However, in a $10 billion dollar a year industry, I doubt deprivation from books and YouTube videos is to blame. My question is: Why are women afraid? And, better yet, how can we combat our fears?
Cosmetic Companies Don’t Cash In On Confidence
The principal of makeup is that you can create a better “you” using a product. Fuller lips. Longer lashes. Flawless skin. All can come from makeup. Except it can’t. Cosmetic companies sell this idea so consumers will continue to shell out hundreds of dollars in hopes that they may be prettier, younger, slimmer, whatever. In an industry built on capitalizing on your doubts, fear is bound to be just around the corner.
How can you combat this feeling? Marketing is a strong pull, no doubt. But that shouldn’t stop you from feeling confident about the products you use and the knowledge you gain from using them. Develop your own opinion about how a product works and what it actually does. Realize that a product shouldn’t change you.
What You See Isn’t What You Get
When browsing a magazine, you may stumble across an impossibly beautiful woman in a makeup ad. The model’s skin is pore-less and her lipstick is the perfect shade of red. Just as you’re about to think, “I could never do that!” stop yourself! The makeup artist couldn’t do it either. Well, at least not without Photoshop. Here’s a before and after photo of what Photoshop can do for a makeup advertisement:
They Get You When You’re Young
The average American woman starts using makeup at age 13, when they are young and, most certainly, impressionable. If everyone else started using makeup at the same age you did, then why doubt your knowledge? Is the way you apply mascara really all that different from the next woman’s? Doubtful! Be confident about your experience, but also be critical of it. Having started using makeup at a young age, you may have established ideas about it. What are they and why do you have them?
Don’t Doubt Yourself!
Maybe it’s uncommon for you to have makeup come up in every day conversation, but, if it does, don’t doubt your own knowledge. If you find yourself downplaying what you know, ask why?
Up until recently, I called makeup a frivolous interest. That’s not true–it isn’t. Makeup, to me, is an art form that can change the way you feel about yourself. And I think knowledge about how to do that is powerful. So don’t downplay what you know–use it to help other women who may be seeking out information but don’t know how or who to ask.
I started wearing make-up at age 19 only, and I think the conscious struggle of learning something that all women my age already knew has made me more confident. By now I know how to apply make-up such that only a woman can see I’m wearing any, and I believe that is quite an achievement.
GREAT POST! I love how you focus on empowering women. I never bothered much with makeup in my younger years, I didn’t have to, I suppose- I had clear skin and strong features so beyond a swipe of mascara and bold lipsticks, I didn’t do much. For some reason in my 30′s I decided to just start doing more. I realized I was waiting to “grow up” before I’d start wearing heels and make-up and perfume, and the jolt of knowing that if I wasn’t grown at 30, it wasn’t going to happen. So I invested in my favorite scents, a collection of comfortable heels (devoted pedestrian and bicyclist) and started throwing on the make up. I find now, in my 40′s that make up makes me feel polished and confident. I love the playfulness of it, and the added glamor. While I do have people who tell me I’m lucky that I don’t have to wear makeup, I’m pretty honest about the fact that I do, and as a tool for empowerment, find make up to a wonderful accessory to self-expression.
Bella Q recently talked about We LOVE Clothes- I LOVE IFB
Thanks Miss Bella!
I like what you said about makeup makes you feel polished and confident–I think that’s the way makeup should make all women feel. I, too, think makeup can be a tool for self expression and confidence-boosting.
Interesting post. I come from the standpoint that we don’t really need to wear make-up and that we do so out of fear…in the sense that we are afraid not to look our best so we buy into a lot of advertising. I recently wrote a post about my stopping the use of Mascara. I always wore it to get longer lashes – I stopped wearing it for a few weeks since I had a really bad cold and allergies) Then I noticed in that short time my lashes grew- longer and fuller. I did some research and mascara because of the ingredients and then the rubbing with oils to get it off- actually clogs the hair follicles stopping growth. And, mascara dries lashes our making them prone to breaking. Scary. I like my new long lashes – I don’t think I’ll go back to glopping the stuff on. It could be that a lot of other make-up products do more harm than good. I stick to a good skin routine now with natural/organic products – and I wear the occasional concealer and lipstick. I realize that many people may not be comfortable doing this – but I often wonder why women aren;t comfortable not wearing make-up.
Suzz recently talked about Desert Architecture
Hrm…what an interesting view point!
I think some of us may do it out of fear, but certainly others do it out of habit or enjoyment. I don’t know if you can categorize all makeup-wearers into the “fear” category.
