Makeup, an old beauty ritual, is now considered as an artistic expression and self-acceptance. In a society that values self-image, makeup has become a tool for self-expression.
In recent years, social media has brought attention to the link between attractiveness and mental health. Cosmetics have become a daily habit that can boost self-confidence but can pose psychological issues.
Makeup boosts self-esteem.
Cosmetics have transformed and shaped how we see ourselves and others since ancient times. Beauty gurus and high-quality makeup products make it easy to enhance our natural features and add colour to our faces.
People use makeup to enhance their beauty, disguise flaws, or experiment with identities.
When considered as an internal expression of creativity, autonomy, and connection, makeup can boost self-esteem, according to a Sage Open study. Thus, cosmetics wearers may get control and enjoyment.
If motivation originates from external sources like social pressure or the need for approval, cosmetics can be an indirect way to boost mood and self-esteem, but it has drawbacks including dependency on external validation.
Self-expression via makeup
Regular makeup application was considered superficial feminine vanity a few decades ago. Everyone can express their feelings, moods, and uniqueness by picking vibrant colours, techniques, or styles.
More people are encouraged to wear makeup daily to represent themselves.
A Journal of Student Research research found that makeup is a gender-neutral method of artistic expression. It has become a contemporary art form that promotes creativity, originality, and gender-neutral self-expression.
Makeup can reveal our identity and self-image to others and ourselves.
This daily task becomes a personal canvas where each line and colour shapes acceptance and perception. Makeup can also lead to an endless pursuit of perfection due to modern beauty standards.
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Wearing makeup may cause psychological issues
Makeup may empower or obscure a person's actual self. Overusing makeup to maintain a positive self-image can cause emotional issues because personal acceptance is tied to appearance.
These psychological issues might be caused by cosmetics.
Emotional dependence: Low self-esteem might lead to makeup dependence.
Continuous comparison: Exposure to unrealistic beauty standards raises the chance of dysmorphic behaviour, such as using makeup to compare oneself to unachievable ideals.
The idea that makeup hides faults rather than highlighting natural characteristics can lower self-esteem, especially when wearing natural makeup.
Self-image distortion: Using makeup to improve looks can generate anxiety or dissatisfaction when not utilised, causing self-image issues.
Ongoing aesthetic pressure: Maintaining aesthetic standards can be stressful and lead to unreasonable ambitions. This harms mental health over time.
Makeup aids self-acceptance.
Since Antiquity, makeup has been part of human culture. Makeup helps people see themselves better by fostering creativity, self-expression, and autonomy.
It's important to recognise and manage its psychological hazards, such as overdependence, societal pressure, and authenticity loss. This is especially true in the age of virtuality and unreachable beauty standards.