The Power of Makeup: Why We Can't Assume It's Body Negativity

Oh dear. As someone who loves makeup and experimenting with different looks, this topic is close to my heart. Let's get something clear:

Makeup isn't only for hiding; it's also for highlighting. It's used to celebrate and embrace features. By automatically assuming that it promotes body negativity, we're dismissing the millions of individuals who use makeup to feel powerful. This backwards idea also negates the true meaning of body positivity -- which is personal choice and autonomy. The purpose of body positivity is to embrace the freedom to do what you want with your body, when you want. Lipstick is not a determining factor.

Makeup is also a form of art. It's long been used for creative expression and freedom, just like fashion, hairstyles, tattoos, and piercings. It can be used to express various aspects of personality, display personal interests, and even develop aesthetics. When we look at the history of makeup, it's clear to see that this has been the case for many, many years. Think about drag history, film and media, costume design, and even Halloween costumes. Makeup is everywhere, and it's used for a myriad of purposes.

For some, makeup makes them feel more confident. We don't see people mocking athletes, bosses, politicians, and managers for wearing fancy tailored suits to events, so why do we do it when it comes to makeup?

I'll tell you why.

Makeup is (stereotypically) traditionally associated with femininity. Yeah.

Society loves to shame confidence-boosting habits for some groups but not others, which is a ridiculously discriminatory practice. If makeup helps some people maximize their performance and self-esteem, why should we view it as shallow? And more importantly, if someone genuinely enjoys it, why should anyone be putting it down? I think this all goes back to letting people find joy in things. If putting on makeup brings someone joy, then they should absolutely keep doing it. And if it doesn't? Then that's also more than okay.

People truly overlook the power that makeup holds, and I'll give you a phenomenal example of this: medical makeup for cancer patients. For these individuals, makeup can provide a sense of normalcy, confidence, and personal identity. It's not just a way to physically transform, it's way of reclaiming strength during times that feel uncertain. I dare you to tell me that this is done out of vanity. I'll wait.

We need to stop making the assumption that people are wearing makeup because they have low self-esteem, are shallow, or want to cover up insecurities. Makeup can be empowering - and not in a one-size-fits-all way. Whether you're using it for creative expression, performance enhancement, a boost of confidence, or to solidify personal identity, you should do so with conviction. Makeup does not mean not good enough, and makeup and body positivity can absolutely coexist.


Until next time,

Pisces Ponderings ♓


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