GRWM | My Minimal Makeup Application & Thoughts on People Telling Me (and Women) to Smile... 

I'm applying foundation and a natural lip color while discussing my thoughts about people telling me (and women in general) to "smile!" or that I should have animated facial expressions for no reason. To me, this is odd. I don't smile unless I have a reason. But beyond that I think it's indicative of a broader topic and how women, in particular, are perceived or expected to present ourselves to the public. It makes me laugh whenever someone asks why I'm not moving my face while doing my skincare routine, for instance--I always want to ask whether that person moves THEIR face while cleansing & applying lotions... (Perhaps they do?!? Maybe some people do contort their features while washing themselves.) I really don't know, but what I do know is that I'm content; my not having a fixed smile on my face at all times doesn't mean that I'm discontent. People express themselves how they do, and not everybody is the same way. I'm going to continue being who I am. There is boundless strength in being exactly who YOU ARE. Always be who you are. xx

When a man in public tells me to smile, I respond “No, you smile.” And they often look confused but they leave me alone haha

Simple rule : anyone who doesn't wanna move their face, don't move your face. Those who have a problem with someone not moving their face, try moving YOUR eyes somewhere else! 🙄

Ladies please don’t feel pressured to smile especially by a man who doesn’t walk around 24/7 with a smiley face himself!

I’m so glad you addressed this! My husband is a high functioning autistic professor and never gets told to smile. But me, a younger woman with MS who has a lot of discomfort and depression, gets told by both men and women to “smile, hun!” It must also be cultural. I have a friend who is Japanese and has told me showing teeth or smiling widely is considered gross. I wish people would just let us be who we are and concentrate on themselves.

I totally agree with you. I have had men (who are total strangers just standing in a grocery check out line) tell me to smile... I’m thinking I don’t know you, and you’re telling me to smile on demand like I’m a pet for your pleasure!!! How rude and base. I’m a happy person and I don’t need to prove it to anyone but me. We visit you here because you’re you Jennifer.

I have what they call "resting sad face" I usually get asked, "Are you alright? You don't look ok." Damn just let me be 🤣🤣🤣

You don't have to fake a smile, in fact maybe that's the reason I feel relaxed watching you, because you are like any other human being irl, it's not like we all smile 24/7 but when we want to, even with friends of course we will laugh so hard if we were joking but there will be a time that we will talk normally. You are natural that's why it's fun/relaxing to be here 💞

The emotionally labile “personalities” on social media are exhausting. From crying to laughing hysterically, waving their hands, overly-dramatic, “don’t forget to like this video and hit that subscribe button” - ad nauseam. Every body out there eating a bean and drinking 10- gallons of Starbucks every day, giving tours of their new, way too expensive clothes in their closet, in their new, way too expensive house with fancy dogs they don’t even bathe themselves because “ewwwww”... Naw. In the words of Bishop Bullwinkle, HELL to the naw. You’re great, that’s my opinion. Authentic is rare. Folks aren’t used to that, but most of all, there will always be those folks that are so threatened by the real, they have to make unnecessary remarks. You are SO appreciated and I know you’re one of my favorite PEOPLE here on the Tube.

If you’re reading this, you WILL be successful one day💕keep grinding!

Thank you for addressing this. I'm Asian Canadian, and the few times I've been to the US, I noticed when I get introduced to people at parties, most women would use an unnaturally high pitched voice paired with a broad smile and say "Nice to meet you!" in an overly enthusiastic tone but with no emotions in their eyes and the conversation would usually last for less than half a minute (there are obviously exceptions). This is something I noticed American women doing a lot. Funnily, American men aren't that different from other men in this regard. I myself am not a smiley person and have been told that I look serious, but never got told to smile except for my orthodontist when I was a teenager. I truly believe it's the constant reminder that women should smile that created so many seemingly "fake" people, because they're told to have to act a certain way in order to be accepted by the society, and in the process, lose their authenticity.

