Makeup -- A Mask Or An Identity?
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Makeup -- A Mask Or An Identity?

The Role Makeup (Or Lack Thereof) Plays In Our Lives

1334
Makeup -- A Mask Or An Identity?

To date, I have put on makeup (or rather, had makeup put on me) exactly twice -- once at high school graduation and once for my senior portrait. To those of you who wake up at 6 AM every morning to put on makeup and groom yourself, that may be shocking. But why is makeup a part of your life?

Makeup has always seemed like a mask to me -- a mask to hide personal flaws instead of accepting them. That's why I've never truly respected makeup. It signaled weakness, lack of self acceptance. This summer, however, I met someone who changed my mind.

Sarah Chey is a fellow sophomore at Stanford, and she embodies (to me and many others) the Goddess of Eye Makeup -- she even has an awesome Youtube channel for it. Frankly, I've never met anyone in my life like her, and that's precisely why she's given me a whole new perspective. As I sat next to her one day, watching her dab various brushes into an assortment of hues, I got the sense that she was painting herself. Painting not as in creating a persona, as I had thought before, but painting as in painting her personality, creating her personal masterpiece. I remarked, "Wow, it looks like you're creating art..."

And that's when I realized, maybe makeup is an art.

However, that's not to say that makeup is never a mask in people's lives. I don't believe I was totally wrong in my assumptions. I've witnessed too many people who rely on their concealer to conceal themselves, people who hide behind the powder and blush.

Sure, makeup can benefit you -- you might seem more attractive to others, you might look more professional at interviews, you might start the day off with more spring in your step. Makeup can just be a natural part of your daily routine, just as you'd wash your face in the morning and put on sunscreen.

If makeup is a part of your daily routine, I ask you to ask yourself not only "Why?" but also "For whom?" Is makeup something you do "just because?" Is it a means through which you express your identity, paint your masterpiece? Or is it something you hide behind, something you rely on for others to accept you, something that you wish would replace your need to love yourself and accept yourself for who you are in and out?

Sometimes, I ask myself, "If I were alone in this world, if there were no one around to judge me, would I do what I'm about to do?" But the reality of it is, we're surrounded by countless people and they judge and we judge. We all judge, judge, judge. Even if we hate it. But when we're alone in our rooms, alone in the restroom, alone in ourselves even when we're surrounded in the physical world, who is it that envelops our minds and leaves the rest of the world in darkness? Ourselves.

Makeup can cover, but it can also represent. Beneath or above the makeup, at the end of the day, you're facing you.



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70917
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132495
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments