Makeup – a tool for masking insecurity? Or an artistic way of expressing creativity?
Recently, I had a conversation with my amazing friend Liv, via email, which inspired the idea of writing a discussion post about makeup. I’m really interested to hear other young people’s ideas because it’s something that really does not have a straightforward answer, yet is a massive thing amongst our modern society. So I decided to ask around the blogosphere and find out the opinions of some girls of my own generation. I’ve been able to put together a kaleidoscope of thoughts, each one unique and valid.
First off, here are some extracts from my conversation with Liv:
Liv: I don’t wear makeup, and neither do any of my friends. At my school, it’s only the mean(ish) girls who wear makeup – the same girls who wear revealing clothes, etc. I don’t really care if anyone wears makeup, although I hate when people put it on me. My mom tries to sometimes for special events and I get really mad haha 😜
Me: I understand why people want to wear it. I’ve been told it’s a mask for anxiety, insecurity about what you look like. I’m not saying that’s true in every case, but I think it can be the truth amongst many teenagers.
Other people describe makeup as warpaint, like clothes that you match your own style, that make you feel strong. That sounds pretty cool, but I’m not sure it’s true for the majority of people.I don’t really want to start wearing makeup. I also don’t want – in theory – to conform to others, but one thing I’m worried about is people treating me younger just because of what I look like.
The Backstory….
Makeup has been in use all over the world for around 12,000 years. Starting with the ancient Egyptians, it has adopted by many cultures for beauty enhancement throughout the ages.
A Kaleidoscope Of Thoughts featuring teens of the blogosphere.
Incomplete Thinker – Makeup is an interesting topic, I find. I personally don’t wear it a lot – and not just for skin benefits. It covers up a lot of your natural beauty, and over time you will feel pressure to wear it consistently. You may even be scared to leave the house without wearing a pound of eyeshadow, or perfect eyebrows. When in reality, we were not born to be perfect. Makeup is fun, yes, but that’s what it should be for. Not for twisting you into something you’re not. I only wear makeup for special events. I’m not saying everyone should do the same… but I do struggle with the concept of having to be “on fleek” or having “the perfect contour” before stepping outside your own bedroom.
Brooke Jade– Well, I think makeup is okay to wear as long as you’re parents are okay with it, and if you’re doing it for yourself and not for other people. I personally wear a bit of makeup, but only when I feel like it.
Little Helper – Do not allow makeup to be who you are and don’t use makeup only if you are trying to cover up all your blemishes because at the end of the day our blemishes and scars make us who we are.
Elsie – My opinion of makeup is that if it is to be worn it should be not to please others but to feel more confident in yourself alongside feeling comfortable and loving the way you look without it on too. If people want to wear makeup it should be for them and/or to show a side of their personality that can only be shown through the medium of makeup. It can be viewed in another way too: people who wear makeup are wearing it for the people around them as they are the only ones who can see you and make you want to feel confident whilst under pressure in their eyes (I can see where this point of view is coming from but makeup is loved by many and is more so a way of expressing yourself!) if you feel better in yourself wearing it than wear it and if you don’t then don’t feel like you have to either. I myself do not wear makeup. I have nothing against it (I love reading makeup product reviews 😂), I just feel like I’m trapped with it on and like I’m hiding. I may very well change my mind in the future and start wearing it 😂 but for now it’s not me. Everyone is different. Whether you wear makeup or not, as long as you are comfortable that is all that matters 💕…….
Loren – I don’t wear makeup because I don’t like the way it feels, but I don’t care how much makeup anyone else wears — it’s none of my business. You could wear a full face everyday, none, or anything in between, and you would still deserve to be respected and taken seriously. And I believe that makeup is gender neutral, so boys should be able to wear it if they want without being made fun of. If you wear makeup, make sure it’s because you want to, not because of peer and societal pressure.