I didn’t know about mascara. Maybe I’ll give it up for a bit and see if the same happens to me. I’ve found that eyelash curlers make my lashes more prone to breakage, so I don’t use them.
I think your questions and wonderings are interesting. I, for one, am comfortable to a point without makeup. I prefer to wear it at work because I think it makes me look more professional. And another part of me just enjoys wearing it for the fun of it.
Such a great post!!! Specially “they get you when you are young part”! Great job..keep it up!
It’s so true.
I loved this post! I think so many people feel like they don’t know much about makeup because they’ve used the same products forever, but hey, if you find something that works for you, stick with it!
I agree with you! I think many women have “their” foundation. I love eyeshadow because I think it opens up the possibilities and people have less loyalty to certain brands, etc. Maybe?
What a great post! I love makeup, but even these days I look at the ads and the pressure to be perfect is always there, even though I know they’re retouched! It’s something I’m trying to teach my daughter because she can’t understand why she doesn’t look like girls in the magazines. I say, “the girls in the magazines don’t look like that in real life!” I wonder if that ad for the new make-up forever high definition makeup really is not retouched as they say it is. What do you think?
Heather Fonseca recently talked about Outfit Post – A Denim Shirt
It’s so hard to face that pressure. I’ve seen that ad by Make Up For Ever and noticed it had a note on it that it was certified by a notary that it was not retouched.
However, I also have heard criticism on that ad. People have said it’s not promoting not wearing makeup, it’s promoting wearing really expensive makeup to make you look flawless.I have to say though, I have a sample of the MUFE HD foundation and it really does make pores disappear. I was quite impressed, to be honest.
I think once your daughter gets older, you can show her videos on how they go about making models look perfect in ads. I don’t think ads are going away, but we, as women, can begin to realize when they are not realistic.
As someone who has used make up since 15, to be honest I still have no idea what’s a good product. I always listen to what the make up artists insist is good for my skin. But in reality they are making a sale and tell you what you want to hear, so reading this has helped me to realize that not every product is going to be good for my skin and that maybe sometimes it is ok to trust myself with a product that is supposed to make me look better.
XO,
Ashley
http://hauteintexas.com
Hey!
Thanks so much for sharing this. It is really good to be reminded every so often about these little secrets. The before and after shot is so powerful – it is really rare to see!
These days I try not to wear any make up (except going out on weekends) and this has encouraged me to continue to do so – thanks!
-fb X
fashion bucket. recently talked about the bucket list- leather
I totally agree! The model is beautiful, both before and after photoshop, but to see both is indeed powerful.
I’m glad this post could help you out
Great post. I especially love the before and after shots of the photoshop. It’s so true that we all get caught up on the “perfect” skin when really, so much is just retouched.
M @StyleSizzle recently talked about 5 essentials for poolside glamour
Very true M!
Courtney recently talked about De-Cluttering- Dating and Improving Your Blog
Such a great post! Makeup can be intimidating because it’s “extend your lashes” “decrease wrinkles” but if you get through all that bull… makeup can be quite fun! My typical routine is nothing fancy. However, I do like to play with a new trend once in awhile to spruce up my look. Women should look at makeup as less of a necessity and more as something fun! I recently attended the makeup show and it was great to see all these people having fun with makeup or using makeup to create completely different looks (like an alien face!).
Definitely makeup is fun once you move past the fact that you are still you except with makeup.
I think if more people had your outlook on makeup, we’d be a lot happier. I totally agree–it’s a fun medium that people shouldn’t stress over.
Courtney recently talked about De-Cluttering- Dating and Improving Your Blog
I see nothing wrong with the finished look that makeup can help you achieve giving you confidnence!
Kristin recently talked about Real Wedding- A Beach Affair
I totally agree!
you wrote this perfectly. I agree we need to find a balance in the industry and enhance not conceal to the point where we arent ourselves.
Thanks girl! I think you’re exactly right. There’s no reason why makeup should be a mask.
This is a brilliant post – thank you for sharing. I’ve always been very, very wary around make up because no one ever really showed me how to use it and because of 101 allergies, but working on a natural beauty campaign really opened my eyes to exactly how false so much of what we see actually is.
Thanks Amy! There’s lots of ways to learn about makeup. The best way is to check out books by Kevyn Aucoin or Bobbi Brown or Jemma Kidd. There’s lots of books out there, but I think those are the best.
If you have allergies, you may want to check out natural brands like Tarte or Bare Escentuals. Actually, as far as drugstore brands go, Almay has good natural makeup. You may want to stroll around http://cosmeticsdatabase.com to find out more about non-toxic makeup.
