The Beaute Beyond – Week 1: The Wizard – When The Curtain Falls

When the Curtain Falls

The Wizard in the original movie, The Wizard of Oz, wasn’t vengeful, just caught in his own illusion. As soon as that curtain dropped, he knew the act was over and, in that moment, we saw the truth. He wasn’t powerful or magical, just human. Dorothy and her friends called out his bad behaviour, and he owned it. You could almost feel sorry for him.

But in Wicked, the Wizard’s charm hides something darker. He’s approachable, kind even, but behind the politician’s grin lies manipulation. He’s using others’ gifts for his own gain and covering his tracks when it suits him.

We all play roles at times. Adapting to fit situations, people, or expectations but deep down, we know when we’re not being real. No one can keep up an act forever, and most people will see through it anyway. The truth always finds its way through the smoke.

The Lesson: The Cost of Performance

Liptember reminded me what showing up really feels like. Thirty days of lives, posts, reels, smiles, and lipstick. All were genuine, some a little more “push through.” I believe so deeply in the cause that I showed up even on the hard days, because purpose makes the effort worth it.

But not every kind of showing up is good for the soul. You can spot the people “performing” every day, not to serve a cause, but to mask insecurity or manipulate others. That’s exhausting to watch and even harder to sustain.

Being yourself every day, staying in your lane, saying no to what doesn’t serve you, calling out bad behaviour when needed, that’s real strength.

The Beaute Connection: Removing the Mask

If there’s one product that fits this week perfectly, it’s Fooops! Color Remover. It’s something I reach for at the end of the day to take off the makeup, the day, the expectations.

Removing your makeup before bed is the most important thing you can do for your skin. But removing the masks you wear around others is just as vital for your mental health. Each cleanse is a quiet act of honesty, a way of saying, this is me.

From the Craft Desk

The craft desk stayed quiet this week. I’ve been behind the scenes, working on my website and new packaging, both exciting and a little overwhelming. It’s taking longer and costing more than I’d hoped, but that’s real life. Magic takes time.

From My Work Desk

After 25 years in accounting, this week brought something new. A client mentioned she was glad her appointment was with me rather than my male colleague. She had a personal question she’d have been embarrassed to ask otherwise.

It reminded me that trust, not perfection, is what matters most in business. Sometimes people just need to feel seen, safe, and heard.

Wrap Up

Be real, not perfect. Own your mistakes. Be proud of your good work. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help or feedback. That’s how we grow, not by pretending to have it all together. The truth is, the people who try the hardest to appear perfect are usually the ones who need the most grace.

So, if you ever find yourself behind your own curtain, take a breath. Step out.
Your real self is enough.

“Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.”
…Except maybe, do. Because he’s just human — and so are we.