Mukta – When it comes to makeup, my feelings have always been kind of mixed. While it is an essential aspect of many careers, dance being a major example, I haven’t been a fan of makeup as far as I remember. But speaking of it in general I find no reason to hide your natural features or enhance them in any way, and neither do I believe that makeup is very necessary to be able to live a good and fruitful life. I have no objection with others wearing it but only want people to know how much is too much.
Charis Rae –When it comes to makeup, I think it has to do with your intentions . Many people view makeup as an art form and enjoy practicing new techniques and trying out different looks. Others like me wear makeup because they want to accentuate the beauty that they already have.
Maggie – I am very appreciative of makeup because it’s a great way for girls to express themselves. Whether it’s used to conceal blemishes, be artistic, or a bit of both, I love seeing what others come up with and trying natural looks myself. When makeup inspires girls to be more confident and happy, I am definitely glad that we have it!
Maddy – I have been wearing makeup pretty much daily for the past two years and I think that it is something fun and girly to wear. Makeup has become a huge thing in our culture today but if it’s not something you want to wear that’s totally fine! I think that the whole makeup thing has gotten a little bit out of hand with the amount some people put on, the colored in eyebrows, etc but I think that light makeup is great.
Gracie Marchiani – Hello! Gracie(not myself, but the lovely young lady who runs A Light In The Darkness.haha) has asked me to share my opinion on makeup! Let’s go!! — I think makeup can be very nice, it can cover up pimples, and I think just the right amount can help bring out your true beauty but not to the point of you looking like a magazine model. I have slightly mixed emotions on makeup. But, I mostly like it. I did not start wearing makeup till I was 13. I don’t think you should start wearing makeup till at least 12. I am now almost 16, and I still do not wear a ton of makeup. I wear mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and foundation. If you are a girl who has not yet started to wear makeup, but you want to, talk to your mom and see what her rules are. Even if you don’t wear makeup, don’t feel like you are less pretty, you are made in God’s image, so you are already gorgeous! ❤ Thanks for letting me talk about makeup!! ~Gracie
Nejra – Makeup for me is art. I wear makeup every day, I do lighter makeup for college and heavier for night outs. I love makeup and I view it as a positive because I’m using makeup to enhance my natural beauty, not to hide myself. I always loved this quote ‘Skin first. Makeup second. Smile always.’ And that’s really nicely said. I think that every girl or women should take care of her skin firstly. If a woman can’t leave home without full face of Maybelline and find her confidence dependent upon using it, then I’d say there are likely some deeper self-esteem issues that should be examined. But, if a woman finds it a creative and enjoyable outlet, then I don’t see a thing wrong with it. This girl thinks it’s fun. ❤❤❤
May – I personally don’t wear makeup, but I have nothing against people who don’t! I feel like a lot of people shame girls who don’t wear makeup, and they tell them horrible things like, “You’ll never be pretty without makeup.” Obviously, this is super mean and should never be said, but it’s something that happens in real life. Other people shame girls for wearing too much makeup, so that shows how society is very contradictory. I believe that girls should wear as little or as much makeup they want. It is their choice, and if wearing no, little, or a lot of makeup empowers them, that’s great! But I think that they also have to realize that they are pretty and gorgeous and beautiful even without makeup.
The Girl With IronWings – Actually I think wearing make up is not a bad thing, that is, if you don’t go overboard and spend hours everyday applying 10 layers of concealers and eye shadows.
My Conclusion
I agree with all of these teens on certain points. You should feel confident without makeup, you are who you are, don’t try to change that, but then, makeup is fun and many girls enjoy putting it on and experimenting, what harm is there in that? Yeah, but, think of the consequences! Think of how it makes them feel! Pressured to fit in? Ugly without layers and layers of paint?
Personally I believe that the beauty on the inside – compassion and light – is more important than your exterior appearance. I’m not saying I’ll never wear makeup, but I don’t think I’ll ever be obsessed with it.
I’m also not against it. I know some people use to make their skin look better and others as an art form, using a human face as their canvas.
