Depending on the context, the term "makeup" can have a variety of connotations. In addition to the physical cosmetics applied to the body, make-up can also refer to the act of applying the cosmetics. The power of makeup’ is a YouTube challenge that shook the beauty world and changed the way people think about makeup. Since ancient times, women have used cosmetics to enhance their looks and make themselves appear more desirable. A modern busy woman who wants to enhance her natural beauty and appear fresh just needs a small amount of foundation, concealer, brow pencil, mascara, and lipstick for her basic daily makeup routine. Every morning, they put on their best face because they feel confident and ready to take on the world, but it’s not for the sake of pleasing others or creating a false impression. As well as improving the appearance and hiding flaws that should not define a person but often do, makeup is a form of self-expression and art that has escaped the realm of professional makeup artists and has become widely accessible to women and men who want to experiment with their looks and diversify them using the power of makeup.
History of Makeup
Egyptians claim to be one of the first societies to use makeup, dating back to 6,000 BC. Egyptian men and women have been known for using natural resources to create and wear cosmetics. A century ago, make-up was deemed ‘questionable’ by the middle classes, who felt it belonged only to prostitutes and actresses. Red lipstick became a pillar of pride, strength, and liberation during the suffrage campaign; before it always contained sexual implications. With the growth of Hollywood, high fashion, and glamour, cosmetics usage grew. From movie stars to models, cosmetics became more accessible to the general public.
Makeup Trends Popularity
Defined as a ‘full face of makeup’, the line between cosmetics that boosts confidence and makes women feel attractive and excessive makeup that devalues natural beauty and makes people hide behind their ‘full face of makeup because they feel terrible without it has. Makeup has grown in popularity during the last decade, boosting global cosmetic sales. Due to modern millennial advertising strategies like Instagram and Youtube, this is the case. Sephora’s profits have doubled since 2011 as Ulta Beauty has built over 100 new stores annually. It’s not new for beauty bloggers to build followings and collaborations with brands, promoting hot new items for customers to test. On Youtube, numerous beauty influencers gather followers, teach application techniques in tutorial videos, and promote their own or other cosmetic brands and items.
Makeup’s Power
A series of photos, part of the ‘The power of makeup’ YouTube challenge, was taken to demonstrate the dramatic impact that makeup can have on a person’s appearance, to demonstrate that changing one’s appearance to suit oneself or the situation is not harmful, and to demonstrate that people can look stunning with or without makeup. YouTubers and the general public alike have been posting films and images documenting the "magic of makeup.
Beauty has a cult following, but it’s not without controversy Some makeup wearers have suffered hatred and backlash for wearing makeup, whereas most makeup users and wearers can vouch that it is a joyful hobby used to enhance one’s natural attractiveness. Makeup critics have accused people who apply makeup of doing so “for insecure reasons such as self-hatred or the attention of men,” according to Youtuber and makeup artist Nikkie Tutorials. Women enjoy using lipstick and false eyelashes to enhance their appearance. With #ThePowerOfMakeup, we can hope to inspire beauty lovers to love themselves while also creating art with cosmetics. This emphasizes the power of cosmetics and what they can accomplish for the individual. To demonstrate to you the power of cosmetics and how they can transform you, Nikkie explains in her video. Just because it’s fun!
Beauty Industry Racism and Colorism
The beauty industries capitalized on the general excitement by offering a wide range of products designed to make our skin look young and flawless, our eyes bigger and brighter, our brows on fleek, our cheekbones more prominent, our lips plumper and sexier, and our blemishes unnoticeable. All the more so if the products are innovative, durable, and life-changing. Millions of millions are spent on the beauty industry, which is full of artists and brands that are both acclaimed and derided. While the makeup empowerment movement is growing, evident racist and colourist transgressions have and continue to badly harm the industry and community. The purpose of the power of makeup is to empower the user through an inclusive and individualized cosmetic experience. However, some brands have shown to be intolerant. “Brands toss in two dark shades like, ‘Here, just to shut y’all up,” says Jackie Aina, a black beauty blogger on Youtube. In 2018, Tarte Cosmetics attracted backlash for releasing its Shape Tape foundation with only three ‘deep’ hues. “I don’t appreciate the obvious elimination of a wide range of people,” Aina said in a YouTube video. Similarly, Beauty blender launched their highly awaited foundation, which drew criticism for its lack of deeper hues.
Even though cosmetics is an empowering tool that may enhance natural beauty, the industry is riddled with stigma and conflict. In the beauty industry, businesses have openly expressed racism and colourism. Bodyline informs every aspect of makeup, even controversy. Those who use cosmetics admit to enhancing their physical appearance to avoid perceived body image criticism.
Beauty brands have been accused of contributing to the exclusion and erasure of entire races depending on skin tone. This lens can help with the cosmetic application, use, connotation and self-representation decisions. However, makeup is considered superficial but it has weight. It’s like armour, others do it for fun. A highlighter can be more than just a highlighter. They can protect and transform. If you’ve ever heard someone talk about makeup’s transformational power, they’re talking about it. Makeup can transform a person dramatically. In addition to concealing acne, a well-applied lip liner can enhance the appearance of bigger lips. Then there’s the special effects makeup that might make you a Zombie Bride or Before and after photos that show the transformative effect of makeup. When the makeup is removed, it’s a natural beauty and inner beauty that shines through. And what about cosmetics? It’s just for a good time.