fact that I had hips. Anything that fit felt a bit revealing and unnerving - so I stuck to jeans and t-shirts and went about my business. I took me a while to realize that dressing this way wasn’t doing me any favors. I didn’t look smaller or less feminine. I looked frumpy and sloppy. Slowly, I started to embrace my shape and began dressing in a way that better suited my figure. Finding clothes that fit are definitely difficult task, but it’s such a great feeling when I find something that does.





2) What made you learn to love it?
Wearing clothes that actually fit. Why it took me so long to realize, I have no idea – but wearing clothes that fit {and fit well} really helped me feel more comfortable in my skin. It also meant finding and making friends with a tailor. While a lot of things fit right from the store, not everything does. And rather than keep something a bit baggy, I take it my trusty tailor and let her work her magic.

And I am still learning to love it. Blogging, of all things, has really helped too. Taking photos of my outfit is really eye opening to what is flattering on my body. Before blogging I wore mostly slacks to work – and now I am pencil skirt fiend. Who knew that a hip hugging skirt would be become my favorite work wear staple?





3) Any advice for other beautiful women out there who struggle with being comfortable in their own skin?
Take it day by day and pay attention to fit. If you invest in clothes that truly fit you feel and look 100% better!

beau•ty (byoo-ty) | kinsey from in kinsey's closet

Every week, I introduce you to a blogger who has been kind enough to share their story about a feature they love now that once brought insecurities and how they learned to love it. Together, these women will help re-define beauty in their own words and will hopefully help others feel more comfortable in their own skin because each of you are beautiful - you should feel that way everyday!

Meet this week's beauty - Kinsey from In Kinsey's Closet.

Growing up, I was really insecure about my chest. I developed early and always felt pretty self-conscious when all of my girlfriends were in undershirts and training bras and I skipped right to the real deal. I always liked attention, but never for something outward like my breasts. As I got older and started becoming more active, they just simply got in the way. Sports bras never gave enough support, dressed rarely fit right, and whatever fit my waist never fit my chest. It has been a pain finding clothing that hit all the right spots with these things. I get a lot of unwanted attention because of my curves, and that can make me really uncomfortable and self conscious!

Even though there are some big (pun intented) drawbacks to large boobs (nothing fits, rude gawkers, back pain, never being able to go braless), I have found that in doing In Kinsey's Closet I have learned to love the way I look. I used to be so concerned with what others thought of the way I dressed and looked, but now I realize that we all are who we are and that can be a beautiful thing. I can rock a plunging neckline, fill out a beautiful top, and have something to hold up those cute strapless dresses that always fall down on other girls! I love retro looks from the 50s and I feel that having a little more up top always helps!

There were times when I wasn't 100% comfortable in my skin, and frankly I have my self-conscious moments almost daily. Once I realized that my biggest enemy was myself (listen Kinsey, no one else noticed that pimple until you pointed it out!) I started giving myself some major self love. Even if I had to fake it sometimes, I became a lot more confident once I decided I wanted to be. It's all about giving ourselves a pat on the back. Yes, you DO look hot in those jeans! If we feel good on the inside, we look good on the outside. It's cliche, but cliches are repeated so often because they're true!

beau•ty (byoo-ty) | lisa from archives vintage

This is my new post series called "Beauty". Every week, I'll introduce you to a blogger who has been kind enough to share their story about a feature they love now that once brought insecurities and how they learned to love it. Together, these women will help re-define beauty in their own words and will hopefully help others feel more comfortable in their own skin because each of you are beautiful - you should feel that way everyday!

Meet this week's beauty - Lisa from Archives Vintage.

1) What is your favorite feature that you didn't always love, but have learned to appreciate?

Well, I can’t say this is a “favorite” feature, but it’s one I’ve had a struggle to appreciate: mah boobs. Get ready for a little over-sharing....

I went through puberty fairly early (as in 10/11 years old!), and one of the first signs was my (quickly) growing chest. By the time I was 13, my bra size was the same as my mothers. I didn’t think much of it - not like I had much of a choice in the matter. Then, one day in 8th grade, the boy who sat in front of me in class turned around and accused me in front of the entire classroom, “Lisa, stop stuffing your bra! Don’t you think everyone notices they’re bigger everyday?!” As a shy kid, I was totally, utterly mortified.

As I got older, I realized not all boys thought my boobs were worth joking bout. In fact, some men like them so much, they feel it’s all they need to look at when trying to hold a conversation with me. One co-worker from an old job would without fail, always talk to my chest and not my face.

