Week 2 | 30/09/2024 | ‘Using makeup doesn't hide women's 'real' beauty, it hides the labor that goes into meeting beauty standards’
My initial thoughts and feelings
This article is based on how women are perceived as deceitful towards men and liars to society's standards of 'natural beauty.’ As a makeup artist, there are many ways of using makeup that are best suited to you. Whether it be a full face of makeup, perfecting small insecurities or using face paint and special effects, no one should be penalised for how they embrace their confidence. The writer states, “To anyone familiar with the transformative power of makeup, there was nothing particularly surprising about these before and after shots.” This statement refers to when Alptraum highlights, how the makeup community on social media (Twitter), are not shocked to see the before and after pictures of this makeup transformation. Many women today can recognise the reasons behind makeup application and why we apply it in the ways that we do, meaning unless you are a woman/transgender woman with a comprehensive understanding, then it should not be judged and frowned upon by someone without that knowledge and understanding.
Fig 1 (Reddit 2023)
Unfortunately, many men express their disdain for makeup through harsh and critical comments, sharing their harsh opinions publicly on social media. For instance, the situation escalated when a Twitter user re-shared the makeup transformation photos with a derogatory caption, leading to a wave of memes and negativity. This incident highlights how a simple showcase of creativity can spark a hostile debate online. I believe that these hurtful comments often stem from the insecurities of those making them, where they project their feelings onto others to momentarily escape their realities.Escalating the whole situation when an issue is caused on social media. The argument between the two people becomes an argument between thousands. Others can give their opinions online with the option of being anonymous, allowing them to type unnecessary, nasty comments without backlash on themselves.
The article mentions that, "Women are trying to deceive men using various tricks of the beauty industry to lure unsuspecting partners." This intrigues me because women have been conditioned for over a century to present themselves in a way that pleases men, to look and dress 'proper' for their husbands. Yet, when a woman chooses to embrace her natural beauty and grow body hair, she is then also slated for being 'unladylike' and is often criticised for not conforming to traditional expectations. This cycle of judgment creates insecurities that prevent women from achieving the elusive "ideal" standard. Many men expect their partners to look polished yet criticise others for looking "too much" or "unnatural." It's paradoxical to expect a woman to put effort into her appearance while simultaneously condemning her for it. If a man is only interested in a woman for her looks, he is not worthy of her. Genuine affection should stem from a deeper connection, not merely from surface-level beauty. How can someone be 'saddled to the fake attractive exterior’ without genuinely liking the person, to begin with?
Fig 2 (Reddit 2023)
Group Discussion
In our group discussion, many peers expressed frustration over men commenting on women's appearances without acknowledging the sexist undertones. Whilst I personally view this as a reflection of male insecurity, I understand my classmates' perspectives. One peer, Jess, pointed out a strong male influence in the article and questioned whether a man had written it (he hadn’t). We felt the article's tone was too straightforward and insensitive for a woman to have written it alone. Amy, however, argued that the knowledge and beauty standards discussed, indicated that the author was likely a woman, prompting me to reflect on both sides of the argument on a deeper level. I assumed that the insensitiveness could have come from personal experience and the writer may have wanted to connect with the reader on an emotional level. Maybe so help the reader understand the aggression and abuse other women have beensubjected to.
On first dates, everyone wants to look their best, even men! They get their haircuts, beard trims, lovely outfits and expect us to do the same. We can all appreciate that somewhere down the line, women will be seen without makeup, but makeup does not determine whether this will be your partner for life. This is down to personality, compatibility and how happy that specific person makes you feel.
Fig 3 (Fashionbeans 2021)
We ultimately agreed that the writer was not sexist, but the comment made within the article, such as, 'take a bitch swimming on the first date', was more of a derogatory comment than sexist. Rachel, my peers and I concluded that the article's use of contrasting and abrasive language highlights that the real concern isn't solely about personal preferences or choices. Instead, it's about how men present these opinions viciously on social media. The article seems designed to provoke a response and illustrate just how extreme and inappropriate people's opinions can be!
Is male grooming deceit? The opinions on male grooming being deceitful can depend on an individual's perspective, like when a woman wears makeup. Grooming, such as shaving, skincare, hairstyling and using grooming products, is often seen as a way for individuals to express themselves, enhance their appearance and boost confidence to fit in with society's standards regarding personal care and hygiene. I myself see grooming as a form of self-care and self-expression, rather than deceit. It can help individuals present themselves in a way that aligns with their identity or everyday expectations, which I also think is the same for women. However, some might argue that excessive grooming or altering one's appearance can create a misleading representation of a person, especially in contexts like dating or social media. Some men will represent themselves in specific ways, such as purchasing 'Turkey teeth', going on the sun beds or even taking steroids so that they two can be perceived in a certain way. This is where the fine line is between, self-care and being deceitful is drawn with male grooming, self-care and vanity.
It is a common misconception that women wear makeup for other people. The writer says, that woman usually wear makeup to look good for others, but doesn’t explore how woman might wear it for themselves. There are many comments about wearing it for men and fitting in with beauty standards, but nothing at all about wearing it for ourselves, to increase our confidence and feel good about ourselves. Most heterosexual Men don't have a clue about makeup. Wearing makeup is for you, whether it be part of our outfit or to help us feel good. For others, applying makeup is a form of therapy, a way of letting go and escaping the reality of the mainstream beauty standards.
Rachel's Questions
Is it mandatory to invest in the ‘charade’ of what ‘real women’ look like?