Here’s a funny example, I let two friends (three and eight years old) do my makeup once. Here’s what happened –
Liv: Wow! They really were into the glitter 😂. You look really pretty though. Yesterday, my friends brought a bunch of makeup to school for theater and put it all over my friend’s arm. They maybe caked on ten layers of makeup, no joke. It was pretty funny though since she couldn’t rub it off or it would smear all over her. 😂
Me: Hahaha, yes they definitely were! The others just splattered makeup all over their faces. One of my sister’s friends mixed foundation cream and bright green eyeshadow together and plastered it all over her face. She looked SO WEIRD.
Okay, back onto the subject of makeup. What do you think?
I think this is a really well-thought-out and objective post, covering different points of view. I’d love to use it to generate discussion in one of my classes!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much! Of course! I’d love that. You’ll have to let me know how it goes. Thanks again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Gracie, I hope you don’t mind me adding some thoughts even though I’m no longer a teenager! Make up can be fun, it can enhance or it can mask. It has to be an individual choice as everyone has said. It becomes a problem when people let it define them. Something to be aware of is that cosmetics can be highly toxic so really less is more and choose what you use carefully. Whatever you choose Gracie you are beautiful as you are and don’t need to enhance yourself unless you want to xxx
LikeLiked by 3 people
Of course! They’re much appreciated. Makeup isn’t just a major thing amongst teenagers, but all generations. Thank you for your thoughts, I agree!
LikeLike
This is amazing Gracie! I loved reading through everyone else’s perspectives and also think that the picture you have shared with us at the end of the makeup that your friends applied on you definitely shows makeup in a good light and as a fun way of making a memory! 😄 Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to voice my opinion, have a lovely day 💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aw, thanks, Elsie! It was amazing to put them all together. I loved writing this post. Hahaha. It was a very fun memory. Thanks again! Xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved this post – it was really interesting to read through everyone’s different perspectives! Personally, I feel like wearing makeup is fine UNTIL it becomes a crutch. For me, if I ever start to feel like “oooh I can’t leave the house without doing my eyebrows!” or something like that, I’ll take a month off and NOT do them to get used to them natural and relearn to be fine with it…. I think it helps me have a healthy relationship with makeup; I’m confident without it and confident with it 🙂 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed. I loved putting it together. Everyone had something different to say. Your opinion is really interesting. I think that the ‘learning to live without it’ is super important. Thanks again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved contributing to this post and seeing what the other opinions were! I personally wear a light powdered base (no contour for this gal), mascara, natural eyeshadow, and fill in my eyebrows. I like how I look, but I also don’t think I look ugly without it! 🙂
Great thoughts and great post, Gracie!
P.S. I sent you an email.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Charis! It’s so interesting to hear everyone else’s thoughts. Xxx
Okay, I’ll check it out. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved this post-Gracie! Thanks so much for allowing me to say something in this post!! I loved hearing all the other girls thoughts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! That’s okay. Thank YOU.
LikeLike
Anytime!! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, you’re so nice. A great ‘blogging friend’.
LikeLike
Aw, thanks! So are you!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s true! Xxxx 😀
LikeLike
Haha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Through the Eyes of Gracie and commented:
I had the privilege to partner with Gracie for this post about makeup! Defiantly check it out! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Gracie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This post was a neat way to spread views from both sides of the equation. I think knowing what other people have to say about something helps us get familiar with our society. 🙂 Thanks for letting me be a part!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes! I agree. It was so much fun to put together, I loved hearing everyone’s thoughts. No worries! Thank YOU, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gracie, what a fabulous blog! Such an interesting read and a great range of opinions. I’m going to show it to Milli, I think she will find it really interesting as she has to wear makeup when on stage, but has absolutely no interest in wearing it at other times, unlike a lot of her friends. I’m Milli will leave you a comment once she’s had a look! Xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Laura. So nice to hear from you. Hope Milli enjoys it. Xxx
LikeLike
This is such an important and prevalent topic in our society today, and I think it’s incredibly important to think about, regardless of your views on the subject. Thanks for this post! I think the main thing is the motivation behind makeup. If you just enjoy it because it’s fun and girly, there’s nothing wrong with it. If you feel insecure without it, though, maybe it’s time to take a break. I wear makeup most days, but only some concealer and mascara, and on the days I don’t feel like it, I just don’t, and I don’t have a problem with that.
