The Science behind Makeup Obsession
Before discussing the power of makeup, it is important to clarify that this article focuses on women and their use of makeup. While there is growing acceptance of men using makeup to enhance or alter their appearance, women remain the predominant group using it daily. This imbalance reflects a historical development in which societal beauty standards have pressured women to appear more appealing, often to meet the preferences of men. Though this dynamic has its roots in sexism, it continues to shape how makeup is perceived and used today. Therefore, understanding the link between gender identity and makeup—still strongly associated with femininity—is crucial for fully appreciating its societal impact.
While these points warrant deeper exploration, they fall outside the primary scope of this article, which focuses on the connection between makeup and facial structure. Nevertheless, keeping these broader issues in mind provides important context for understanding makeup’s role in contemporary beauty standards.
The Transformative Power of Makeup
Makeup has the power to alter or emphasize a person’s natural appearance. According to research, approximately „44 percent of American women do not like to leave their homes without makeup“ (Van Edwards, 2023). The reasons women wear makeup are multifaceted, but they primarily revolve around two key motivations: camouflage—to appear less noticeable and reduce anxiety—and seduction—to become more attractive, feel confident, and appear more socially assertive. Some studies suggest that women who wear makeup are often „driven by fear“ of being treated differently without it, as well as early societal pressures for success. The Association for Psychological Science states that „attractive people are treated more favorably in every area of life,“ which adds to the incentive for using makeup to enhance success.
Characteristics of Attractive Female Faces
- Color Contrast Around the Eyes and Lips
Women naturally have darker lips and areas around their eyes, which our brains interpret as signs of femininity. This contrast is often heightened with the application of lipsticks and eye shadows, making the face appear more defined and attractive.
Symmetry and Facial Balance
Symmetry plays a significant role in how attractiveness is perceived. Even when humans cannot consciously detect symmetry, the brain tends to prefer it. Makeup helps to even out skin tone and balance features through contouring, eyeliner, and lipliner. This process highlights a person’s facial shape and structure, making them appear more symmetrical and appealing. Makeup application can vary based on the face’s outer shape, with each type—oval, round, square, triangular, or heart-shaped—requiring different contouring strategies to bring out individual features.
Clear and Even Skin
Foundation has a significant impact on how women are perceived. Studies have found that women who wear foundation at work tend to enjoy „higher earnings and promotion potential.“ For those dealing with acne or other skin imperfections, using concealer and foundation can help even out their complexion, though it is equally important to let the skin breathe and remove makeup regularly.
Skin Mapping and Inner Health
Certain areas of the face can reflect imbalances in the body, according to traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic practices. This technique, known as „skin mapping,“ links specific skin issues with internal health problems. Here are the primary areas of the face and their corresponding health concerns:
- Forehead: Spots and blackheads around the temples can indicate issues with the spleen or brain.
- Cheeks: Redness or inflammation may be linked to high histamine levels or excessive sugar and gluten consumption.
- Nose: Redness, blackheads, and dry skin can reflect digestive issues such as IBS.
- Mouth: Cracked lips or acne around the mouth may point to imbalances in the intestines or hormonal issues like PCOS.
- Jawline: Blackheads and changes in skin texture around the jaw are often related to gallbladder issues or high testosterone.
Dietary Imbalances and Intolerances
Research has shown that dietary choices such as excessive sugar, alcohol, gluten, and dairy can trigger a chain reaction in the body, affecting the skin’s appearance. These foods can disrupt gut health, causing specific skin problems to arise in certain areas of the face.
For instance:
- Alcohol: Known to cause puffiness and broken capillaries, resulting in visible effects on the skin.
- Gluten: May lead to skin flare-ups and contribute to inflammation, particularly around the cheeks and jawline.
- Milk: Linked to acne and clogged pores, especially in sensitive individuals.
- Sugar: Associated with breakouts and premature aging due to its inflammatory effects.
In addition to pure skin those three enhancements have the largest effect when it comes to facial beauty:
1. Blush: it makes you look healthier and slightly aroused
2. Mascara, eye shadow, eye liner: women with more color variations around their eyes look younger and more attractive
3. Lipstick: a higher color contrast around the mouth has a similar effect
Makeup and Social Relationships
Makeup not only affects physical appearance but also plays a role in how women are perceived by others and how they form relationships. Studies show that makeup can influence how women perceive other women. For example, women wearing makeup are often seen as more dominant, which may enhance their career prospects. However, bold or heavy makeup can also spark jealousy, with women viewing heavily made-up individuals as more promiscuous or competitive. Friendships often form more quickly between women who wear similar styles of makeup, indicating that makeup signals shared values or priorities.
Interestingly, men’s reactions to makeup differ significantly. While bold makeup might give the impression of a woman being open to casual relationships, studies suggest that men respond more positively to moderate makeup, which they associate with friendliness and approachability. The social psychology of makeup reveals that the way it is applied can influence everything from career advancement to dating prospects.
Subtlety is Key
While makeup holds significant power, studies suggest that subtle application tends to yield the best results. Women who wear moderate amounts of makeup are perceived as more likeable, trustworthy, and competent. Ultimately, each individual should choose the amount of makeup that makes them feel the most confident. Whether someone prefers a natural look or enjoys bold, expressive makeup, it is important that their choices reflect their personality. Men should also feel free to embrace makeup if it enhances their confidence and self-expression.
Conclusion
The science behind makeup reveals that it is not just a superficial tool but a powerful way to influence how we are perceived by ourselves and others. By enhancing certain facial features, makeup can boost confidence, improve social interactions, and even impact career success. However, as with any tool of self-expression, the most important consideration is how it makes the individual feel—empowered, confident, and true to themselves.
Sofie Neudecker, December 28, 2023
Sources:
Van Edwards, Vanessa. „Why Do Women Wear Makeup? The Science Behind Makeup Obsession.“ Science of People, 2023. https://www.scienceofpeople.com/makeup/.
Iredale, Jane. „Das Geheimnis des Contourings. Mit Unserer Anleitung Ganz Leicht.“ The Skincare Makeup, 2023. https://www.janeiredale.de/contouring-leicht-gemacht/.
Ferencak, Kelsey. „Face Mapping Can Tell You What’s Really Behind Your Skin Dilemmas.“ Body + Soul, March 2020. http://desres23.designandcommunication.net/wp-admin/post.php?post=2110&action=edit.
Sonnentag, Barbara. „An Ihrem Gesicht Erkennen Sie, Ob Sie zu Viel Zucker, Alkohol Oder Gluten Konsumieren.“ Freundin, October 2022. https://www.freundin.de/lifestyle-gesicht-zucker-alkohol-gluten-erkennen.
Images:
„Image of Makeup Brushes and Accessories.“ „Pinceaux et Accessoires,“ Artistpar Marilyn. https://www.artistparmarilyn.com/collections/pinceaux-et-accessoires (accessed October 4, 2024).
Dolce & Gabbana Beauty. „02 Roses The Only One Matte Lipstick Cap.“ Ounass. Accessed October 4, 2024.
https://en-saudi.ounass.com/shop-dolce-gabbana-beauty-02-roses-the-only-one-matte-lipstick-cap-for-women-214878075_0.html.
Bryan Bantry. „Makeup.“ Bryan Bantry Agency. Accessed October 4, 2024.
https://www.bryanbantry.com/makeup.
Grounded Sage. „Acne Face Map.“ Grounded Sage, accessed October 4, 2024.
https://site.groundedsage.com/acne-face-map/.
