In lively consideration of a discussion of aesthetics and
cosmetology, Jane Austen, an 18th century English novelist not
necessarily known for her interactive makeup tutorials, or trend setting vlogging credentials
once said:
"Vanity and pride
are two very different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A
person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates to our opinion of
ourselves, vanity relates more to what we would have others think of us.”
Some years later, Madonna, - a lady arguably holding the
Guinness World Record for ‘The Fewest Fucks Ever Given’, equally, and as
eloquently stated that: “If your joy is derived from what society and other
people think of you, you're going lead a very sad and disappointing life.”
These statements are relevant to the discussion of makeup for
two main reasons. The first is that genetic factors may determine whether we
have almond shaped eyes, beautiful freckles, or sensual lips, but the crux
of the world of #Fleekness is that, if you feel good about yourself, you ALWAYS look
good to others.
This is because confidence, (the most attractive female
embellishment) illuminates outwardly from your face, blinding onlookers about anything
else you may consider less favourable about yourself, and the idea of perfection
dictated to you by popular culture.
The second invaluable assertion is that in a world which
repeatedly rejoices in making you feel inadequate, liking yourself is a
rebellious act to be celebrated and elevated to the empowerment of both men and
women all over the world.
In life there are no shortage of ways for people to make you
feel bad. This also applies to the non-conformity of your facial features or bodily composition, in obedience to the interim look of the season.
Every unfortunate soul with an unwarranted sense of self-importance, unfounded value on their own opinion and deplorable moral standing, possesses the ability to cast a shadow over even the brightest of highlighters.
Every unfortunate soul with an unwarranted sense of self-importance, unfounded value on their own opinion and deplorable moral standing, possesses the ability to cast a shadow over even the brightest of highlighters.
These makeup shamers have become so fixated by the supremacy of
the ‘Natural Woman’ that they’ve well….kind of overlooked the whole feminist movement thing, and freedom of self-expression that was narcotically enhanced and hopefully established in the 70's.
So just to be clear, in case you missed ‘Feminisim 101’ or
the ‘Good Persons Guide To The Galaxy’, let’s get back to basics, you know, for the #Basics.
The fundamental science behind it all argues that makeup has
been used in disparate and diverse cultures all over the world for one main reason - it taps into
our primal judgments and urges. Primarily it reflects positive interpretations of youth,
health and the capability to reproduce strong and attractive offspring.
As wonderful and simplistic as this scientific evidence is
in explaining the genesis of makeup, it does little to address the
multi-trillion dollar industry that has flourished above and beyond considerations
of wanting to be your Baby Daddy’s #FlawlessBabyMomma.
It’s an inescapable fact that men have their own makeup
opinions and preferences. Granted. But just because Jeff from Accounting
prefers you without eyeliner and lashes and has uncomfortably informed you of this, doesn’t mean you need to conform to
the limited scope of Jeff’s M.U.A repertoire.
As women, hopefully we’ve moved beyond the need to seek
validation from a man, because in the grand scheme of things, I’m not sure Derek from ‘da club is capable of distinguishing between Ruby Woo and Lady Danger…And
that’s a life skill I value in a person.
So what is it about cosmetology that has captivated us ladies
to such a degree?
Makeup has meant many things to many people over the years.
Historically, the fashion to aesthetically enhance ourselves dates back to a
time even before the Egyptians were using soot, beetle’s blood and other
natural products to create their distinctive and accentuated look.
You need to only glance at a social media platform to
observe the skill, talent and popularity of makeup artists, near and far, to
see the transformative and remarkable effect of makeup. Not only do these colours, textures and techniques have the ability to enhance a woman's self-esteem, but they also have the potential to make a woman go 'Zero To A Hunnit MUA Real Quick.' (Credit - Drake)
It doesn’t take a genius to work out that makeup can be
worn in varying degrees of intensity. For some it’s a bit of tinted moisturiser
and some mascara, for others it’s full on lash extensions, multi-tonal
contouring and matte lips every day.
Irrespectively, makeup application, in whatever ferocity or vigor, strengthens the
resolve that, a woman is only capable of being herself when she has the freedom
to look and be whatever she wants. Black Lipstick and Blue Mascara or not.
But perhaps the most interesting question we can ask is: ‘How beautiful
does a woman have to look before she believes it herself?’
If all of us are just play-acting in Mum’s makeup bag, then
what is the real definition of beauty?
Something we as women should all contemplate, is how we feel
about ourselves when we take our makeup off. Because…
“If your value lies in being merely
decorative, some day you might find yourself believing that’s all you are. Time erodes the beauty of youth, but it will never diminish the wonderful working of
your mind, your soul, your kindness, your humour and your courage.” (Little Women)
Beyond
Makeup, if you don’t believe in your own individual beauty, then all the
glamour and lip liner in the world can’t help you.
“Your Made Of So Much Beauty, But It Seems You Forgot, When You Decided You Were Defined, By All The Things Your Not”.
To all the little, and not so little girls looking towards the beauty counter for validation with a lust and longing for the fictitious facial features of Kim, Khloe, Kourtney, Kylie, and Kendall, always remember:
‘Makeup Does Not Maketh The Woman, The Woman Maketh The Makeup’
From Qatar, With Love. Always.
