The phrase “Qui a bu, boira”—”who once drank will drink”—carries an air of inevitability, a poetic reminder of how our experiences shape our tendencies. Yet, its inverse is equally true: “Those who never drank won’t drink.” This duality reveals much about how we engage—or choose not to engage—with makeup, beauty, and self-expression.
For those who “drink,” makeup can become a cherished ritual, an avenue of self-discovery and artistry. Each stroke of a brush or glide of a lipstick solidifies its role in their lives as a transformative practice. The act of adorning oneself becomes a cycle of joy and self-empowerment, repeated because it fulfills a need or desire, both aesthetic and emotional.
But what of those who never drank? For some, abstaining from makeup is a matter of choice or indifference, perhaps shaped by upbringing, personal philosophy, or discomfort with societal beauty norms. They may view makeup as unnecessary, frivolous, or even antithetical to authenticity. For them, the cycle never begins because the proverbial cup was never tasted—or it was and left a bitter impression.
The contrast between these two experiences underscores the complexity of beauty as a concept. To wear makeup is to engage with identity and visibility; to abstain is often to question or reject those same constructs. Both paths are valid, yet they highlight how deeply personal and cultural our relationship with beauty can be.
In makeup artistry, understanding this spectrum is key. For those who “drink,” the role of a professional is to enhance, educate, and inspire. For those who abstain, it may be about offering a safe, judgment-free exploration, should they ever wish to try.
So, whether you drink deeply or abstain entirely, the question remains: What does your relationship with beauty—through makeup or without—say about how you see yourself and your place in the world?