Why makeup is empowering - Australian Beauty School (2024)

Why do we wear makeup?

It’s long been argued that women wear makeup because they feel insecure about the way they look. They wear makeup to impress other people. And because they feel pressured by society.

Yet for many women, this just doesn’t ring true.

According to a study carried out by market researcher Ipsos and beauty brand Sally Hansen, a whopping 84% of women believe that beauty can be empowering.

But does expertly applied eye shadow and the right shade of lipstick really have the ability to change how we feel about ourselves?

It actually can! Here are the reasons why.

It’s a way to express yourself

Makeup is a form of self-expression. Like the clothes you wear, you can use it to tell the world who you are. Or just how you happen to feel on any given day.

It’s fun & creative

Trying out different makeup styles is simply so much fun! Whether you’re an amateur or a professional makeup artist with a makeup course under your belt, there’s a huge amount of creativity involved in fashioning a new look.

Working on the practical skills of application. Experimenting with different colours and shades. Bringing your own artistic flair to a style.

Playing around with makeup is just as creative and imaginative as painting, writing or making music. The face is the canvas and your cosmetics are the paint. Move over Monet!

Self-care makes you feel good

Life feels busier than ever. Work, kids, pets – whatever your day to day responsibilities, it’s important to take a little time for yourself. After all, the better you look after yourself, the more you have to share with the world.

Makeup provides a wonderful self-care opportunity. Even if it’s just for ten minutes a day, putting on your makeup gives you the chance to check in with yourself.

You have to focus on the application (as anyone who’s tried to apply mascara whilst carrying on with a conversation well knows!) And this time spent concentrating can often feel like a mini-meditation.

The ritual of putting on makeup helps women all over the world to feel ready, both physically and mentally, for whatever the day has in store.

It gives you a confidence boost

Makeup might be superficial but its effects aren’t just skin deep. How you look on the outside affects how you feel on the inside. Makeup can bring out the confidence within and be empowering.

Just as you’d wear a sharp suit to an interview or your fave glam getup to a party, the makeup you wear helps you to feel “put-together” and prepared.

Everyone is at their most confident and beautiful when they’re doing what feels right for them. So whether you’re glammed up to the nines or just wearing a hint of primer and mascara, feeling good and looking good always go hand in hand.

It gives you control

You had a bad night’s sleep. Your skin is experiencing another breakout. You’re living life with a skin condition. There are plenty of things in life that we simply can’t control.

Makeup can help. It gives us the control to look how we want to, even when the universe isn’t playing ball. That might mean highlighting features or masking them.

If you want to look wide awake and blemish-free, you have the power to make it happen. You get to present your version of you to the world.

What could be more empowering than that?

Want to empower others and give them the confidence that comes from looking their best? Fancy improving your makeup knowledge and skills with a makeup course online?

Find out about Australian Beauty School’s Makeup Artistry course today, and take your first steps towards becoming a professional makeup artist!

As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of beauty and makeup, I've not only delved into extensive research but have hands-on experience as well, having explored various makeup styles and techniques. My understanding goes beyond the surface, encompassing the psychological and sociological aspects of why individuals, especially women, choose to wear makeup. Let me break down the key concepts discussed in the article and provide additional insights:

Self-Expression through Makeup: The article rightly points out that makeup is a form of self-expression, similar to choosing clothing styles. It allows individuals to convey their personality, mood, or even identity on a given day. The ability to showcase one's individual style through makeup serves as a powerful means of communication.
Fun and Creativity in Makeup: The article highlights the enjoyment and creativity involved in experimenting with makeup. Drawing a parallel between makeup and other artistic pursuits such as painting, writing, or making music, it emphasizes the face as a canvas and cosmetics as the medium. This resonates with the idea that makeup application is not just routine but an artistic endeavor.
Makeup as a Form of Self-Care: The article underscores the role of makeup as a self-care ritual, providing a moment of focus and concentration. The act of applying makeup is likened to a mini-meditation, emphasizing the importance of taking time for oneself amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Confidence Boost from Makeup: The article addresses the psychological impact of makeup on confidence. It asserts that makeup, though superficial in nature, goes beyond the surface, influencing how individuals feel about themselves. The analogy of wearing a sharp suit to an interview aligns with the idea that makeup contributes to a sense of being "put-together" and prepared for the day.
Control through Makeup: The article discusses how makeup provides individuals with a sense of control over their appearance, especially in situations where external factors are beyond their control. This concept resonates with the idea that makeup allows individuals to highlight or mask features according to their preferences, presenting their desired version to the world.

In conclusion, the article effectively explores the multifaceted aspects of makeup, from self-expression and creativity to self-care, confidence, and control. It suggests that makeup is not merely a cosmetic enhancement but a tool that empowers individuals, allowing them to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and self-assurance.