"Unmasking the Truth: Our Complex Relationship with Makeup and Beauty Standards”

Oh yes, "We've all been there. Standing in front of the mirror, unprepared to face the day without extra help. So, Let's talk about the Picasso in the room, or should I say, the foundation on our faces. That's right, I'm talking about makeup. Now, don't get me wrong, I love a good beat as much as the next person, but can we be honest for a second? I don't "wake up like this." I wake up tired as hell, with leftovers of yesterday's mascara smudged under my eyes. But somehow, in these new times, we've reached a point where anything less than perfect is unacceptable. No thanks.

I'm just a regular person trying to get out the door in the morning without feeling like a total swamp monster in my own skin. Sure, some tinted moisturizer makes me look alive after 4 hours of sleep. But when did coverup become mandatory to be seen in society? When did this routine become 40 to 60 minutes of my daily routine?

The YouTube experts and glossy tutorials make it look so effortless. Meanwhile, I'm over here wiping weird foundation tide marks along my jaw and hoping my dark circles don't scare coworkers. And I can't be the only one, right?

Girl, I feel you. How often have you canceled plans because a zit dared show up at the last minute? Have you refused to let bae see you without a full beat? Spent rent money on the latest too-good-to-be-true foundation that promises perfect skin?

I realized how unhealthy my relationship with makeup had become when I started crying over a broken powder compact. It was the latest in a philosophy palette that promised flawless pores. $50 later, it slipped from my bathroom counter and shattered on the tile.

As I blotted my tears with an oil-absorbing sheet, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror—raccoon eyes from smudged mascara, concealer settling into fine lines, and my skin a mess from sheer stress. All that money and effort to still feel terrible about myself? Something needed to change. 

Why Do We Wear Makeup? 

First things first, let's address the elephant in the room: why do we even wear makeup in the first place? Is it because we genuinely enjoy the creative process of transforming our faces into works of art? Or is it because society has conditioned us to believe that our natural beauty isn't enough? I mean, think about it. From a young age, we're bombarded with images of seemingly flawless celebrities and influencers who make us feel like we must live up to some impossible standard of beauty.

We're told that our skin should be poreless, our lashes should be long and luscious, and our lips should be plump and pouty. It's no wonder that so many of us feel like we need to wear makeup to feel confident and put together.

But here's the thing: makeup isn't just about hiding our perceived imperfections. For many of us, it's a form of self-expression and creativity. There's something incredibly empowering about transforming your appearance with a few swipes of a brush or a dab of lipstick. It's like putting on a superhero cape – suddenly, you feel like you can take on the world. And let's not forget about the social aspect of makeup. How often have you bonded with your friends over a shared love of a particular mascara or lipstick shade? Makeup has a way of bringing people together and creating a sense of community.

The Time and Money We Spend on Makeup 

But as much as we love makeup, and let's be honest, there's no denying that even if we streamline our routines and cut down on the time we spend on makeup, it's still a significant chunk of our lives. Throughout a lifetime, the average person will spend a staggering 3,276 hours applying makeup. That's almost 137 days – nearly five months! – spent in front of the mirror, perfecting our winged liner and blending our contour. And that's not even considering the time spent shopping for makeup, watching tutorials, or cleaning our brushes.

And wait to get me started on the cost. Between the high-end foundations, the trendy eyeshadow palettes, and the must-have lipsticks, it's no wonder our bank accounts are crying for help. I mean, have you seen the price of some of these products? It's enough to make you want to go bare-faced forever. But of course, we can't resist the siren call of that new limited-edition collection or that viral TikTok product. A never-ending cycle of consumerism that keeps us coming back for more. 

The Global Love Affair with Makeup 

Let's take a moment to appreciate that our love affair with makeup is truly a worldwide phenomenon. From the streets of Tokyo to the beaches of Rio, people of all cultures and backgrounds have used makeup to express themselves and enhance their natural beauty for centuries.

Take Asia, for example. In countries like Japan and Korea, makeup is about achieving that perfect, porcelain-like complexion. It's no wonder that BB creams and cushion compacts were invented here – they're like magic wands for creating a flawless, dewy finish. And let's not forget about the bold and colorful eye makeup looks that have been popularized by K-pop stars and anime characters alike. Who needs subtlety when you can have glitter and neon?