love how unapologetic you are. totally on board with everything you said. don't get why some people i guess don't seem to understand not everybody is super expressive through facial expressions, etc. if anything, people are faking it too on social media by being so 'smiley' (for lack of a better word)!. i don't see much about people every discouraging that! p.s. as a man, i have never received this comment and i literally consciously try not to move my forehead or nasal labial folds.. lol

I have rbf too. The scientific literature on this topic says both genders are capable of exhibiting it in equal measure. Unfortunately, only one side of the gender binary can wield it with impunity. What I've observed in my personal life is that the people who urgently feel the need to tell me to smile, or feel threatened by my neutral facial expression are the most fragile people in the room. They use me as the locus onto which they may subconsciously project their deeply held insecurities. Then they get angry that I'm not more accommodating or gratifying to that threatened part of themselves. Secure individuals are capable of employing logic and realizing I haven't actually said or done anything that would warrant a legitimate negative response on their part. Ultimately, I love my rbf because it (mostly) keeps the creeps away, and lets me know which people I should invest my time and relationships in.

I love your attitude and I agree 100%. I was once told by a male coworker to smile and I said « I don’t smile on command », he didn’t speak to me after that. I believe I intimidated him 😸. I also get told that at the gym by men. I just don’t understand who does reps and smiles in the mirror ...

as a Latina I always get told that I'm too serious. My boss (who is Brittish) almost punched a guy for saying that on a meeting haha then he told me: we are not bloody clowns, why would we smile always

I was told that I had a stoic and snobbish facial expression. I grew up in a culture where being all "smiley" especially towards boys would be considered flirtatious and frowned upon. As an adult, I am smiley when I am in a good mood and/or as a gesture of being polite, but I hate it when I'm told to "smile more" just to appear friendly and warm.

I feel relaxed watching your videos because you do not emote unnecessarily. It’s natural and so refreshing on RU-vid.

Jennifer, i know, this is a bit shallow but you have one of the prettiest faces I have ever seen. 🦋

People ask me the same! I also keep a relaxed facial expression and try not move my face too much! I do smile of course but it is a good trick to prevent wrinkles ;)

I really love your face :) I am also really pale and have dark hair/brows and brown eyes. That "High contrast aesthetic", unfortunately isn't very appreciated nowadays in western countries. So I grew up hating my pale skin, being unable to tan and wanting lighter hair. Seeing you embracing your natural beauty is making me so happy and motivating me to love and accept the features god has blessed me with. Thank you for being you.

I’ve been told to smile, brush my hair, paint my nails. I highly doubt men get these same sort of comments.

I love combining a lip liner with chapstick or healing ointment! It's a really good trick and doesn't dry out your lips!

That’s right girl. Stay true to who you are. When creating content viewers often want to make you into who THEY want you to be. If your face is frozen then don’t watch. If you don’t smile enough then don’t watch. It’s that simple! Keep up your great work and I’m glad you’re doing well. Thanks for sharing

I think you're so cool🌸 You're so practical & honest. It's tiring watching other people try so hard to put on a persona on RU-vid. When I watch your videos, I can relax and feel comfortable. Men definitely aren't told to smile more. It's insane that even in person, women will be told by male strangers on the street to smile! They don't deserve our smiles. There's no reason to smile at them.

I love your demeanor is so calming that you're not overly fake expressive. My gurl ! you do you. I think it comes of as someone who is very real and straight forward while also very calm and collected.

I completely agree with you. You're the only youtuber I have turned on my notifications for! You're my role model.

There is a pressure to always be positive and inviting to everyone, being a woman. I’ve experienced the same comments and it’s very frustrating to be seen as out of the ordinary if I’m not smiling and putting on a certain facade for others. Women are less likely to say something to me, but working in retail before I have experienced many men telling me I need to smile. It’s quite annoying.

Don't bother what people say. I never thought that you didn't smile. It didn't even cross my mind at all. I just feel that you are always vibrating your natural beautiful authenticity and that is what refreshing and attractive.

I dislike being told to smile in public by men. It usually happens when I’m grocery shopping or just going about my life, then I’m reminded that there are men who think my only purpose is to please them in some way. I’m not a person getting food or resources for myself, I’m just an ornament in these men’s lives.

