We talk to women about what makeup means to them- Part two

Image courtesy of @ultimate_80s/ Instagram

Makeup is seemingly all about the look. Enhancing your beauty, using the practice as an art form. But for ‘day to day’ women, makeup has a variety of meanings. In this two-part series, we speak to a handful of women about what makeup means to them.

In the 1980s, New Romantics used makeup to express their rebellion against fashion by painting their faces with bright colours. And although they might have looked flamboyant from the outside, their cause for expression was not. Makeup doesn’t just mean looking nice to some, it can have a deeper and essential meaning to those who choose or choose not to wear it.

“Since losing my hair it has been a challenge as I have had to learn new ways of applying makeup. Makeup hides blemishes, insecurities and portrays the image you want other people to see,” says primary school teacher Madeline Judge. Makeup can provide a sense of normality when we’re not feeling ourselves on the inside. It allows us to feel more ourselves from the outside. It can, in a sense, provide reassurance and confidence.

But for some, makeup makes them feel like someone completely different- and not in a good way. Gill Burtwell, local authority worker, says “I don’t wear make up for a number of reasons, life’s too short for all that fuss and bother, I’m an old time feminist I don’t want men defining how I should look. Nor women for that matter. It gets in the way of me as a person and the natural world in which I like to be.” The use of makeup can seem vain to some women, or even unimportant. Even more so, makeup can have political and moral issues for some people as different waves of feminism or religions feel differently about the reasons behind the use of cosmetics. Although this can seem controversial, it is an opinion shared among many.

Image courtesy of @rudoszkaa/ Instagram

But there’s also nothing wrong in enjoying the aesthetic creativity that makeup has to offer. Suzy Dobson, a commissioner of health in Hampshire, says “I love makeup. I find it so cheering. I love the way it makes me feel and can transform my face. I’m fascinated by how other people use it too and will often compliment other women on theirs.” To some, the ability to transform their face is what is most appealing about makeup. It becomes an art form that can be appreciated by both themselves and others.

It’s clear to see that makeup is a personal form of expression for the ‘day to day woman’ nowadays, whether that means they wear makeup or not. And although there doesn’t seem to be a practical use for it, it’s effect or absence can make all the difference. It can make people feel confident, allow them to experiment with their look or even be politically charged. Whatever your reason to wear or not to wear makeup, be true to yourself.

Share why you like or dislike using makeup in the comments below, on Instagram, Snapchat or Twitter.