I watched the client held her head down while the makeup artist tried applying the makeup to her face. Every time the artist wanted to apply another product, she had to hold the client’s head up. It was my first day at work in the Clinique department, March 1998. Someone from that department had called out sick and I was sent to help out. Before that day, I’d never worn makeup and had no knowledge of how to apply it. So you can just imagine I was in deep thoughts watching this client getting her face done.
Then the most magical thing happened. The makeup artist (beauty advisor) handed the client a mirror and when she looked at her face in the mirror, everything about her changed! This same lady with her head hang down while the makeup was being applied to her face was now smiling, shoulders straightened and she responded: “ill take everything.” I was frightened. This client did a 190 right in front of my eyes! Was it the makeup? Was it how it made her looked? Was it how it made her feel? I was not sure, but I knew that day that I wanted to be able to impact the lives of women like that, for the rest of my life!
Now 22 years later in the beauty industry, I’ve been asked many questions about makeup. In a presentation once a young man stated that only girls with low self-esteem wore makeup. In another interview, someone asked why am I teaching women to hide their pain under makeup. The list goes on and on with the number of things I’ve been asked or told throughout my career. This blog is to talk about the Psychology of Makeup.
Makeup was created to enhance a person’s beauty, not to change who they truly are. Crafting a public image is an essential ingredient of a successful individual. You do not get a second chance to make a First Impression. When you look good, you feel good and become more productive and confident. This added sense of control is a necessity for giving you the positive attitude that you deserve when you’re heading out in the world.
Makeup is instant. So, say you woke with bags under the eyes from lack of sleep, just by adding a little eye cream and some concealer can immediately improve your appearance. Is that saying you have no self-esteem? Far from the truth.
Makeup helps to enhance and even out your complexion. Over time your skin might develop discoloration due to overexposure from the sun. Just by adding a little foundation and concealer can help to even out your complexion making you feel much better about yourself.
We live in an age where everyone is taking photos. There are some jobs that makeup are mandatory for example, TV. You can use makeup to look your best in photos. HD cameras can see up to 10 times more than the naked eyes. It will bring out all your flaws in the picture. Sometimes the natural features on your face will not be all that noticeable also. But, by applying a little makeup, you can add a brighter look to your face, decrease shine, and bring your best features forward.
“If you’re sad, add more lipstick and attack.” – Coco Chanel
“Beauty is power, and makeup is something that really enhances that; it’s a woman’s secret.” – Charlotte Tilbury
“When I put on makeup, I’m not doing it to pander to antiquated patriarchal ideals of feminine beauty. I’m doing it because it makes me feel good.” – Sophia Amoruso
“I believe all women are pretty without makeup – but with the right makeup can be pretty powerful.” – Bobbi Brown
Dawn Marie.
