Within our society, many hold the belief that makeup is strictly for women and not for anyone else. This is a lie that may have been taught to us while growing up. Makeup is inherently genderless and can be applied by anyone who so chooses to do so. For example, Egyptians had found substances that were used in nature to create makeup for both men and women to distinguish social status and to protect their skin from the sun, while the Greeks and Chinese would use rice and chalk to lighten their complexions. Both sexes within the colonial era of the aristocracy would use white lead paint to also lighten their complexions. Makeup has only been labeled as a "female product" within the present day that we are currently living in. Historically speaking, it is evident from the listed examples above that everyone had their own reasons to use makeup and it was not yet feminized.
We are currently living in the time where makeup is being seen as a feminized beauty product which is unfortunate. Both women who chose to wear makeup and those who choose not to are often criticized for their choices. Women who choose to wear it are criticized for wearing too much, while those who do not wear it are told that they look sick or exhausted. Wearing makeup or not wearing it is a choice that is based on an individual's preference and a choice that we should respect. Makeup also can help to express your gender identity, as well.
I personally do not wear a noticeable amount of makeup all that often because in my eyes, it is an unnecessary hassle when I get ready in the morning before classes or work. I do however fill in my eyebrows because it makes me feel more confident within my appearance and enhances their shape, but that's about it. Not wearing makeup for me is a matter of convenience. I give major credit to those who do wake up and put makeup on in the morning and look absolutely fabulous, because my first thought is grabbing coffee and my backpack and then running out the door!
Makeup in my eyes is completely a form of art. It takes time to master and perfect and is a fantastic way to express yourself to the world. You can create basically any look that you want as long as you have the tools to do so. Isn't that lovely? I have always dreamed of a world where everyone can express themselves in the way that they have longed to. Careers can also blossom from the art of makeup, such as within the fields of cosmetology, movie makeup and special effects makeup.
When all is said and done, we need to liberate the usage of makeup from being strictly feminized. Makeup is a tool for all, a passion that goes beyond just those who were designated female at birth.
