Beauty of Makeup

Makeup is not a habit—it's something you do every day, a means of self-expression, and for many, a moment of empowerment. Whether it's applying a simple swipe of mascara to wake up tired eyes or creating a full-blown glamour look, makeup has the power to change how a person looks and feels. Research has demonstrated that makeup has the ability to boost confidence, reduce anxiety, and even be a means of being expressive (Jones et al., 2018). For some, it's a means of feeling in charge on crazy days; for others, it's an art form where the face is the canvas. The emotional connection individuals have with makeup is evident—it's not about feeling good but looking good.

The history of makeup is thousands of years old, and beauty fashions changed with each era. Kohl was used to line the eyes by the Egyptians, believing that it repelled evil spirits. Elizabethans used poisonous lead powder on the face to get that pale aristocratic look. Smoky eyes and big lips were symbols of rebellion in the 1920s, and in the 1980s, bright blush and dramatic contouring were popular. Makeup fashions change rapidly now, influenced by social media, celebrities, and international beauty fashions such as K-beauty's glass skin and dewy skin fads (Vogue, 2022). The makeup industry today is over $500 billion, and businesses are always coming up with new concepts to meet the demand for clean, sustainable, and inclusive products.

Perhaps one of the most dramatic shifts of recent years has been the trend towards more skin tone options. For years, darker-skinned women struggled to find a matching foundation and resorted to using ash or orange tones. And then Fenty Beauty hit the scene in 2017, launching with 40 shades of foundation and making the entire industry take notice. Suddenly, brands that had long excluded darker skin rushed to roll out more shades. This wasn't about selling more – it was about everyone being included and showing that beauty is for all (Allure, 2019). But despite such advancements, most brands still get it wrong, particularly in products such as concealer and powder, where the undertones are typically incorrect.

Applying makeup is where the play—and sometimes mischief—begins. Blending is crucial, be it eyeshadow, foundation, or contour. A harsh line can ruin a flawless look, whereas smooth blending creates shape and dimension. Newbies tend to struggle with finding the correct foundation color, but this is easily remedied by testing shades on the jawline in natural light and being aware of undertones (cool, warm, or neutral). Another mistake people tend to make? Applying too much powder, which can cause skin to appear thick. The secret is to apply lightly and target oily areas, such as the T-zone.

Mascara remains the top-selling product, with over 70% of women using it daily (Statista, 2021). It's the quickest way to make eyes appear larger, particularly used in combination with an eyelash curler for optimal effect. Yet mascara is not the sole must-have product—brows have changed since the early 2000s. Over-plucked, thin brows of yesteryear are now replaced by full, fluffy brows, thanks to celebrities and influencers such as Cara Delavigne. Brow gels, pomades, and micro blading pens today assist individuals in attaining natural but defined brows that frame their face.

Makeup can change your look, but how long it stays depends on your skincare. No foundation can cover up dry or irritated skin, which is why dermatologist’s state good skincare is important. Dr. Shireen Idris, a well-known dermatologist, recommends well-hydrated skin, sunscreen, and gentle exfoliation are the keys to a good makeup look (Idris, 2020). Not taking care of your skin can result in patchy foundation, wrinkled concealer, and overall sloppy appearance. It is also vitally important to take off makeup correctly. Sleeping in makeup is a huge mistake—it clogs pores, causes breakouts, and can speed up signs of aging. A double-cleanse routine—starting with an oil cleanser to remove makeup, followed by a gentle foaming cleanser—keeps your skin healthy and clear.

The equipment we utilize is quite significant. Fingers are okay for cream products such as blush or highlighter, but brushes and sponges provide more accuracy. The Beauty blender revolutionized foundation application making the skin appear smooth and natural. But equipment needs to be cleaned—filthy brushes contain bacteria, which can cause breakouts and redness. Experts recommend washing the brushes at least weekly by using mild soap or brush cleaner.

Makeup trends are fleeting, but how it make people feel is not. It makes some feel more confident going into a special occasion; others use it to express who they are today after their life has been altered through sickness or aging. There is also a growing trend of makeup as self-care, taking time to pamper oneself, even if no one else sees it. But there is a thin line between enhancing one's appearance and being too fixated. There has been a change in beauty standards with the use of filters and photo editing, which can make it easy to forget that real skin has texture, pores, and flaws. The best way to use makeup is to celebrate being different and not perfect. The future of make-up is all about being green and transparent. Consumers demand clean ingredients, green packaging, and no animal testing. Companies are listening by taking toxic chemicals out, offering refillable packaging, and being open about materials sourcing. But beyond products and trends, the true strength of make-up is that it lets you tell a story. Whether it's a bold lip for a job interview, a smoky eye for a night out, or just concealer to look neat, make-up is a means of telling the world who you are. It's not about covering up—it's about expressing that which makes you, you. Ultimately, makeup is very personal. Some days you'll wear a lot of makeup; some days you'll wear nothing but lip balm and sunscreen. The important thing is that it makes you feel good. Because no matter whether you wear lots and lots of makeup or zero, you are the same worth. Makeup is just one of a thousand ways to honor yourself—and that's not shallow at all.