Why use makeup?? RSS

Jan 20, 2008 6:40pm
Lep

Redlox

Member since 2007

697 posts

Why do we paint our faces and want to look better? Is it because this is one of the best ways to catch a mate?
I know it goes back through ancient history with Mayans and Egyptians using products like kohl (andboth sexes would). I am just interested in the history if anyone knows it. I guessed it started out as a primarily biological reason and has since evolved from there.
Jan 20, 2008 7:05pm
Pinupkiss

ZoutLiquorice

Member since 2007

1989 posts

Interesting fact, apparently women way back when would paint there mouths red to imitate the (ahem) other lips (sorry no polite way to explain, lol) and lipstick was born. I think the reason behind was to attract a man…
Now days it’s all about enhancing what you’ve got and hiding imperfections.
Jan 20, 2008 8:00pm
Tracey_s_avatar

Editor

51 posts

Good question, Redlox! I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone else has to say on it. I guess that the cultural reasons for make-up through history must be wide and varied (maybe some cultures wanted to emulate certain gods and goddesses in the same way women these days to celebs? Maybe it was about attracting the opposite sex? And GG, I’ve heard that Freudian-sounding red lipstick explanation too – strange, but apparently true!). These days, I think it’s tougher to tell – more complex. Some women make up their faces to catch a guy’s eye; others do it to impress their girlfriends more than men!! I’m not entirely sure why I wear make-up… Much food for thought, Redlox! xxx Tracey
Jan 20, 2008 9:18pm
Avatar_10850

Gem xxx

Member since 2007

1900 posts

I started to use makeup to hide my imperfections as a teenager, and it has become a daily ritual and part of my beauty routine now. It makes me feel more confident and helps protect my skin from the harsh environmental elements. Which is always a plus in my book…
I don’t do it to impress my girlfriends or the other sex. (even though I’m sure it helps to attract the opposite sex) I just love how makeup enhances what I have got, I’m a girly girl, and just love experimenting with all types of makeup, and beauty products, what works for me ect ect.
What sort of fun would there be if we did’nt have these resources to play around with?
Jan 20, 2008 10:14pm
Avatar_10850

Gem xxx

Member since 2007

1900 posts

Oh..did u know that one of many reasons that the ancient Egyptians died, is because the eyeliner that they used/wore (and they wore alot of it) contained lead…lead poisoning! (they did’nt realise this at the time, but modern day scientists that did the autopsys on mummies discovered this.)...not good..
Jan 21, 2008 8:33am
Lily_bath

sharna2

Member since 2007

2895 posts

i use makeup to cover scars…. no other reason!
Jan 21, 2008 9:53am
Lep

Redlox

Member since 2007

697 posts

This is so interesting! I like asking weird questions :P
The lipstick evolution theory …wow! I did think it was for basically attracting mates but nowadays it’s probably safe to say that it’s about male attraction, enhancing a woman’s confidence and/or just as something to use because she thinks it’s pretty!
I never knew the answer/s before because it’s something that is just DONE. Often growing up in a soceity we just do things without asking why. It’s the norm.
Jan 21, 2008 10:07am
Gisele6

Beauty Obses...

Member since 2007

5147 posts

great question redlox and I agree that it’s an interesting topic. I love hearing the history behind makeup and why it’s worn. Apparently Ancient Egyptians used makeup for beauty but also for medicinal, magical and spiritual reasons. Makeup was found in their tombs and what separated the rich from poor was the expense and luxury of the containers and applicators.
Jan 22, 2008 12:29pm
Iconator_c8db820902f2850cc85ddd9bf3ff2b13

Princess75

Member since 2007

2725 posts

Ok, so I googled the topic and have some basic info.
Started with the Egyptians – part of their burial rights, they took necessities and luxuries with them and status.
Throughout the ages reasons changed, for examplein the European middle ages pale skin was a sign of wealth, 13th century women wore pink lipstick to prove they could afford synthetic cosmetics.
So it seems it basically started as a “Hey look how rich I am” kind of deal.
Well, I love makeup and I love that we can all aford it.
Jan 22, 2008 12:36pm
Gisele6

Beauty Obses...

Member since 2007

5147 posts

It is an interesting topic. I’ve been goggling the topic as well particularly Ancient Egyptian. I find it so fascinating :)
Jan 22, 2008 12:58pm
Gasl_green_beauty01

hannah_almond

Member since 2008

386 posts

what an interesting topic, i never knew people used to wear lipstick for that reason! i know that in the middle ages white skin was the rage because it indicated that you were rich and don’t work as labou. but then coco chanel made tans the new skin colour because it indicated that you were rich and that you could afford to go overseas to south frace and such.
Jan 23, 2008 5:37pm
Lynx_lynx

lynx

Member since 2008

251 posts

I know I use makeup to cover up what I feel are my imperfections and to make me feel more confident in myself.
Jan 25, 2008 3:32pm
Lips

prittykitty

370 posts

i use makeup purly to improve my apperance (to cover imperfections) which in turn helps my self-confidance, but i think that for some people it is more than just asthetics, it is a security blanket. i know people who wear heaps of makeup, and i think they feel safer, somehow, wearing it like a mask. that sounds kinda philosophical, but it’s true.
Jan 25, 2008 7:27pm
Kaleidoscope_eye1

Haven132007

Member since 2007

26 posts

I use make up to cover up pimples ans other annoying things
Jan 26, 2008 2:22pm
Beautiful

jbell38

102 posts

I don’t wear makeup because i like to be natural but i have worn it once and that was to a wedding.
Jan 27, 2008 10:50pm
Lep

Redlox

Member since 2007

697 posts

Ha, imagine if no one wore makeup – what industry would replace it?!?
Jan 29, 2008 1:26pm
Gasl_green_beauty01

hannah_almond

Member since 2008

386 posts

the mask industry? lol
Jan 30, 2008 8:25am
Avator

melmeko

Member since 2007

23599 posts

I have always used makeup since I was a teenager. It is part of my normal routine. Just like brushing my hair or getting dressed. It makes me feel confident and I would feel naked without it.
Feb 28, 2008 11:47am
Avatar

lgauci

Member since 2008

818 posts

True if we have clean hair and neat clothes that is the main thing.Too much makeup makes us look like a clown
Mar 4, 2008 10:50pm
Iconator_7bf7964419e513f8f97c1edb83d286d6

selina

260 posts

I agree with melmeko. Makeup gives me more confidence and i feel better with it on. Makeup has always been designed to accentuate beauty – not mask it. HAHA the mask industry funny girls!
New Here? Get to know beautyheaven

The views expressed in these forums are independent. Please help us maintain the quality of these forums by being courteous, mindful of others' views, and respecting the terms of use.