Makeup has evolved into, not only simple pigmented items to enhance one’s features, but a way to make a statement with safer medical advancements. The adornment of the face began over 6,000 years ago in ancient Egypt when both men and women used kohl to line their eyes. Slowly, techniques of applying makeup on the face transitioned to using lethal, but customary, white arsenic or lead face powder in China. Makeup became a marvel throughout the world, although it was considered immoral by the Roman Catholic Church in Europe. To get around this disparity with the Church, catholic women crushed geranium petals and dabbed the residue on their cheeks and lips for a rosy appearance, thus creating the “simple look” of makeup.

        The meaning behind the usage of makeup has evolved drastically throughout the years. Nowadays, makeup is not always used to “look beautiful”; instead, cosmetics are often used to demonstrate creativity and express statements that otherwise cannot be as impactful through other forms of appearance. These types of personal statements can be widely seen from “beauty gurus” on Youtube and Instagram.

Some of these people include Zoella, Tanya Burr, Bethany Mota and Michelle Phan. These women have embraced the creative aspect of makeup and apply their artistic skills with the statements they want to make through weekly “how to” videos. Not only are there female makeup artists but many respected male artists too. Recently, in October of 2016, the popular makeup brand CoverGirl began using men as models through the new idea of CoverBoy. Currently, a 17 year old male named James Charles from New York models as CoverBoy

        Regarding the medical aspect of cosmetics, there are new products that are more safe and help improve facial features. Products such as BB cream’s provide even skin tones, helping to cover up blotchy skin and acne scars Other than face creams that help skin numerous products accent certain features. These products include eyelash extending mascara, natural eyebrow tinters and oil blotting pressed powders.

         Many girls, and even boys, in high school, apply makeup as a way to feel more comfortable with their bodies. With the current stigmas that popularize a particular body type, or favor a traditional gender partner, it can become difficult for teenagers to find the right balance between societal norms and their personal statements for society. Makeup can offer a way to add those missing pieces back into one’s life, through boosting confidence. For some, it reinforces the belief that they should love their own body, not someone else’s. With this in mind, makeup has been justified to help prove statements and unleash the creativity that is otherwise hidden.