But in India, makeup is often tied to ancient traditions and rituals. Brides, mainly, are known for their intricate and stunning makeup looks, which can take hours to complete. From the dramatic kohl-lined eyes to the bright red lips, Indian bridal makeup is an actual work of art. And let's be honest – if you can make it through a multi-day Indian wedding without smudging your eyeliner, you're a makeup superhero.

Moving over to the Middle East, makeup is all about drama and glamour. Bold brows, smoky eyes, and contoured cheekbones are the name of the game here. And if you've ever seen an Arab influencer's makeup tutorial on Instagram, you know these looks are not for the faint of heart. But hey, when you live in a region known for its scorching temperatures and endless dunes, you need makeup that can withstand the elements.

In Africa, makeup is often used to celebrate and showcase cultural identity. From the colorful face paints of the Maasai tribe to the intricate henna designs of North African brides, makeup is a way to honor tradition and express individuality. And can we talk about the fact that some of the most iconic makeup looks of all time – like the classic cat eye and bold red lip – originated in ancient Egypt? Cleopatra was basically the original beauty influencer.

And then there's Europe, where makeup trends seem to change faster than you can say, "je ne sais quoi." One minute, it's all about the no-makeup makeup look – you know, the one where you spend an hour applying products to make it look like you're not wearing any. The next, it's all about bold, graphic eyeliner and neon eyeshadow. But through it all, one thing remains constant: the French girl's effortless, chic approach to beauty. Seriously, how do they make messy hair and smudged eyeliner look so damn good?

Of course, these are just a few examples of the many ways that makeup is used and celebrated around the world. From the bright and bold looks of Latin America to the minimalist approach of Scandinavia, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to beauty. But one thing is clear: no matter where you go, people are using makeup to express themselves, celebrate their culture, and feel like the best version of themselves.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by the pressure to keep up with the latest beauty trends, remember that makeup is a global language. It's a way to connect with people from all walks of life and celebrate the things that make us unique. Whether you're rocking a bold lip in Brazil or a subtle smoky eye in Sweden, you're part of a worldwide community of beauty lovers.

The Environmental Impacts of Our Makeup Obsession 

While we enjoy makeup's transformative power, it's crucial to consider its environmental impact. The beauty industry significantly contributes to plastic pollution, with millions of products sold in single-use packaging yearly. In fact, according to Zero Waste Week, the global cosmetics industry produces over 120 billion units of packaging annually, most of which are not recyclable.

Moreover, many makeup products contain harmful chemicals and microplastics that can end up in our waterways and oceans, harming marine life. A 2019 study by the European Chemicals Agency found that up to 8,800 tons of microplastics are released into the environment each year from cosmetic products in Europe alone.

To minimize our environmental footprint, we can opt for makeup products with minimal, eco-friendly packaging and choose those free from harmful chemicals and microplastics. By supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and making mindful purchasing decisions, we can reduce our impact on the planet. 

Makeup Is a Personal Choice 

At the end of the day, makeup is a personal choice. There's no right or wrong way to approach it, and what works for one person might not work for another. The important thing is to do what makes you feel good, both inside and out. If wearing makeup brings you joy and makes you feel confident, then by all means, rock that bold lip and winged liner. But suppose you're constantly feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to look perfect or struggling with the financial or environmental cost of your makeup habit. In that case, it might be time to reevaluate your relationship with beauty products.

The bottom line is this: makeup can be an excellent form of self-expression and creativity, but it shouldn't come at the cost of our time, money, health, or the environment. We must be mindful of our choices and their impact on ourselves and the world around us.

So, the next time you find yourself spending an hour on your contour or debating whether to splurge on that new limited-edition eyeshadow palette, take a moment to pause and reflect. Ask yourself: is this bringing me joy? Is it worth the time, money, and environmental cost? Most importantly, am I doing this for myself, or is it because I feel like I have to? 

Remember, true beauty comes from within. It's about feeling confident, comfortable, and authentic in your own skin. And while makeup can undoubtedly play a role, it's not the be-all and end-all. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to do what makes you feel like the best version of yourself – whether that's rocking a bold lip and winged liner or embracing your bare face in all its natural glory.

So, go forth and do you, my beautiful people. Wear makeup if it brings you joy, but don't be afraid to go bare-faced if that feels right. Above all, remember that your worth is not defined by the products you put on your face but by the light that shines from within.

By Sypharany.