Who is the Fairest of them All?

How can we tell lately...

I'll apply my face

as a soldier strategizes

his attack.

I'll apply the masacara that itches

my eyes,

and cover my imperfections

with coloured chemicals

that vanish my blemishes.

Plumo my lips,

because what good are they if not for kissing?

The redness in my cheeks

covered by some ivory paste,

only to be streaked back on

as a pale pink powder.

I'll curl my hair if it's straight,

straighten it if it's curly;

slide serum through the strands

so that it shines

as though polished.

I'll spray fragrances,

concoctions of fruits and petals,

onto my neck

and rub sweet-smelling

creams into my skin,

because ladies are soft.

I'll spend hours primping

and painting,

steaming,

and rubbing,

but after my beautifying,

inside I'm still ugly.