Makeup – the making of expression

By Ryan Jones

Foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, mascara and eyeliner.

Some cosmetics in the makeup industry can be seen as a necessity and others see as pointless.

An article titled 5 Research-backed reasons we wear makeup found on psychologytoday.com, lists suggested reasons behind the use of cosmetics. According to the article people use makeup to make themselves feel more attractive, to portray a look of health, to enhance symmetry and to define features.

Deborah Agostini, esthetician instructor and coordinator at St. Clair College. She has been fascinated with makeup since she was 11. She says she admires the way she is able to create and modify looks, whether it is to enhance features or cover blemishes. Agostini wears makeup on a daily basis but does not “spend that much” money when purchasing makeup. She also says it depends on the brands she buys.

“I find that it’s not only used to give you a glow, but also as a way to protect your skin. I like using it to protect my skin,” says Agostini.

Agostini says she believes people wear makeup to cover imperfections which can include acne, acne stains, scarring, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, dark circles and broken capillaries.” She goes on to say that people may also use makeup to enhance their features.

“Someone who has fair eyelashes, if they have long enough eyelashes, you can’t really see them. Once you apply the mascara it enhances the eyelashes,” says Agostini.

What began as Lindsay Paling’s passion for Irish dancing transformed into an interest in makeup. Paling, 20, is a psychology student at the University of Windsor and is a part-time esthetician for Enlightenment Day Spa in LaSalle. Paling says makeup was never her first career choice.

“I originally wanted to be a teacher like my parents. In Grade 11, I realized that makeup brought me more happiness than anything. I decided that I wanted a job I loved, so I continued with the makeup artistry path. People who love what they do don’t work a day in their life,” says Paling.

Paling says she has accumulated a $15,000 cosmetic collection over the years. Due to this supply, she says she no longer needs to buy makeup because she has everything she needs, although she will replace mascara and foundation throughout the year.

“I wear makeup because it is fun to do. There are no rules for makeup and can be worn by anyone. If you love how you look, you will feel confident,” says Paling.

Paling says she has been a makeup artist now for four years, which includes freelance experience.

“Clients who are getting married will contact me and I will do wedding parties. I also do graduation makeup and makeup for special events,” says Paling.

Paling says that everyone should be able to wear makeup for whichever reason they choose but that she has some concerns.

“The only thing that concerns me is that technology is starting to influence younger kids. I think people can wear makeup wherever and whenever they like,” says Paling. “But, I also feel like kids shouldn’t be in Grade 5 worrying about putting makeup on in the morning. Kids should be able to be kids without worrying about how they look or what others think about them.”

Paling addresses a common bias: “a lot of people think girls wear makeup to impress people.”

“…but girls(and boys) wear makeup to inspire themselves. By wearing makeup, we empower ourselves to be the best person we can be. Makeup helps people express their inner self and mind. Makeup gives us passion, life and motivation.”