The Power of Makeup: Seeing Makeup as an Artistic Expression
Beauty lovers, have you ever wondered why the beauty industry is so important to societies around the world. It’s because it’s a form of art that allows people to transform themselves into something else or express their individuality. I didn’t really appreciate the practice until last year when I first viewed Jeffree Star’s channel on YouTube. Then I got into to a vintage YouTuber’s channel and then I appreciated the expression of other people’s makeup routines. Below is a guide on how each product tells a story about who an individual is.
Foundation: the coverage we apply on our faces is the canvas for individuals to create their makeup looks. A medium coverage is needed for a healthy balance for our skin.
Concealer: used as a cover for blemishes or occasional pimples. But the main use is to cover dark circles under our eyes to indicate that we have slept a full 9 hours recommended by the CDC.
Setting Powder: when used this allows our foundation and concealer to set and remain on our face for at least 8 hours a day. It can also be used to keep our face looking flawless and keeping our oily skin problems at bay. (I know that’s my issue).
Eye Shadow: This is where playing with makeup gets creative. You can go with a natural eye palette colors for a more “no makeup” makeup look. You can go for a darker toned palette to create a smoky eye makeup look or a gothic look. Some of the softer pink shades can be used to express a soft, glam or vintage look like the old Hollywood movie stars used to wear. This past year I’ve been using a variety of colors ranging from gold to blue. Often these are the colors that are really used to express individuality and uniqueness. The sky is really the limit on this product.
Eyeliner: Eyeliner must be used with caution as it often is a powerful tool that helps shape a person’s face. For example, a huge wing eyeliner is a signal of a very brave and bold person. Whereas a simple line could show that a person wants their eye makeup to appear as an illusion. Crayon or pencil eyeliner can be used to make a person’s eyes appear more appealing than the rest of their makeup.
Mascara/Lashes: I have not used lashes much, but I did receive my first pair due to a close friend giving me some for Christmas. But mascara can easily make a person’s eyelashes go from nonexistent to full on curl. I remember 7th grade, 7-layered lashes were the thing back in the day. Now it’s a pair of lashes with a little bit of mascara. But be careful long eyelashes (natural or not) can come off as bold, but intimidating.
Blush: There are so many blushes out there and in so many different colors, it’s impossible to just stick to one. And now days, blushes are going more bold with colors ranging from orange to green in some cases. Blush adds a youthful glow to anyone who applies it and it makes you appear bashful naturally. Definitely the product that does a best job of enhancing our natural beauty.
Highlighter: Most of the time this product is used to give a person “glass-looking” skin. It’s amazing what a little bit of glitter on your nose will do. It can also be used to give a person a shimmery appearance. This product shows a person who shines bright and isn’t afraid to show it.
Bronzer: A true product of the 1960s and 1970s, this product is used to give a little bit of tan and definition to a person’s face. I used a lot of bronzer when trying out a “Sharon Tate” makeup look. Often times this is used for a more subtle, look for individuals. This product can also be used to contour and sculpt our faces.
Lipstick/Lip gloss: Lipstick, like eyeshadow and blush, is another product that has so much variety you could go ham with it. A dark brown lipstick, like the one I’m wearing above, can be used more for fall, dark and sultry looks. Whereas a red or pink lipstick would be more appropriate for a vintage Hollywood glam look or an elegant gala event. Some of the more bold colors such as blue, black, yellow, etc. are indicative of a confident person who doesn’t care what other thinks (I commend you for your bravery to pull that off). Lip gloss is used more with lipstick these days, but I use it most of the time by itself. Lip gloss can be indicative of a person who likes to use a little subtleness to their natural beauty.
Well go out there and express yourself with your new found knowledge!