Im 34 and have been told by men since I was a young teenager to smile. I guess my neutral face isn't cheerful enough.... it's funny how I dont think I've ever been told once by a woman that I should smile but it has literally been hundreds of men throughout my life. I've never once thought to say to a stranger what kind of face they should be making. It really is an issue because it's proof of the way women are EXPECTED to behave a certain way

I completely agree. This is why I have grown to love mask wearing in public. No strange men telling me I should smile... as they can barely see my face.

Jennifer, I appreciate you for who you are! People just don’t get not everyone is the same. Some of us are more energetic, talk, smile or laugh all the time, some of us are more quiet, more even-tempered and so on. It’s as simple as that! This variety makes the world so much more interesting.

I love YOU for YOU. You’re authentic, which is very rare. Love this video so much. ✨✨✨✨

I just found your channel when looking for super simple routines with tretinoin. I like the way you are so authentic. Two funny things. One is that I do my makeup exactly like you, I just use a simple serum foundation with (additional) spf and lip liner to fill my lips, topped by some healing ointment. The other thing is that I smile often, it is my natural expression - but I have been told many times that I smile too much. People (mainly men in the business environment) think I am not serious enough, just because I smile. That's how different things can be perceived depending on who you talk to and in what environment you are. In the end, I do what you do...I remain true to myself - and smile 😀

One of the reasons why I like to watch your videos is because you show you as you are. Personally I don't like to watch people that are putting on a fake face or smile, because it really shows through! By showing you as you are is signalizing integrity and self-esteem to me.

Please dont take the weird things ppl on the internet feel they have a right to say personally. On the internet ppl like to say the worst things sometimes and i personally love the person you show because you seem sincere and that is pretty cool 😊

Love your attitude. Thank you for encouraging being yourself and not pleasing random people for nothing.

Your talk about people telling you to smile reminds me of a picture of a men's bathroom that said: do epic sh!t and women's that said: smile you're losing weight. So ridiculous.

I actually never noticed that you don't make facial expressions. because I do see that you make expressions.

This is why I love to watch your videos: It is so relaxing and calming to NOT see a 24/7 smile in videos because everyone else does. You are wonderful the way you are. :-)

I actually LOVE your personality and o love that you are not fake, you are so lovely and I find that watching your videos they are very calming and I just really enjoy your content.

Love the simple and minimal of your makeup routine, cause it still shows your natural beauty!💛 I am sorry that people are telling you those comments, but those people need ro realized and understand that not everyone is going to smile. Like when I used to work at this restaurant, one of my coworkers asked me if I can take a customer's order. I didn't know why a customer asked to have another cashier, but after I found out why because apparently my coworker's has the "bitch" face look (but she is one of the nicest coworker to be with and that is her calm and neutral look). Ugh, some people will never understand. Hope you have a great one Jennifer 😊🌻🌵💛

You're so authentic! I'm really inspired by you because I had a phase where I just wanted to please everyone and fit in. But in the process I completely lost myself. I didn't know who I was anymore. I also love the way you talk. You don't scream at us viewers :D

I actually didnt know how I would answer to someone who made the comment about not smiling because the question itself is condescending and patronising. I probably would ignore it altogether. But then i heard your explanation and thought - wow, a spot on answer. You are wonderful in any way possible and yes, stay truthful to your own beliefs. I wish more women were like you.

Your eyebrows are so beautiful!!! Teach us how to have that perfect form🙏🏽

I don’t really emote and I think about wrinkles too! 😂 I had a lady tell me to smile when I was in the grocery store once and I did a small smile to make her happy but went back to a blank expression when she walked away. I wish I didn’t but idk I guess I have a soft spot for old ladies. I also just don’t like the way my face looks when I smile. I find my relaxed expression to be prettier.

