Sophomore Niah Trujillo doesn’t leave her house before applying mascara and lip gloss without it, she doesn’t feel completely dressed.
The amount of makeup a person applies to their skin can either be considered as a mask or a tool for increasing their confidence.
Applying cosmetics dates back about 6,000 years to the ancient Egyptians who regarded beauty as a sign of holiness.
Men as well as women have worn makeup over the centuries, but whereas it has consistently been popular with women, it has ebbed and flowed with male acceptance. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in masculine makeup.
“For the first time in centuries, men wearing makeup is not completely taboo,” said Amanda Montell, Los Angeles beauty editor and writer for the internet site Byrdie. “Thanks to social media and the emergence of male beauty influencers like Manny Gutierrez and Bretman Rock, makeup is in the early stages of becoming more gender inclusive. This concept, however, is hardly new.”
Some individuals view wearing makeup as an aid to increase confidence especially for individuals who have blemishes that they want to cover.
“When I wasn’t wearing makeup, I felt more insecure about certain features or seeing others around me having a better natural image,” sophomore Niah Trujillo said.
Media influencers encourage individuals to start to wear makeup at a young age because of expectations like the perfect body, hair or natural beauty. Scrolling through social media and seeing celebrities and influencers who like to post unrealistic impressions while making it look natural can trick a younger audience.
“Seeing celebrities like Kylie Jenner who herself has a cosmetics brand of her own can lower one’s expectations of their own image,” sophomore Elsie Czarniewski said. “I always applaud those who create their own business on something they are passionate about, it definitely can stir up some remarks for the younger generation.”
Applying makeup can be seen as more professional by some individuals. Attending a job interview, fancy dinner, or meeting is often the time where applying makeup can help with self-presentation on how to represent yourself.
“I think wearing makeup to important locations helps identify how you as a person represent that form of activity,” said. “For example, going to apply for a job, putting on makeup can help with your own image of how serious you want to take that business.”
Wearing cosmetics does more to alter a woman’s attractiveness. The male gaze is automatically appealed to their image, women use makeup to rather judge other personalities.
“Some people’s image is makeup, but the imaginary scale of attractiveness can offend the community of makeup users,” senior Jordan del Vega said. “Some people are known for being good at makeup, yet other women feel the need to judge one another for their ability to use it.”
Having a passion for makeup can also be seen as a skill.
“In my personal preference, makeup can be viewed as a work of art,” sophomore Ava Salcedo said. “I feel like makeup can express a person’s personality or mood based on all the different ways it can be applied.”
Though makeup can be used for beauty and self-image, it does negatively impact the skin. Leaving makeup on for an extended time or not removing it properly can clog pores which leads to acne.
“Pores are the small openings in your skin that release oils and sweat from your glands,” chemistry teacher Jordan Harvey said. “These pores can become clogged when dead skin, oils or dirt become trapped in the pores. Clogged pores are most common on the face which can lead to acne and breakouts.”
Most individuals feel the need to be able to leave the house with makeup, knowing that it can affect their wellness and mental health. If one uses makeup more as a mask rather than an optional accessory, it can affect how they see themselves alone.
“She may then turn toward body dissatisfaction to problem solve. Establishing a pattern of avoiding inner feelings and sensations often leads to overwhelming stress and tension. Said Rheyanne Weaver, HER writer. “An eating disorder, in those most vulnerable, can become a reality as underlying emotional issues are ignored, and fearful feelings and thoughts are set aside.”
The official debate about makeup being a mask or a tool to increase confidence can be controversial. Anyone can choose what look they prefer, from a glam look to a natural.
“From what I see now, makeup is more for a natural touch up which also can be optional, not everyone agrees on the same makeup looks.” Salcedo said. “Arguing about what makeup look fits who more doesn’t make sense for others to judge.”
