About Makeup

Function

Makeup is used cosmetically for enhancing facial features, camouflaging imperfections and even completely changing the appearance of the wearer. The most common manner of wearing it is called "straight" or "beauty" makeup. This is when the wearer applies makeup for everyday use and does not make any major changes in her appearance. "Glamour" makeup, on the other hand, is utilized for such types of work as print, editorial and runway, where a professional makeup artist makes over models in high-fashion style depending on the needs of the client. Makeup applied for specialty purposes includes "special effects"--or SFX--makeup, which is sometimes required for film, television and stage for injuries, burns, old age and in the event that a production calls for otherworldly creatures or monsters.

Beauty makeup in society has always been dependent on trends worn by celebrities, who are walking advertisements for the latest styles. The following is a sampling of how makeup has been worn in the Western world throughout different eras: The 1920s were the "flapper" years, where makeup was seen as excessive, with the sooty eyes, pale vamp skin and dark Cupid's bow lips. A more natural, yet still glamorous look emerged in the 30s as brows remained dramatically thin, yet the complexion had a more natural, rather than blanched, hue. In the 40s, the fresh face was fashionable. To the undiscerning eye, women appeared to be effortlessly beautiful, as eyeshadow was light and cheeks and lips were flatteringly rosy. Icons Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn left their stamp on 1950s makeup. Classic red lips and cat eyes created with eyeliner were particularly popular in that era. Makeup in the 1960s--called "mod"--involved spiky false eyelashes, pastel colors and pale lips. In contemporary times, it remains acceptable to wear makeup from the past, but such looks are characterized as "vintage."

In everyday life, the use of makeup can help the wearer look more presentable and, in the case of a job, more professional and pulled together. You can change your image with makeup to look younger, more mature or even classier. All you need are the products that suit your purpose best, along with the knowledge of application techniques. Also, applying cosmetics that multitask is beneficial because the wearer does not only appear more attractive, his skin is protected as well. Examples of such products are tinted moisturizers with SPF, lipsticks with SPF, moisturizing lip glosses and foundation that has a renewing effect on the skin. In fact, by simply putting a layer of makeup on, the wearer has something to shield her face from the elements.

Unfortunately, before consumers and manufacturers became more enlightened as to the effects of particular ingredients on the health of the wearer, most beauty brands available on the market contained harmful additives. In fact, even if a product claims to aid in the user's well-being, this should not be readily believed. Over the ages, toxic substances such as lead, mercury and arsenic were knowingly used in beauty regimens (see Resources). Health experts have suggested reading and understanding the list of ingredients prior to making a makeup purchase so that the buyer can at least make an informed decision.

If you can't stand the idea of no longer wearing makeup but would like to lead a healthier life, switch to the mineral variety. Although there are always new scientific findings that may surprise even the most educated consumers, in the time mineral makeup has been available for public consumption, it has received largely positive reviews (see Resources). Some makeup wearers who suffered from allergic reactions to conventional makeup find that they can successfully wear the healthier mineral formulas with nary a resulting blemish. If you experience breakouts that you suspect are cosmetic-related, look into your application and makeup removal techniques. Ensuring your practices are hygienic help assure you of skin that's in better shape than if you were careless with your makeup routine.