I like seeing someone like you on social media. You are being yourself. Love it

Hey Jennifer, I am a male and quite similar to you concerning facial expressions. I never smile when i do not feel like it. It feels so unpleasant to me to smile when i do not genuinely feel the urge to, which indeed probably makes me smile less than the average person. On the contrary you will always know that my expressions are frank and not fake. I have been told to smile more throughout my life, even now that I am 21, on numerous occassions. May it be job interviews or social interaction with acquaintances or even close friends. I too find that rather annoying and sometimes even upsetting, just let me be the way I want to be. But with the years I care less and less. Just wanted to share that :)

I think you are beautiful just the way you are! You DO smile when it's appropriate, and it's lovely. I admire how you don't feel obligated to be someone that you are not. I am actually just the opposite. I try to please people all the time, and I don't like that about myself. It's very draining. I've been watching your videos, trying to learn from you how to be more of who I am and less of who I think others want me to be. So, I just would like to encourage you to please continue to do what you do! I love your videos! :)

The smiling thing brings something else to mind - requesting that you take off your glasses. I've only had men request it too. It's so creepy and annoying. We don't owe these men anything!!

It depends. I am a guy, and in the past, I have been through periods of prolonged poor mood, and I have gotten one-off comments of "you should smile more" from random people who saw me sporadically. For context, I normally laugh and smile at anything, but when I dealt with severe depression or periods of rage and stress over school and work, it was plastered on my face. Even my neutral resting face showcased dissatisfaction or tedium on some level. And I have been on the other end of it too as I have casually mentioned to my old close friends (male and female alike) that one of the things I love the most about them was their uninhibited laugh and ear-to-ear grins or soft, gentle smiles. They came off as jovial in that case whereas their stern professional looks or facial expressions during events that they didn't care for were off-putting subconsciously. I think there's a natural inclination to want to see others smiling because it can convey so many different things. A lovely smile acts not only as a proxy for expressing happiness (even if you're actually suppressing tears) but also displays levity and humor. It is inviting and welcoming, not necessarily in a sexual way (for any gender), but more in the "I am clearly relaxed enough to indulge in a smile and don't mind your presence in my general vicinity" sense. It puts others at ease as it can show warmth and caring. It can also signal enjoyment of the present moment, be passing evidence of a blip of nostalgia or wonder, and encapsulate deep appreciation and gratitude for the subtle things in life, or despite tragedy. Of course, if you're not in the mood, forcing a smile is a contrived act, but it can also change your state sometimes. I think that's part of what's happening: people perceive that one is in an off state if one rarely emotes or has an apparent scowl on, which may or may not be the case, and may wish to see one smile to make sure that it's nothing serious and chronic.

I've been watching you for quite some time and I think you smile and express a lot with your eyes. It's subtle but it's not something I would call "cold" or no emotion.

People are impossible to please. So please yourself! I enjoyed this video. Thank you, Jennifer! 🌷🌸🌻

When I was younger around my adolescence years. My mom’s friend noticed that I always had a serious face with no expressions sometimes. She thought that I looked like a snob or I looked like I wasn’t friendly or approachable. My mom told me about it and explained to me the purpose of a smile, you smile whenever you feel it, if for instance we were walking or met people that we knew. Smiling helps ones opinion of another person towards you to think you are a good person. But you don’t have to smile at people all the time and be fake. You can smile or not be forced to do it, just to please other people. We smile whenever we want to, its an action we base on what we see, what we do and what we are thinking. Please do not force a person to do this, do that, especially just to satisfy one’s opinion. We act according to what we feel at the moment. Please spread love and positivity! We should not be judgmental of others. Thank you Jennifer for addressing and explaining your side. Thank you for all the advice and tips you always share with us. Be safe always and stay healthy everyone.😘❤️😍

You're gorgeous! Can't stop saying this ❤

You’re my role model. From the way you take care of yourself to your mentality, truly an amazing, admirable woman! ❤️

I’ve never commented on a video before but this struck a chord with me. Although I generally pretty emotive, when I’m not in conversation with someone, I must tend to have a more serious expression on my face. It’s these times where I typically hear “Smile!” from someone, and it’s mostly a comment from men. This comment makes me want to flip the other person off (I don’t, of course...well only mentally) rather than smile. I do think there is some kind of strange societal perception that women are required to be bubbly and happy all the time in order to be valued. I have two younger brothers and many male friends and I have never heard anyone tell them to smile or suggest they smile more. I’m sure that is probably indicative of the male population as a whole. Personally, I don’t feel that I need to change to conform to that kind of silly societal norm and I’m glad to see that you don’t either. Stay strong sister, and continue being you. 😉👍

