What if you don’t apply the makeup to yourself? What if you applied it to the reflection of yourself in the mirror? What does it mean …
psychology
The Art of Seeing: Self vs. Subject
Traditional artists are trained to study light, form, and contrast—to pay attention to the curve of a jaw, the hollow of a cheekbone, the way …
To Wear It or Make It: A Question of Beauty
Walk into a gallery and beauty is everywhere: framed, hung, sculpted, arranged.Walk into the studio where it was made, and the beauty often stops at …
The Nude Illusion: When “Natural” Isn’t Naked
John Berger, in Ways of Seeing, makes a haunting distinction:“To be nude is to be seen naked by others and yet not recognized for oneself.”Nakedness is …
What Are You Trying to Prove When You Say, “I’m Not Wearing Any Makeup”?
It’s a phrase that gets tossed around casually, like a badge of honor or a whispered confession: “I’m not wearing any makeup.” But under that …
The Supporting Actresses of Beauty
Beauty rarely stands alone. It takes a cast. We’re conditioned to believe that beauty is something singular and starring. The flawless face. The perfect lip. …
The Curious Case of the Tan
Tanning isn’t quite makeup, but it’s not enhancement-free skin either. It’s that golden glow we chase, a shortcut to feeling confident, even when it’s from …
The Spotlight Effect: Who Are We Really Getting Ready For?
The spotlight effect is a psychological habit where we overestimate how much others notice us. We think everyone sees the blemish, the bold lipstick, the …
The Mirror You Become: When Being a Chameleon Helps and When It Hurts
Some people walk into a room and take up space. Others adjust, monitoring their tone, shifting their style, and adapting to fit the mood. These …
Why Weird Facial Expressions Optimize Makeup Application
Ever watched a singer try to hit a high note without closing their eyes or lifting a hand? It’s awkward. Restrained. Technically correct but emotionally …