One of the amazing before/after images from the Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful 2.0 campaign

Last week, the New York Times ran a fascinating (but no-brainer) article about how makeup helps women to be perceived better. In an image-based society, putting your best face forward will help you get ahead: shocker!

I’m always a fan of looking your best and firmly believe that looking good will help you feel good…but I also support “real” beauty and genuinely think it starts from within. (If mama ain’t happy, no amount of makeup or glossy blowout will make her shine!) Makeup guru Bobbi Brown seems to feel the same, as evidenced by her current Pretty Powerful campaign. The hero idea? Women are pretty with or without makeup…though with the right makeup for your individual looks, that’s when you can really fly.

Another Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful 2.0 before/after

In Bobbi’s own words: “All women are pretty without makeup but can be pretty powerful with the right makeup…It’s about figuring out what works for you and making the best of what you’ve got. Pretty Powerful 2.0 is about being pretty. It’s about being confident. And it’s about being who you are.”)

Man Repeller Leandra Medine, she of powerful fashion and beauty looks that girls love and guys loathe, joined with Bobbi Brown and America’s Next Top Model‘s Celia Ammerman to create the following video. It. Is. Hilarious. (That Leandra. She sure has spunk, huh?)

What makes you feel Pretty Powerful? (For me, it’s clear skin and Holy Gisele! Victoria’s Secret bombshell waves.) Tweet me at @NadineJolie with the hashtag #prettypowerful sharing what makes you feel powerful and don’t forget to vote for Pretty Powerful Faces here.

PS: if you want to be the face of the next Pretty Powerful campaign, enter here! You could win a spot in the campaign, a trip to NYC, a makeup lesson, and $500 in Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.