makeup as self-expression

By Amy Mojica

Edited By Ryan Winchester

Makeup is often seen by society as a way to hide one’s insecurities, but that’s not always the case. In fact, more often than not, makeup is used to amplify an individual’s confidence. Makeup is a genderless form of self-expression which allows people to choose how they want to be seen. As a person who wears makeup constantly, I may be biased when I say makeup is an art. It’s not unusual to see me rocking green eyeshadow or sparkling duo-chromes on Main Street. Often times, I try new makeup looks just for fun. All of this is how I express myself. To me, trying new eyeshadow looks is similar to painting or sculpting. Makeup is no different than painting, and my face is no different than a canvas. It’s a fun and easy way to get a point across. Even if I am biased, I’d like to invite you to look at makeup as an art; even the smallest of details, like perfectly blended eyeshadow, can make or break a look-- just like it would to a painting.

To me, makeup is more than just a way to enhance your natural beauty. Makeup is an art form that not everybody understands or wishes to understand, but it’s art nonetheless. Through makeup, you can tell a lot about a person, including what they’re comfortable with and how they choose to express themselves. Contrary to popular societal belief, makeup is not just for people who identify as females. For people of any gender, makeup is a way to experiment and have fun with their appearance. Makeup is all-inclusive. Any person should be able to choose what image they put out into the world; any person should be able to wear something that empowers them without fear that they will be judged.

Although this applies to all forms of self-expression, it is important to emphasize the importance of individual tastes and the idea that each person is entitled to do what they like in relation to makeup. Makeup became associated with femininity in around the 20th century, and up until that point in history, men wore makeup. Since social norms are fluid and constantly changing, the best thing to do is allow every person the right to bodily autonomy. Bodily autonomy includes the right to dress and present your person as you’d like.

Being able to control your body is an inalienable right, and as a member of an evolving society, it is your job to encourage people to show their true selves, regardless of their gender identity.