I have been searching for things to make my pores look flawless but that before and after pic made me remember that photoshopping is totally magic and there is no such thing as flawless.
Thank you Courtney, I will try to remember this.
Oh gosh! I did the same thing a few weeks ago. It’s not possible and that’s good to know before you spend $50 on a .5oz cream!
Great post! I love my Kevin Aucion books – they have so many accessible looks in them and I love the way he never endorsed brands – just the makeup item and the colour was listed so you could either use something you had or could choose one yourself if you wanted to buy something. Is that a picture of all your brushes and lipsticks in the photos above.
And I was 10 when I started wearing tinted lip gloss and moved on to proper makeup at 12!
I totally agree! Even in his second book he says something along the lines of, “Everyone asks me what brands to use and I’m not going to tell you what brands to use.”
That is a picture of my lipsticks and brushes!
I can’t believe you started proper makeup at 12. I think it wasn’t until I was 20 that I got “serious” about makeup.
Wonderful blog post. I think it is so important for women to be critical consumers in the beauty industry because it is so easy to get consumed by the marketing the preys off of our anxieties for a profit. I have been following your blog for a while and love what you do here. I started a blog a short while ago that is part beauty blog, part feminist politics, and exploring where the two intersect- I would love for you to check it out! http://powerfemme.blogspot.com/
I totally agree!
I’ll be sure to check out your blog. Thank you so much for reading and for leaving a thoughtful comment
Great post!
And who didn’t love glittery lip smackers in middle school?!
Definitely! I miss the days when all I wanted to wear was a tinted Lip Smacker or Bonne Belle! lol
Wonderful post! I feel this way about makeup, hair color, anti-aging cremes (how does Andy McDowell STILL look wrinkle-less? She looks incredible in all those teevee ads!), etc. As someone who is in her 30′s, the anti-aging fear is really kicking in. Which products will make me look younger, for longer? Is regular lotion fine for my face, or do I need expensive face/eye/neck/hand cream?
Kristen recently talked about Spring Fever
HA! I wonder that too about Andy McDowell. I was watching the Celebrity Apprentice (don’t judge!) on Sunday and Marlee Matlin had someone take her photo for an ad and then immediately said, “Great, can you make me look 16 years younger?” Which is BANANAS! since she obviously looks great!
There definitely isn’t a fountain of youth, and, if there was, it would definitely be prevention. Instead of talking about anti-aging and retinol (which is, by the way, very toxic) we should be talking about sunscreen and preventing wrinkles AND skin cancer.
Courtney recently talked about Searching for Fashion Inspiration
Even I’m shocked at the difference in the before and after photoshop picture. And I thought I knew better! Thank you for acknowleging that cosmetic industry capitalizes on self-doubt. It’s ok to like make-up and recognize the industry has its flaws.
For Those About To Shop recently talked about Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence covers Flare
I know, right? The makeup is gorgeous in the before AND after, acne aside, but it does look much different.
I think it’s totally fine to like makeup. I want women to be confident in their love of makeup and the artistry of it. I wrote this post because I was shocked at how many women who knew a lot about makeup didn’t want to express or acknowledge what they actually know. It’s bizarre!
Courtney recently talked about Searching for Fashion Inspiration
Great post! I recently shared a You Tube video with my blog followers that showed the amount of airbrushing that went into a Kristen Stewart photo – and she looked perfectly fine in the original photo.
That’s crazy! What’s the link to the video? I’d love to see it.
Courtney recently talked about Searching for Fashion Inspiration
Well said Courtney. I started using makeup when I was 12 or 13 and I remember being so delighted with my little pink cover girl shimmer lipstick (definitely aimed at the teen market) I thought it made me look more grown up and pretty.
I guess I still think it makes me look better, (it does cover a multitude of sins). That said I dont feel the need to wear it everyday and I know that the use of photoshop on adverts has really taken over. I doubt there are any pictures done that havent been at least 70% altered.
jessica recently talked about Hollywood Legend Clara Bow
Thank you, Jessica! I definitely started dabbling in makeup at age 12 or 13. I remember having a shimmer brush from Bath & Body Works that when you clicked it it, sparkles came out of the brush. Oh dear lord! LOL What adult would use that? They wouldn’t!
I, too, wear makeup about 5 days a week and avoid it more so on the weekends if I can to give my skin a break. I think being smart at spotting photoshop is so key! These women don’t even look like humans! It’s literally not possible to look like they do.
Courtney recently talked about Searching for Fashion Inspiration