Jennifer , you're so pretty , so authentic , so pure ..I can't even take my eyes off you . I'm 27 , a lonely woman, was struggling over these years with my low self esteem and confidence but when I found you here on youtube , I started living and loving myself more and more by your influences. Please come on insta if you like , btw, love you and your contents ..love from India ❤

I was going to tell you to be who you want to be and express when it’s natural, but I don’t need to tell you. I appreciate and admire your authenticity. Ignore the unkind comments. I love your calm nature! ❤️

Good for you for sticking up for your genuine emotions. I never was effusively smiley, but I got tired of being told I have an rbf, and being made to feel uncomfortable for it. So, I have caved in and am now just going along with people’s expectations.

I think it spooks some men if they can't make a girl smile jus by being there, so many women smile out of awkwardness, keep on intimidating;)

Your eyes and eyebrows are so naturally beautiful

I just think you are so sweet. I am not a constant smiler either and when I do I have a million wrinkles. I love to smile but only when I feel like doing so. Good for you for being true to yourself. I do the same with my lip liner

Im so glad i found ur channel,now i see that im not crazy if i dont laugh all the time,if i dont wear make up always,if im more loner enjoying my time with my self...love watching ur videos☀️

Just to be you. I think when people don’t smile the assumption is they are depressed. It’s funny when I started following you I always thought the reason you weren’t overly smiling was due to preventing wrinkles. Smiles come naturally and if it is not happening for you on the RU-vid videos then I’m sure your followers will understand. Just be you, you have so much to offer🥰

I find your conversation intriguing today. I have never been a 'flirty' or overly expressive person either. Even my baby and child pictures show me with unemotional face. In later years(college +) other girls emoted and flirted whereas I never did. I totally get it. Be well Jennifer. ❤🌹

I think you are a breath of fresh air! And I completely agree! Thanks for your videos, I truly enjoy them so much!!!

Hi!! Don't know if it's only towards women but I had a colleague in high school who sat next to me that asked me why didn't I talk much. And I told him: "I talk to whom I want". His expression was priceless.

I really like your personality. It’s very soothing and you come across very genuine.

I love your honesty! I think you are so beautiful!!😍😍😍

i literally love u so much and hope u upload forever i love that youre not fake and preformative and i think ur just the sweetest most wholesome person ever and u have SUCH good values and i just wanna hear ur thoughts everyday. love u !!!!

I really like how true to yourself you are...Smile or no smile...you’re a beauty 😐😁

Telling someone to smile is just as annoying as being told, "you looked tired" when you're simply not wearing makeup. It's men who usually tell me both of these. It's rare when a woman tells me one or both. My go-to responses are: "No." "Don't tell me what to do." "You're not a reason to smile."

I love smiling. 🙃 It makes me feel better as a person. To me it’s not fake because I generally feel happy inside so it comes out. I love people so much and it’s beautiful to see the light sparkle in the eyes of the elderly as well as the younger children when you share a smile of the happiness that is in your heart with them. To me it’s worth the wrinkles. Your smile is genuinely a beautiful expression of your beauty, but I totally respect your reserved stance. This is who you are, and that’s truly authentic, which is lacking in this time.

I feel like the expectation to smile a lot is more of a US thing. In Europe people don’t smile unnecessarily, and if you smile too much they think you’re fake or disingenuous. I also agree that the expectation to smile more is weighed more heavily on females. I often get told to smile more and it annoys the crap out of me.

Wow!! I am not generally a commenter of videos, but I had to stop right at 1:43 and say what the hell with the why don’t you smile more?? What is wrong with people? I love your videos because you are a thoughtful, eloquent women who provides practical information and pearls of wisdom, YES you also happen to be very beautiful. I have never thought, this women doesn’t smile enough 🙄 ok ..I’m going to finish the video now 😂

I appreciate your calmness and refusal to be anyone but yourself at all times 💙

I’m here for the no bs calming voice and great skin tips. So thanks for being a non-conformist.

