Comment from Paul McFarland

Excellent

Somehow I missed this one, Wendy. You dragged everybody along with this one, right up to the end. Then you dropped the bomb. Well done. Congratulations on the win.

 Comment Written 14-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 15-Aug-2023

Thank you so very much Paul for your great review, and for the congratulations. Much appreciated.
Wendy

Comment from Mrs. KT

Excellent

Hello, Wendy!
A bit late here, but I surely enjoyed your offering for this contest!
Loved that the "mask" was a different take on the Covid masks.
Loved that the "mask" which you wrote about is truly a "mask" for many!
Your offering flowed well, and it was totally relatable!

Congratulations!
diane

 Comment Written 11-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 11-Aug-2023

Thank you very much Diane for this lovely review and the congratulations. I wear a little make-up (so as not to scare people too much!) but when girls wear it like a mask, I fear that sometimes it is an indicator of low self-esteem.
Wendy

Comment from Dolly'sPoems

Excellent

I never leave my house without makeup Wendy but I never thought about it as a mask I was wearing, I just don't want to scare anyone if they see me without my make up! Ha ha ha. There is a serious undertone to your post here and congratulations on your contest win too, an entertaining story with a moral behind it, love Dolly x x x

 Comment Written 11-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 11-Aug-2023

Lol. Yes, I wear a little make-up too for the same reason. I was thinking of the really heavily made-up young ones with VERY thick make-up so you can?t really see who they are beneath it all. Sometimes their work pressures them which is not very fair. Thanks so much for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Wendy

Comment from Mario PIERRE

Excellent

Very contextual and current story. One which has left lots of stigmas. To wear or not to wear? To be judged or to be the judge of oneself? You tackled the issue very thoroughly and with much sensitivity. I loved the style and the in-depth reflections.
Great job, Wendy!

 Comment Written 10-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 10-Aug-2023

Thank you very much. I appreciate jour insightful review. I do see so many women trying to look different from who they are. The bigger issue is self-esteem and self acceptance, and pressure from peers or even workplaces. Thank you again.
Wendy

Comment from tempeste

Excellent

Ciao !,

I missed the booth congratulations on the win..to the last I thought you were referring to the surgical mask. I love surprises like this.

I have never worn make-up but I know a girl that works at the desk of a
5-star hotel and is expected to wear make-up and lipstick. As if a woman without make-up is not appropriate.

She needs the job so she complies but she is not happy. Not wearing make up doesn't make her work less efficient, right ?

PS: also I find a face without "war paint' has its charms.

 Comment Written 10-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 10-Aug-2023

Thank you Tempeste! So pleased to receive your congratulation and review. I agree with you about the natural look, and it is a pity that some work environments insist on heavy makeup in order to look more professional. It should be based on quality of work alone. Otherwise where does it stop in terms of looks? What about a big girl?
I am very glad you enjoyed the story and the way I wrote it.
Wendy

Comment from Lisasview

Excellent

Interesting read early this morning here in beautiful Spain.
I have never worn foundation and I wear very little make up...I enjoyed your Sentence for the writing prompt.
Good luck,
Lisasview

 Comment Written 10-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 10-Aug-2023

Thank you very much Lisa. Great review. Some young women never go out without a thick mask of makeup hiding what they see as imperfections. It?s almost a bondage. But self acceptance is a prerequisite to confidence. Thanks again.
Wendy

Comment from Writebynight

Excellent

You've captured social anxiety about appearance quite well here. So often all it takes is a smile and a friendly look to cover over whatever imperfections a person has. Good luck in the contest!

 Comment Written 10-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 10-Aug-2023

Thank you very much. A very understanding review. I am glad you understood so well. Social anxiety is a huge problem for many young women, and even for many older women.
Wendy

Comment from Andrea Kepple

Excellent

I like the twist you have at the end. I thought you were talking about a physical mast, especially when you refer to other people and being able to tell they are smiling by looking at their eyes.

 Comment Written 09-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 10-Aug-2023

Thank you, Andrea. What a lovely review, much appreciated. (And yes, that was exactly my intention so I am glad it worked).
Wendy

Comment from Wayne Fowler

Excellent

Very well done.
I thought throughout your piece of how the mask save 'us' from 'you', not 'you' from 'us'. And then when I got to the punch line, I thought that maybe I wasn't wrong, that my thinking still holds: A painted lady tells me (and maybe only me) that behind that mask is potential danger.
Okay, a ridiculous analogy. (smiley face here)
Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 09-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 10-Aug-2023

Thank you Wayne. Much appreciated, also the good wishes.
Wendy

Comment from patcelaw

Exceptional

I do totally agree with this so much. I did not wear a mask through most of the pandemic either I chose rather to only wear the mask when it was absolutely required on the airline or in public places, but walking in the neighborhood are going to church. I did not wear the mask. I applaud you for taking a stand. Patricia.

 Comment Written 09-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Aug-2023

Thank you Patricia. While I made it appear as though I was talking about a literal mask it was actually about the way young women feel the need to cover their faces with a painted mask of makeup, and feel very insecure if they are not wearing heavy face-paint. Without it and all their false eyelashes etc they feel exposed, but end up looking nothing like their real selves. I was wanting to show the need for self-acceptance and being brave enough to show the real person.
Many thanks for the six lovely stars. That is so very kind of you!