Third Research Blog

Olivia Brand

Ms. Anderson

Senior Seminar

April 2018

Research Paper #3: Associated Controversies

For years and years there has been a debate about whether makeup and beauty products are superficial or not, and most of the time, people have something to say about it. Makeup and beauty products can only transform someone so much, in fact, many women and men wear makeup not because they think it makes them look prettier or more attractive, they wear it to boost their own self-confidence and feel better about themselves throughout the day.  In fact for some, leaving the house in sweatpants and without brushing their hair may actually distract them more than wearing a full face of makeup simply because they would not be so concerned about their appearance and they would then have the ability to focus on other more important parts of their day. The point is, it really is up to no one else but the individual wearing the makeup to decide what it means - whatever makes you feel the best and most empowered is the right way to present yourself.

If the hot topic is women empowerment and that is what makeup is all about, that would mean letting the women decide what they want to do with their faces and not judge that decision. In the New York Times, Thomas Matlack writes about women having the freedom to wear or not to wear makeup, and “so when it comes to makeup and self-esteem I plead ignorance other than to say women should do whatever they want. That includes my wife, by the way. As long as she knows that I love her most when she has nothing on”. Another writer for the New York Times, Natasha Scripture, says “I don’t think I’m ugly without it. It just makes me feel like I’m presenting a slightly better version of my natural self; even if the difference is only noticeable to the discerning eye. The point is that a harmless touch of makeup makes me feel better. I wear it for myself, not for anybody else”, and that is what makeup means to a lot of women - enhancing what they have already got!

On the other hand, many claimed feminists believe that wearing makeup is not their own choice, and “I wear makeup because I recognize that I live in a culture where makeup is normalized for people of my sex, age, and profession. And that's pretty much the only reason. When I don't need to live up to that cultural standard — when I'm camping, say, or at the beach, or going to the laundromat on a Tuesday afternoon — I don't wear makeup. I don't wear makeup "for myself." I wear it because of who I am and where I live and what my job is. The end”. Although many and most women wear makeup and use beauty products because they love the way it makes them feel, there is still a negative connotation and bag stigma around being a woman who enjoys the simple pleasures of playing with and using products. I will continue to challenge that idea during my senior project and make makeup a choice with no judgment.

Bibliography:

• Matlack, Thomas. “The New York Times Company.” The New York Times, The New York Times, www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/01/02/does-makeup-hurt-self-esteem/if-woman-want-to-wear-makeup-they-should.
• Scripture, Natasha. “The New York Times Company.” The New York Times, The New York Times, www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/01/02/does-makeup-hurt-self-esteem/red-lips-can-rule-the-world.
•  Sauers, Jenna. “When Is Wearing Makeup A ‘Choice’?” Jezebel, Jezebel.com, 3 Jan. 2013, jezebel.com/5972605/when-is-wearing-makeup-a-choice.