My degree is in Fashion, so I think a lot about the difference between getting dressed and putting on makeup.
Clothing is non-negotiable. We have to wear it. It protects and covers us and then, because we’re going to wear it anyway, we get to make choices about color, proportion, texture, silhouette, and style.
Makeup has no such alibi.
We don’t have to put anything on our face. There’s no practical requirement to define an eye, even out a complexion, or add color to a cheek. Makeup is entirely optional.
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.
When we choose makeup, we’re not fulfilling a requirement. We’re making a decision about how we want to see ourselves, how we want to be seen, or simply how we want to play with our own face that day.
It can be enhancement, transformation, ritual, creativity, or nothing more serious than enjoying a beautiful color.
Clothing says, “I have to get dressed.”
Makeup says, “I don’t have to do this. I want to.”
Photo: Brad Rankin Studio