Intro
1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.
2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.
If someone tells you, “I woke up like this,” should you believe them? Probably not. In fact, it’s now an internet joke to share a bad picture of yourself with the caption, “I woke up like this.” But it didn’t start that way. At first, celebrities were sharing “I woke up like this” selfies to prove they were naturally beautiful. The ridiculous truth, though, is that they probably spent many hours getting themselves made up before taking the picture.
Still, these photos started a new trend in beauty. Suddenly, the natural look became more popular than ever. The point of wearing makeup was to look like you weren’t wearing any makeup. It sounds a little funny, right? Not everyone is a fan of this approach. Some people think it’s better to not wear makeup. Why waste time to get a neutral face? After all, a good skincare ritual can do the same thing.
Gary is curious about natural beauty. Find out why Dominique isn’t buying into it in today’s English lesson.
Dialog
1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.
2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.
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Gary: Dominique, I want to talk to you about something.
Dominique: OK.
Gary: Natural beauty. There’s the phrase, natural beauty, right? Everyone has a natural beauty.
Dominique: Yes.
Gary: But then, makeup becomes a part of that conversation. What are your thoughts?
Dominique: I really hate the I’m not wearing makeup makeup look. It’s stupid. Why not just wash your face and go? Why wash your face and then put on makeup to look like you’re not wearing makeup? Like, what is the point?
Gary: Well, I think some people love makeup, right? They want to go through that process. It’s a bit of a ritual for them. They’re getting themselves made up for the day. Many of the women in my life have told me that. They feel like it’s a minimalist approach. It’s natural, it’s neutral.
Dominique: Then, why put it on? Why waste time?
Gary: Again, because it’s a ritual for them. They feel like that helps them start their day.
Dominique: I’m not buying into it.
Gary: OK.
Dominique: Like, first of all, they’re wasting their money. And then, they’re putting on makeup to say that they don’t have any makeup on. It doesn’t make any sense. It makes no sense!
Gary: But they feel good about it.
Dominique: I just don’t understand it. It’s ridiculous.
Gary: I don’t have any makeup on, so I don’t know.
Dominique: Or do you?
Gary: Or do I?
Grammar Point
Go Super to learn "Reflexive Pronouns" from this lesson
Quizzes
Lesson MP3
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Discussion
Gary wants to know what Dominique thinks of natural beauty. If everyone has natural beauty, what’s the point of makeup? According to Dominique, the point of makeup is to see it on the face. Putting on makeup is a process and the results should be visible. She thinks it’s ridiculous to put on makeup for a no-makeup look. Women who use this approach are wasting their efforts.
But Gary thinks it’s not a waste. Women might have reasons for getting themselves made up this way. It could be part of their morning ritual. For example, drinking coffee and applying makeup may help them feel ready for the day. Or perhaps, they prefer using only neutral colors on their faces. Dominique listens to what Gary says, but she isn’t buying into it. She still doesn’t see the point of it.
What’s your look? Do you have a morning ritual?