I think it's inspiring that you know where you stand. Don't let the bastards grind you down.

Completely agree on the being asked to emote. I am a woman with autism and it is said to me so much. I do smile etc but only when I really feel something. It's bizarre, almost like people think that I should be their personal emotive entertainment or something. Really enjoyed this video and always lovely to hear your thoughts

I feel the same way. Facial expressions are just that , they are meant to signify / express emotions that you are experiencing or feeling. Smiling is one of them, it must be present if it has meaning.

I'm glad I find such a genuine person on RU-vid.

you move your face, you smile, you're gorgeous to watch. And we have a favorite film in Common. I love 3 colors' Red. It's been my favorite film for decades. I also watch the same podcasts. I realized that a few days ago. I love your videos they are calming.

I appreciate your sharing about being encouraged to smile. It's an interesting topic to reflect on.

It would never occur to me to tell someone to smile more often. It’s a certain type of person who would say that. I’m just not one of them. However I’ve been on the receiving end of comments about looking too serious. Maybe it’s just my resting serious face. But, I find that when I feel good inside, it naturally exudes and attracts others to reciprocate the same vibe.

Being artificial is the worst in my eyes, I don't tend to smile a lot either and to be honest, at 43 I'm not trying to create more crinkles (love Retin-a) lol 😊 I really enjoy the knowledge you always present, thank you!

It just brings me a peace of mind hearing you share your thoughts. Could you please share more on how to strengthen sense of the self?

I watch your videos because I genuinely feel your honest and real. I am sorry you get such heat about nonsense when you are the one opening up your world to us....people will always have something to say. I am sorry about remarks and statements that are plain inconsiderate. 💚

smile or no smile...ahhh your voice is so soothing😌😌😌

You are your perfect self!!!

I used to get that comment alot as a young lady. At first I was mad but as it continued, I thought something was wrong with me. I actually made a conscious choice to smile more and I did notice people treat me differently. People used to be very intimidated by me but I make friends better when I put on a more friendly appearance even if it isn't my normal. It does show how we judge others because I believe my expressionless face is due to trauma and the fact that people would rather cover up your sadness than lead a hand, says a lot about society, especially towards women.

Very true, I’m told the same at work, even though I’m always polite to everyone.People’s comments will always exist just keep true to yourself

I honestly adore the way you express yourself and talk! It's very relaxing and interesting, your personality is awesome

Thank you so much for being honest about yourself in regards to who you are. I’ve struggled my whole life to be myself and always perform daily for others… I too am neuro atypical and have always felt such.

I can completely relate to this. When I was younger a lot of men would tell me to smile and I hated it. I clearly wasn't smiling because I didn't like where I was ( or who was around me for that matter). Ironically, when I was really young, my Mum would tell me not to smile when she took my photo, but I think this was because she saw that I was being fake. I do know a Man who was questioned by his own family members as to why he wasn't smiling. But I doubt that this occurs too often. I'm like you, I smile naturally when I'm happy or laughing because something's funny.

I don't smile either when I don't have to and it's part of my personality , I've been like this since I was very young , I used to fake a smile alot but as I got older I stopped doing that , and believe it or not, even when I am just walking on the street I get comments from strange men about "lack of smiling " . I hope people would stop telling women to smile , leave us alone

I usually say" sure! 5 bucks for a 3 second smile. PAY UP!"

Good for you. I love when people can be themselves. There is a lot of pressure on women to not love who they are.

I really enjoy your "expression-less" talks because it keeps me focused on tbe content of your videos rather than your facial gestures. Does that make sense? Besides, everyone is different and I dont like it when people expect women to smile for no good reason! My 3 y/o daughter is just like that. She smiles and laughs hard only when she feels like doing so. You keep being yourself...

I am a smile person and actually admire people that keep their composure in that sense. I appreciate them imo that is as much a gift as being smiley.