Singer Colbie Caillat’s message for you: self-worth comes from within.

Grammy-award winner Colbie Caillat challenges the cliché definitions of beauty by removing her make-up and hair extensions in her music video “Try” from her album Gypsy Hearts, which was released earlier this year.

The singer-songwriter rallied ten ordinary females to be featured in her music video to protest against Photoshop that has become so popular in pop culture. Fully concealed with make-up, the 11 women rub off their make-up as the song plays on as a statement that women can obtain beauty and perfection naturally.

One of the women in this music video stood out above the rest when she removed her wig to reveal her bald head, but remained looking flawless.

Caillat sings, “You don’t have to try so hard, you don’t have to bend until you break.”

Those lyrics are saying that there is no need to go beyond the norm to achieve someone else’s expectations or just to make an impression. Women should feel secure in the comfort of their own bodies and not try to alter themselves to meet someone else’s standards.

While many see the video as empowering, others say it is hypocritical. The women in the music video are shown taking off their make-up to show how comfortable they are in their natural skin, but none of them have the imperfections that many teens and young adults are faced with, such as acne or scars.

I am of the former opinion. I donʻt think Colbie Caillat is saying that those who wear make-up shouldn’t. Instead, she’s indicating that no girl or woman should feel obligated to wear make-up for another person. If you choose to wear make-up or extensions, you do it for your own satisfaction.

Even though people in today’s world are quick to judge others on physical appearance first, remember that beauty lies beneath.

If you have a friend who is feeling low, judged, or just not her best, share the video, and let her know, “You don’t have to try so hard, you don’t have to give it all away, you just have to get up get up, get up, get up, you don’t have to change a single thing.”

“Try” by Colbie Caillat