Don’t get me wrong, I love makeup. Whether it’s the thick strokes of liner around my eyes or the plum red shade on my lips, cosmetics are a source of joy for me. That being said I can’t deny the toxicity that exists within makeup culture, especially the implicit misogyny underlying much of it. Of course I don’t blame those who wear makeup for these problems, and I certainly won’t shame other women for their choices. Still, it’s important to have a conversation about the potential harm it carries.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: society views a woman’s looks as her currency. The more conventionally attractive she is, the more her worth. Since makeup can change one’s appearance, it can be a powerful tool to help some feel more self-confident. I notice that people are less receptive towards me when I’m barefaced, and if I’m being perfectly honest I like positive attention. Naturally I turn to makeup to receive it, and I end up feeling better about myself. Many women operate this way too and there’s no shame in doing something that makes you happy.
However at a certain point cosmetics can be used as a weapon against us. For starters, some might develop a dependency and struggle without putting on that lipstick or blush. According to a survey by The Renfrew Center Foundation, nearly half of women feel bad when they don’t wear makeup, as if something is wrong with their natural looks. Participants reported feeling “unattractive, self-conscious, or naked” as if this second skin was apart of themselves that they couldn’t do without.
What was once a fun, easy way to feel good about yourself becomes an obligation, a mask that you have to put on before facing the world. I think most women are aware that much of the respect we receive is driven by how attractive we are, especially when it comes to men. If you don’t believe me just take a look at the “Don’t Judge Me Challenge” vines, which usually feature young women at first presenting themselves as “ugly” before transforming into their beautiful selves. As if flaws make it ok to demean us! This mentality, of course, wasn’t created in a vacuum and can be found in everyday interactions. For instance, a study found that women wearing makeup are seen as more likable and competent.
Even more alarming about this trend is that it targets children. Another survey done by The Renfrew Center Foundation discovered that 58% of the participants, who were aged 8 to 18, wore makeup. Those who did use cosmetics began doing so between 8 to 13-years-old. Again, there’d be nothing wrong with this if it didn’t impact their self-esteem. Yet at least 20% reported negative feelings without makeup. Lastly, about a quarter said they rarely or never left the house barefaced.
Both women and young girls are under so much pressure to look a certain way it’s extraordinary that we don’t crack. That’s why the decision to wear or not wear makeup isn’t up for anyone, myself included, to judge. However a social change is needed so women don’t feel like they have to cover their natural selves, as if the skin we’re in is bad. We shouldn’t have to look a certain way to be treated with dignity, and it’s time society learned that.
