The Function of Makeup

CEBU, Philippines — The thing has since become as essential as the air one breathes. Nobody makes an issue of it anymore whether one wears makeup or not. The general presumption is – of course, one should wear makeup.

While makeup is mainly held as a women thing, the idea has been making its way into the overall population. Many men nowadays wear make too, without coming across as girlish. Now, the basic question: What is really the function of makeup?

The ancient Egyptians – both men and women – wore makeup to denote social standing. Their makeup was mostly markings of different colors in the face and body. The markings probably didn’t have any particular value on their own, except that only certain people of certain ranks wore certain markings; in which case, these signified power.

And yet, the assignment of colors to convey certain ideas is an aesthetic decision. Hence, it may be surmised that, right from the very start, makeup is also an artistic expression. It is more so in the present time, where makeup is a vehicle for personal art and beauty.

Today makeup is a career essential. Hardly does a woman employee go to work without it. Wearing makeup has become almost mandatory in a professional environment.

Without doubt, proper makeup positively affects the way a woman is perceived by others in the workplace. Thus, the woman can very well make it part of her strategy for career advancement. Like back in the olden days, makeup can be used to communicate power, in whatever form.

Wearing makeup is seen as the finishing touches in the grooming process, and ranges from light and natural to heavy and dramatic. A woman who reports to work without putting any effort into her appearance from the neck up will be seen as incomplete in her grooming; therefore, raising the question in the minds of others about her thoroughness in completing other aspects of her work.

Okay, the use of makeup for career advancement has stirred up quite a bit of controversy. A Stanford University law professor argues, “The quality of my teaching shouldn’t depend on the color of my lipstick or whether I’ve got mascara on.” True, the quality of anyone’s work doesn’t depend on her appearance; however, many professionals try to find ways to best represent the quality of the work they do.

Wearing makeup also increases people’s perception of a woman’s likeability, her competence and – provided she does not overdo it – even her trustworthiness. There is truth to an advertising claim that “cosmetics boost a woman’s attractiveness.” And wearing makeup definitely telegraphs the point that the person wearing it gives attention to details.

For the value it gives women, grooming and wearing makeup can be quite simple and only take as little as five minutes to apply. For women who currently do not wear makeup, or for those women who prefer a natural look, Diana Jennings, at imageconsultantorangecounty.com, shares easy tips for enhancing their features:

1. Have your brows professionally shaped. The use of brow pencil or shadow will help to fill in faint gaps, give symmetry to your face and frame the eyes.

2. The use of eyeliner and mascara will define the shape of your eyes so they stand out.

3. Appling a little cheek color will give your complexion a healthy glow and give dimension to your cheekbones.

4. Wearing lip color will define the outline and keep your lips from disappearing into your face.

5. If your skin color is uneven or blotchy, a light application of foundation and/or powder will help.

The bottom line, Diana Jennings points out, is for the woman’s appearance to be simply appropriate for the time, the place, her role at work and her goals. It would be just as inappropriate for a female firefighter, for example, to rush to the scene of a life-and-death situation with long artificial fingernails, glamour makeup and perfectly coiffed hair. Conversely, it would be unbecoming for a female executive of a Fortune 500 company to deliver an annual report at a stockholders meeting looking as if she just rolled out of bed.

Makeup can hide skin imperfections, especially those on the face. At the same time, it can also be used to highlight good facial features. Those that have grown accustomed to wearing makeup say they feel overexposed without it, as if they are naked.