FEATURE
The beauty of makeup is that you can be anything and anyone you want . If I feel like being a rainbow , then I will become a rainbow .
@ Lenaaleew : Makeup Artist
“ Why do you wear so much makeup ?” “ Who are you trying to impress with a face full of makeup ?” “ Do you wear makeup because you ’ re insecure about your skin ?” “ What ’ s the occasion ?” “ You ’ re already beautiful , why do you wear it ?”
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If these questions sound a little too familiar , you ’ re not alone . We have been there too . Hidden amongst the countless poorly phrased questions makeup wearers are asked on a daily basis is the annoyingly ignorant assumption of insecurity , and they couldn ’ t be more wrong .
Due to the existing and widespread correlation between femininity and beauty , makeup is often looked down on as being too “ feminine ”. Women are instinctively associated with makeup , therefore wearing makeup is often perceived as “ part of being a woman ”.
But in this new era , our perception of makeup is rapidly shifting . What was once regarded as a feminine totem of self-absorption and insecurity is now a badge of confidence , pride , expression and art .
The exponential rise of social media influencers and YouTubers like Bretman Rock , Nickitutorials and James Charles has inspired and normalised makeup as being for everyone and anyone , not just women . They have played a large role in encouraging others to build their own social platforms , which have accumulated into a billion-dollar network and has completely transformed the beauty industry .
These bloggers have transformed their love for makeup into a career . The beauty gurus have made their own contributions to the industry through paid promotional advertisement , brand collaborations and starting their own makeup lines . In doing so , they have shifted makeup from a leisure activity to a legitimate business venture and aspirational career .
Artistic expression through makeup is now openly accepted more than ever . Lena , a 26-year-old makeup artist and social media influencer from Germany , has used makeup to transform her face into works of art .
With 30.3 thousand Instagram followers , Lena has posted nearly 300 different makeup looks over the last 3 years . She said , “ My followers gave me a platform and the opportunity to make a living from my passion , which I know is a luxury for any artist .”
Lena is one of the millions of people who have used makeup to celebrate Pride Month . This year she dedicated seven Instagram posts to celebrate and support Pride . She said , “ Pride and makeup go hand in hand .” Many people associate makeup with pride under the notion that they both encourage the principles of expression , empowerment and independence . Lena has also used her art and her platform to bring light to political injustices , support the Black Lives Matter movement and allow others to demonstrate their makeup talents by hosting online contests .
Lena has shared the unimaginable impact that makeup has had on her life and her mental health . She said , “ Makeup quite literally saved me . When I was at my lowest mentally all I could do to clear my mind was paint .”
However , not everyone sees makeup as empowering . Sarah Tinsley wrote an article in the Huffington Post five years ago that is still being talked about . Tinsley wrote :
“ Make up only enhances one aspect of you . Your physical appearance . Which does nothing more than accentuate the level to which you are judged by it . Contouring does not enhance your intellect ; a nice shade of eyeshadow does not highlight your practical or social skills . All it does is enhance the physical you . A tiny element of who you are as a person .”
Sarah Tinsley
Tinsley suggests that wearing makeup only emphasises one ’ s appearance and that results in further objectifying those who wear it . Lena disagrees . She said , “ There is this underlying stigma that interlinks makeup to insecurity , this couldn ’ t be more wrong . It ’ s all about how you want to feel and who you want to be that day . The beauty of makeup is that you can be anything and anyone you want . If I feel like being a rainbow , then I will become a rainbow .”
ISSUE 4 SLEUTH 35