Makeup has ballooned into a multi-billion-dollar industry, and it’s refreshing to see women profiting from it—finally getting their share of the pie.
But is it really that straightforward? When you peel back the layers, what’s left behind is a massive corporate machine that thrives on young women’s insecurities about their appearance. These insecurities are often crafted by the very media that promotes certain face shapes, skin tones, and hair types as more desirable than others.
But does this mean makeup is inherently harmful, as some conservatives suggest? Jordan Peterson once claimed that women wear blush to signal to men that they are healthy and “breedable.” This idea is not only reductive but also ignores the many layers of why people wear makeup.
What about contouring, mascara, and eyeliner? Are they also signals of fertility, or do they serve a different purpose? The truth is, makeup isn’t solely about attracting the opposite sex. It’s a form of art, a method of self-expression, and, for many, a way to boost confidence.
Self-expression through makeup is particularly evident in the LGBTQ+ community. Queer individuals often use makeup to explore and express their identities in ways that challenge societal norms. For them, makeup isn’t about hiding behind a mask; it’s about revealing who they truly are. In this sense, makeup can be empowering, offering a canvas on which to paint one’s true self.
However, the darker side of the makeup industry is impossible to ignore. While makeup can be empowering, it can also be a tool of oppression. The pressure to conform to beauty standards can be overwhelming. Women are often made to feel that they must look a certain way to be accepted, to be loved, or even to be respected.
This is where the harm lies. The beauty industry thrives on selling unattainable ideals, convincing women that they need products to fix flaws that don’t even exist.
A glaring example of this harm is the “clean girl” aesthetic that’s been circulating on social media. It promotes a look that’s supposedly natural, but in reality, it’s anything but. The aesthetic demands a “clean” face with perfectly done eyebrows, flawless skin, and subtly enhanced features—achieved, of course, with the help of numerous products.
There’s nothing natural about it, yet it’s marketed as the pinnacle of effortless beauty. This trend has caused many women to internalize the belief that they must look a certain way, even when aiming for “natural” beauty.
Moreover, the environmental impact of the makeup industry cannot be overlooked. From excessive packaging to harmful ingredients, the beauty industry contributes significantly to environmental degradation. Many makeup products contain chemicals that are harmful not just to our skin but to the planet as well.
This raises the question: Is our pursuit of beauty worth the toll it takes on our environment?
So, what’s the solution? The best thing you can do is detach from fleeting trends and focus on what truly makes you feel good. Whether that’s a full face of makeup or going bare-faced, the choice should be yours and yours alone.
Makeup can be a powerful tool for self-expression, but it should never be a crutch for insecurities or a means to conform to unrealistic standards. Embrace what makes you unique, express yourself freely, and remember that your worth isn’t tied to how well you can contour or how perfectly you can apply eyeliner.
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