Creating a pleasant or respectable appearance in certain situations, such as job interviews or having to look professional, can be understood, but this does not mean having to use makeup. Investing time in looking presentable for situations that may be important to you is understandable, but this can be achieved in other ways, such as fashion and hair, not just how you apply your makeup. Also, what is a “real woman?” Some would argue, that “a real woman,” doesn’t feel the need to wear makeup, because the essence of being “real” is to not hide or mask your unique and natural beauty. There is no particular way of appearing woman-like. If this question refers to how women were expected to look in the past, then it needs to be kept in the past because, in the present (2024), people are free to express themselves however they want. Women can still look beautiful and presentable without following the typical beauty standards of the so called, “real woman.”
What point of view are they coming from?
The writer believes that women are being shamed and insulted by people behind screens. Many women do express themselves through makeup, and some express themselves through other ways; makeup or not, there will always be someone out there who will judge and say things anonymously online. Everyone on the planet has a way of expressing and making themselves feel good, but who are we to judge? The writer is creating awareness around extremists and their disproportionate, uneducated opinions and judgements.This article demonstrates how we might be susceptible to online hate, so by publishing this article, she is ensuring that we as readers know we are not the only victims who are suffering from abusive, insecure men online and people in general. Although the article is about makeup and comments on personal appearance, these types of issues can take place in many different ways, such as commenting on weight, skin tone, height, etc. The article provides an insightful view of how damaging and unsafe social media can be towards woman and the beauty industry.
Is makeup ‘faking it’?
In my opinion, makeup is not 'faking it'. I think filters, fillers, and cosmetic surgeries are fake because they are something that people do to change the way they look permanently. Unfortunately, fillers and cosmetic surgeries are becoming more accessible by using cheaper materials and being offered by inexperienced beautytechnicians. This is resulting in woman and men becoming obsessed with their personal appearances and them looking less and less human. Woman with large “duck like” lips and taught eyes, making them look nothing like themselves. It’s beauty gone mad.
However, in terms of makeup, Yes, makeup covers and conceals small insecurities, but it washes off at the end of the day; it is not permanent. Depending on what types of makeup, such as special effects makeup or body paints that completely change your features, skin tone and cover up the natural features of the face, then yes, this could be in the same category of 'faking it.’ However, if someone is using foundations the same shades as their skin tones and adding depth and highlighting what they already have, then how can this be seen as 'faking it?’ I would say makeup is an enhancement, rather than fake.
The last line – thoughts?
'We've bought into the notion that it’s not merely desirable, but downright mandatory to invest time, money and effort into maintaining this charade of what “real women” should look like.'
This sentence is controversial. It insists that everyone should adhereto the false identities of women because these are the expectationsof being a “real woman.” The sentence begins with, 'We've' referring to the opinion of all men, as though every man has taken part in supporting the deceitful women of the world. This statement suggests, that although natural beauty is more desirable, men have already participated in the charade, by giving, “their time and money.” Men joke by calling out 'real beauty,' but go against their values by providing the funds to make these makeup purchases in the first place. So they are not only slating women who wear makeup, but now they are blaming and feeling sorry for themselves for wasting their time, money and effort. However, this is a singular man's words, not all, so instead of acting like he is speaking on behalf of all men, maybe he should understand that not all men have this narrow way of thinking, before being oppressive of woman. Everyone feels differently and has different preferences, which makes the comment controversial, therefore it is not a public disagreement. It is only one man disagreeing with how women want to express themselves.
It seems women cannot win! What is actually expected of us? If we didn’t wear makeup, then we would be expected not to dye our hair or dress extravagantly. The right thing to do is to do what you want! The people who like your style will be drawn to you and will have their own positive opinions. These people must have deep, embedded issues that we cannot resolve by removing our makeup; there must be some self-love issues they have within themselves.
Summary
The article explores some controversial and condescending masculine perceptions around what makes woman “natural.” As the writer, highlights, “Overall, this certainly is an 'outright impossible situation to navigate.” Women are unfortunately attacked on a daily basis for wearing makeup. No matter what, there will always be an opinion, so you might as well do you. The article draws on the opinion, that if you transform yourself through makeup, then this in some way is a deception or lie. Using make up to accentuate your natural features, is not a deception. Woman wear makeup, to make their eyebrows fuller and/or darker, mascara to give length to their lashes, opening up the eyes, lip liner for a fuller, plump lip, blush to give some colour and foundation to hide blemishes. This is not lying. This is self love and self care. Just like men and their self care rituals and routines. Should we ask why men spend hours in the mirror? It is apparent that, men may feel anxious about what they see on social media and TV, but there are no excuses for the derogatory commentary disregarding woman for their beauty. The writer uses a very damaging quote, as follows, “Too much faith in the power of physical transformation, and suddenly your a grotesque caricature of vanity as well as a poor trait of deceit.” Calling woman grotesque caricatures of vanity is sexist and oppressive of woman rights to express themselves freely and as individuals. I do not agree with this article and to be honest I am upset as a woman that insecure men can use their words to scorn. Make up is an art form to be used within a spectrum of creativity and empowers woman to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. No one knows why anyone wears their makeup and it’s not for anyone to make comments or judge, especially not masculine perception!
References:
Alptraum, L. (2018) 'Using makeup doesn't hide women's 'real' beauty. It hides the labour that goes into meeting beauty standards.' [online] Available at: www.nbcnews.com Accessed on: 30/09/2024
Fashionbeans (2021) When Bad Haircuts Happen To Good Men [online] Available at: www.fashionbeans.com Accessed on: 30/09/2024
Ranker.com (n.d) 21 photos of celebrity’s with and without their makeup [online] Available at: www.pinterest.com Accessed on: 30/09/2024
Reddit (2023) Which female celebrity looks amazing without makeup? [online] Available at: www.reddit.com Accessed on: 30/09/2024
Original source for this article - Alptraum, L. (2018) 'Using makeup doesn't hide women's 'real' beauty. It hides the labour that goes into meeting beauty standards.' [online] Available at: www.nbcnews.com Accessed on: 30/09/2024