Laverne Cox Isn't Here for Society's Date Night Beauty Norms
Let us count the ways we love Laverne Cox: she’s a boss who, on top of being funny, smart, and an activist for LGBTQ+ rights, is casually breaking down beauty norms along the way. Back in May, that meant posting a heartfelt tribute to her natural curls on Instagram, and getting honest about the journey she’s been on to embrace them. And now, Cox is taking on one of the most insidious beauty standards in the book. In a new interview, she told the world that she’s not down for the pressure of needing to look “perfect” for a date. Meaning, she goes for powder and nothing else.
As Cox told Access Hollywood, “My whole dating [philosophy] is, I show up as Laverne. I don’t glam up. I give maybe a little powder for shine, and I’m like, this is it. Because the first few dates, you don’t know if they’re going to last or not.”
“I’m going to put the effort in once you’ve proven that you deserve all of this,” she continued, motioning up and down herself. “I used to, when I was younger. Now, it’s not about trying to make [dates] like me. I used to try and make them like me. Now [my dating criteria is], do I like you? Do we have anything in common? Are you into the real, authentic Laverne, stripped way down?”
Moment upfront: Of course, there’s nothing wrong with wearing makeup on a date if that’s what makes you feel ready to take on another, no-doubt-this-one’s-a-winner Tinder date. To each their own. If Nars’ Cruella helps you feel like your best self (raises hand), we’re solidly here for it. Still, it’s hard not to identify with the reality in her words: time and time again, it’s pounded into us that before a date, you’ve got to shower, shave, perfume, whatever, to put on a “desirable” image. Sh*t’s outdated, and Cox nailed it.
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