Wearing bathing suits, button-up shirts, anything form-fitting is difficult. I often have to buy larger sizes so a garment will fit my boobs, and then have it tailored down everywhere else. I spend a lot of time trying to conceal them!

2) What made you learn to love it?

Wearing the right bra!

Remember when I said I wore the same size bra as my mother at 13? Well, as my breasts grew..I never bought bigger bras (why?!). When I was in my early 20’s, I got measured at Victoria's Secret. They told me I was a D cup. For all of my adult life, I had been wearing a B! D cup bras provided some relief from falling straps, overflowing cups, etc. But something STILL wasn’t quite right. (note: Victoria’s Secret only sells up to a D cup). A few years later, I got measured at a different retail store which informed me I am actually (for real this time), an F CUP! Now that I am wearing the proper bra size, they are much better supported. I have less back pain, and my garments fit better.

Oh, and I’ve never had a boyfriend complain about them, so that’s a plus ;)

3) Any advice for other beautiful women out there who struggle with being comfortable in their own skin?

In regards to breasts, I would definitely recommend getting professionally fitted. It makes all the difference!

beau•ty (byoo-tee) | shannon from laughing is loving

This is my new post series called "Beauty". Every week, I'll introduce you to a blogger who has been kind enough to share their story about a feature they love now that once brought insecurities and how they learned to love it. Together, these women will help re-define beauty in their own words and will hopefully help others feel more comfortable in their own skin because each of you are beautiful - you should feel that way everyday!

Meet this week's beauty - Shannon from Laughing Is Loving.

Hi there readers of Defining Tabitha! I’m Shannon and I’m so glad, honored really, that Tabitha asked me to contribute to her blog. When Tabitha initially asked me to write about beauty and what feature I loved about myself, I was truly stumped as to what I would write about.

Being a human being, insecurity is part of the package; and I’m sure we can all relate. Having a great group of family and friends to surround me in love and support definitely helps me get through the tough days. But the biggest victories are the days where I can pull myself up by my bootstraps, take a look in the mirror, and smile in thankfulness for what I have.

After many years of mulling over what I didn’t have, I learned to be thankful and appreciative for what I did have – and it even applied when it came to my looks!

Personally, I have always struggled with my weight. It’s certainly a burden that many people, especially women, have carried for a long time. For me, it’s been something I’ve dealt with my whole life. I don’t think I’ve ever been small as long as I can remember – and being 5’5” by the time I was in 5^th grade certainly didn’t help.

In recent years, I had let my weight get out of control. I ballooned to 260 lbs and on my nearly 5’6” frame, that’s far too much weight to bear. Thanks to some dedication and sweat equity, I managed to drop some serious weight and move toward something that’s healthier for me.

So, now, my favorite feature is my body!

Sure, it’s still no size 6, but I have learned to love my curves and really learn how to appreciate them. What helped me learn to love my body was finally learning how to dress it, especially once I’d lost the weight. I had to learn to camouflage what I didn’t want to be seen (like my arms) and work with what assets I really liked (like my legs). That meant:

·         Heels or flats with a pointed toe to accentuate the leg line

·         Lots and LOTS of vertical stripes

·         Wearing cardigans

·         Belts, belts, belts! (Especially of the high-waisted variety)

Now that I’ve learned to love and appreciate my body, I do have some advice for the ladies out there who may be feeling the same insecurities that I once felt.

·         If you want to change your weight, take steps to do so! The way that I got started was by joining a gym with some friends from work and that accountability really pushed me to work harder on being healthy.

·         Don’t sweat the size. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I will never be a size 6 or weigh 110 lbs – it just doesn’t work for my body type. Don’t force yourself to be a certain size or weight – just aim to be a healthier you!

·         Make a list of what you (and your friends) love about you. This may sound really ridiculous, but writing out those affirmations really can turn your frown upside-down.

·         And most of all, always remember how lucky you are to be you and to look the way that you do. Despite the imperfections that you see, someone out there probably wishes they looked like you! Rejoice in the good things you have in your life and that positive vibe will soon spread.

Xoxo,

Shannon

beau•ty (byoo-ty) | katie from fashion's maven

Inspired by Marie Claire's monthly feature, "What I love about me", this is my new post series called "Beauty". Every week, I'll introduce you to a blogger who has been kind enough to share their story about a feature they love now that once brought insecurities and how they learned to love it. Together, these women will help re-define beauty in their own words and will hopefully help others feel more comfortable in their own skin because each of you are beautiful - you should feel that way everyday!

Meet this week's beauty - Katie from Fashion's Maven.

1) What is your favorite feature that you didn't always love, but have learned to appreciate?