Thanks again for collecting these thoughts!! Great post!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I totally agree. Thank you for commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I adored this post Gracie, and I love that you got the chance to write about this! I’m so, so, so sorry that I couldn’t get to respond to you earlier, my dear friend. I’ve been dealing with a lot of pressure from school, so that’s why I haven’t blogged in so long or even looked at any posts on WordPress. This is such a great thing to speak about – I personally love to experiment with makeup, as I’ve always been artistic and creative in that aspect. As a person that deals with anxiety, it seriously makes me relax whenever I pick up a brush or look at a new palette; the variety of colours, techniques and styles is endless- it’s definitely an art to me, and a way to express yourself. Like the other bloggers in your post said, I think that makeup is often considered to be used to cover up flaws and imperfections that you aren’t comfortable with; I learned (and am still learning) to love myself with or without makeup. It also brings back stereotypes; with makeup, you’re either considered “fake” or self-concious, and without makeup you’re still bombarded with society’s stereotypes to look a certain way. This is truly a topic with so many viewpoints, and I can just say that you do you, and no matter what, you should always pursue whatever makes you happy as long as you are still proud of who you are as an individual 🙂 ❤
Lot's of love to you, and it was so nice finally getting the time to read a post of yours!
Aqsa ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m so glad you enjoyed, Aqsa, and it’s amazing to hear from you! Don’t worry about not getting back to me in time. It’s lovely that you decided to share your thoughts now. Liv and I were actually talking about your makeup posts in our conversation, funnily enough!
It was fascinating to hear what you think. I’ve never really worn makeup, but I don’t know if I should??? A lot of my friends do and I am sort of drawn to it as a creative art.
Lots of love to you too!!! Hugs!
Gracie xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you should experiment with it if it’s the art factor you’re looking for; it’s totally up to you if you want to or not! Don’t feel pressured to, as long as you are embracing a passion that you love is all that matters in the end. Haha, I love posting about makeup from time to time! It’s so fun for me to just play around with different styles.
Much love! xxx
Aqsa ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe I will…who knows? Thanks for everything, Aqsa. Maybe when we’re both less busy we could arrange that Skype we talked about before? I completely forgot to ask my Mum, but I will.
Loads of love,
Gracie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always a pleasure ❤ . I would love to! I'll have to get back to you in around two weeks when I'm off on my holiday before my exams. Let me know if you're able to, and we could arrange something over email?
Hugs!
Aqsa ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️❤️💕💕💕💕 Okay! Sounds great. Oh, how exciting. I email you asap.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really enjoyed this post, it was nice to read😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thanks! That’s really kind of you. Glad you enjoyed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gracie what a really interesting subject and what a lot of different comments about the subject. Me personally I think make up is ok if used for the right reasons.It can be fun too,as long as your parents agree. But for you you have a lot of natural beauty so you don’t need to cover it up.You have years ahead of you to wear it stay as beautiful as you are now xxxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for adding your thoughts, Nan! I actually agree completely. xxx
LikeLike
I LOVE makeup when it looks like you aren’t wearing it but you have a glow about you… Personally I go without make up a lot because I’m lazy and work at home and would rather keep writing or doing something… but when I go out I like to put a little on. I know my eyes fade because my eyelashes are so light, lol. Teenagers (I’ve graduated college) are so beautiful and fresh… its fine but why age yourself too quickly!? ❤ SUCH A GREAT DISCUSSION Gracie!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for your thoughts, Dani!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was an interesting read. About makeup, the intent of using it is what I think would tell if it’s good to wear or not. Makeup isn’t bad but if you wear it to hide some things or to get attention or validation, then that’s unhealthy. A time will come when you just can’t do without it because you are wearing it for a particular purpose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you and thanks for adding your thoughts to this discussion!
