New Year's Resolutions: Here's a Beauty Revolution for 2020 (No Apologies!) by Eva DeVirgilis

“Sorry, I know, I look like crap.” If you’ve said these words recently, I respectfully request that you ... knock it off.

For the past 10 years, I have noticed a devastating pattern: within the first three seconds of sitting in my makeup chair, almost every woman apologizes for the way she looks. I’ve heard clients utter the above phrase about themselves more times than I can count. I didn’t see my clients’ “flaws.” I saw beautiful, complex, accomplished women.

But here’s the thing, I’ve said it about myself, too. Any time someone gave me a compliment, my first reaction was to make a self-deprecating joke. So, I became determined to kick the habit and decided to turn my makeup chair into an "apology-free zone." (See my sign below.) It worked. It was the perfect little reminder for my clients and me.

The takeaway? Something as simple as a Post-it® note, a knowing nudge to a friend or a text to yourself may be the boost we need to rid the planet of negative self-talk in 2019. This year I’m once again renewing my “No Apology Revolution.” When the urge to criticize myself or my looks arises, I’m going to respectfully remind myself to knock it off.

Won’t you join me?