My height. All through elementary and middle school I wasn't just the tallest girl in class, I was the tallest person. It made me self conscious and I worried I was always going to be taller than everyone else. In my mind, it made me stand out and I wanted to blend in.

2) What made you learn to love it?

Once I got to high school, things started to even out more and I wasn't the tallest person anymore. I was still one of the tallest, but 5'8 doesn't stick out as much in high school as it does in middle school. And what's so bad about being tall? Why was I letting it make me self conscious? I started to realize the only person it was a big deal to was me.

3) Any advice for other beautiful women out there who struggle with being comfortable in their own skin?

There aren't many obstacles in life that you can't work around in some way. Throughout school, sometimes I would have to buy clothes a size or 2 too big so they'd be long enough to meet the dress code but my Mom would just take them to get altered so they'd fit right. Once I stopped viewing being tall as a problem, it became easier to be comfortable with it.

beau•ty (byoo-ty) | lisa from respect the shoes

Inspired by Marie Claire's monthly feature, "What I love about me", this is my new post series called "Beauty".  Every week, I'll introduce you to a blogger who has been kind enough to share their story about a feature they love now that once brought insecurities and how they learned to love it.  Together, these women will help re-define beauty in their own words and will hopefully help others feel more comfortable in their own skin because each of you are beautiful - you should feel that way everyday!  

Meet this week's beauty - Lisa from Respect the Shoes.

What is your favorite feature that you didn't always love, but have learned to appreciate?

My freckles! And I am sorry to say that dependent on the day, I still have a love/hate relationship with them! But they are part of what makes me Me and I don't think I could be the same Lisa without them.

What made you learn to love it?

Honestly? Part of it was knowing that short of doing something drastic, my freckles weren't going anywhere - I have very pale skin so any exposure to the sun and "pop, pop, pop" come more freckles - so I learned to live with them. And another part of it was accepting that was just the way I was born. Though they are a lot less prominent than mine, my mom has freckles too, so I like to think that these "little sprinkles" are a gift passed down from a woman I love dearly.

Any advice for other beautiful women out there who struggle with being comfortable in their own skin?

As much hoping and wishing we do, there are some things that can't be changed, so we need to learn to love and accept ourselves for the way we are. Believe me, life's just easier and more enjoyable that way. It has taken me a long long time to come to terms with many of the features I didn't like - including my freckles - but as I get older, I am not only growing more comfortable with them, but learning to love them. There are not a lot of Asian gals out there with freckles, so they make me unique. They are a sign that I am a healthy active human being who loves to be outdoors and enjoy the sun in my face. Plus I always thought freckles made me look young, so they will hopefully work to my benefit as I get older! 

beau•ty (byoo-tee) | bessie from bravoe runway

Individual beauty is something that even the most confident person struggles with.  We're so judgmental about our own beauty that sometimes instead of appreciating the features we've been given, we spend too much time wishing we had something else.

I've always admired when bloggers have the courage to open up and share stories about what they're self-conscious about and how they overcame their insecurities about it.  It makes those people more real and I know at least for me, it's reassuring to know that I'm not the only who has felt that way.

Inspired by Marie Claire's monthly feature, "What I love about me", I'd like to introduce my new post series called "Beauty".  Every week, I'll introduce you to a blogger who has been kind enough to share their story about a feature they love now that once brought insecurities and how they learned to love it.  Together, these women will help re-define beauty in their own words and will hopefully help others feel more comfortable in their own skin because each of you are beautiful - you should feel that way everyday! 

With that said, meet my first beauty Bessie from Bravoe Runway.

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“What’s that thing next to your lips?”  If I charged a dollar each time I was asked this question as a kid, I’d be independently wealthy now!  Birthmark, mole, beauty-mark, whatever they called it, it was certainly not from a mess I made with my chocolate cupcake!  Ahhh…..the joys of being a child!   A time when you are inquisitive and want to ask questions about everything without knowing the long term effects!  As I grew older, I had mixed emotions about my birthmark.  Year after year, my mom would ask the pediatrician “Should she keep it or remove it,” as the doc checked to make sure it didn’t turn hazardous. 

My parents always told me that my birthmark gave me character, but why did it have to be so obvious?  I always felt like when kids were talking to me, they were talking to my birthmark, not to me, personally.  Conversely adults at dinner parties would marvel at it and say, “Wow, it’s what makes her face unforgettable!”  Over time, the unforgettable comments overshadowed the forgettable comments, and soon after, I emerged from the shadow of “that thing next to my lips,” what I call my “birthmark!”  However, you may call it anything you’d like, a birthmark, a mole, or a beauty-mark!