LikeLiked by 1 person
great post! i love how you asked for everyone’s opinions on the topic.
personally, i love makeup and putting it on. i wear it almost every day. but that’s not to say i don’t feel comfortable without it. yes, i do look more put together with makeup on, but it’s also just a lot of fun. i like simple and natural makeup, but some girls like to wear a lot, and that’s okay. if that’s what they like, then it’s their decision. makeup is a way to feel like your best self, and to experiment with different looks. but makeup can’t change someone’s personality and it definitely can’t make someone prettier. as long as it’s not being used to attract friends or boys, i think it’s okay and it’s fun to do on yourself and other people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! That means a lot to me. And thanks for adding your thoughts to this discussion!
I’ve never really worn makeup, but I do think it sounds fun. I would enjoy to have a go and experiment at some point. I definitely agree that it shouldn’t be for other people though. Makeup in that sense is destructive to a girl/woman’s self esteem when she is without it.
Thanks again! xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was so amazing to featured in this post among the other amazing bloggers listed and to read their views on makeup. I do hope that teenagers around the world can understand this concept in makeup and not think that makeup is their true beauty when it is not.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank YOU! Me too.
LikeLike
Aaahh Gracie I loved reading the post! It’s an amazing idea of yours because bringing in the different perspectives teenagers have on makeup, I think I get a general idea now!
“We mustn’t wear makeup to cover up anything”.
I’m so glad I was able to give in mine too! 😀 Thanks!
Xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good! I’m glad you enjoyed. I hope to do posts similar to this in the future as its really important and interesting to have the thoughts of many teens in one place. Would you consider contributing/reading again?
Yes, I agree!
Thank YOU! xxx
LikeLike
Can there be a part 2 to this? I’d love to contribute.
But if not, then here are my opinions on the whole aspect.
I, personally wear make up when ever I feel like doing so. But I seek no validation, or fofillment from anyone. If I wear it then it’s for me. I als Ouse makeup as a rebellious aspect for many people told me I couldn’t o it because I’m disabled. So me wearing makeup is my way of proving them wrong.
Another reason I enjoy makeup is because there’s a huge stereotype that lesbians shouldn’t be feminon but that’s simply not true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh, it’s been, what, over a year since I posted this, but why not?! I’ll definitely try to fit a part 2 in 😊
Thank you for your thoughts! Very interesting 🙂
LikeLike
Anytime I’d love to contribute some more about it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So I really like makeup for the same reason I like fashion: for me it’s a way to express my creativity and try new things. Honestly, I’ve even heard people say that you shouldn’t wear dresses because you’re just trying to be attractive to guys. Um, that COULD be true but I believe I’m just as beautiful with messy hair, in a sweatshirt and yoga pants and no makeup then I am with makeup on, a pretty dress and a pair of heels. It’s just a style preference. Even if I wear jeans (which is quite often, XD) they’re skinny jeans with a blouse and maybe ballet flats. It’s not that I’m insecure about the way I look: I just feel better and more professional when I give some time to my appearance. It doesn’t make me a selfish teen stereotype: it’s just a preference.
LikeLike
It’s really interesting to hear your perspective! Thank you so much for sharing!! And yes, it definitely makes sense what you’re saying. For example, I feel more confident if I’m wearing something I like and feel happy in too, even though my style is more baggy stuff, dungarees, hoodies and camo haha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly! I love camo, too. I once heard someone tell a girl that she shouldn’t be wearing dresses because she was just trying to impress guys. The first thing that crossed my mind was, ”Okay, but did you ever think that she’s wearing it because she likes the way it looks on her?” Our culture both pushes girls to look perfect but try to look like you just threw it on. In my opinion everyone looks beautiful, no matter what they choose to wear.
LikeLike
Yes, I agree. I think we put too much emphasis on judging people for the way they look or they way they dress, when really that’s not the most important thing. That’s their decision and you should judge them on their personality rather than what they wear.
LikeLiked by 1 person