Makeup has long been a topic of debate, admiration, and criticism. Many of us have encountered statements like:
🗣️ “Why do you apply makeup? You’re already so pretty.”
🗣️ “You should use makeup to hide your imperfections.”
🗣️ “I hate makeup. I don’t understand why girls wear it.”
🗣️ “She’s not natural. Her face is all caked with makeup.”
These comments reflect society’s complex, and often contradictory, relationship with makeup. It’s praised and criticized in equal measure—seen as both a confidence booster and a deceptive mask. But is makeup truly girl-coded?
A Historical Perspective: Makeup Beyond Gender
Contrary to popular belief, makeup has never been exclusive to women. Its origins trace back to ancient Egypt, where both men and women adorned their faces with kohl to protect their eyes from the sun and symbolize status. In the Roman Empire, however, makeup was controversially linked to sex workers, reinforcing stereotypes of vanity and immorality.
During the Renaissance, beauty in all forms was embraced, while the Victorian Era condemned cosmetics as vulgar. Over time, makeup has evolved into a personal and artistic expression, yet stereotypes persist.
More Than Just a Beauty Product
Makeup isn’t just about enhancing features—it serves different purposes for different people:
🎨 A Form of Art – Many consider makeup a creative outlet, similar to painting or fashion.
🛡️ A Confidence Booster – Some use it to feel more polished and presentable.
🎭 A Personal Choice – It can be a daily ritual, a habit, or a tool for self-expression.
Yet, makeup remains unfairly judged. Those who wear it are sometimes labeled “fake,” while those who don’t may be told they “need it.” This double standard reinforces toxic beauty norms.
The Role of Media and Marketing
Makeup advertising plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions. Some brands fuel toxic beauty standards, promoting products that “lighten” skin or implying that beauty is only for certain skin tones. Media portrayal often reinforces stereotypes, showing women in heavy makeup for special occasions rather than as an everyday choice.
Even in makeup tutorials, we see concerning trends—foundation shades that are significantly lighter, lack of transparency about harmful ingredients, and an overall suggestion that makeup is meant to “fix” rather than enhance.
Breaking Stereotypes: Makeup is for Everyone
It’s time to dismantle outdated views:
✅ Men wearing makeup shouldn’t be shamed. Historically and in modern times, men have worn makeup for various reasons—be it performance, fashion, or personal preference.
✅ Makeup isn’t just for “ugly” people. Everyone has the right to use it without feeling judged.
✅ Beauty is diverse. There is no one-size-fits-all definition of beauty, and makeup is just one way to express it.
Final Thoughts: A Personal Choice, Not a Gendered Rule
Makeup is neither a requirement nor a deception—it’s an individual choice. Whether you use it as a tool of empowerment, a form of creativity, or not at all, the key is to embrace personal preferences without imposing societal expectations. Instead of defining beauty through rigid traditions, we should celebrate its fluidity and use makeup as a means of self-expression.
At the end of the day, makeup doesn’t define you—you define it. 💄✨