Cosmetics is a basic necessity for women. Most of us are able to refuse it only in the absence of funds for food. What are the reasons for this willingness to spend so much money and effort on make-up? And is it true that high-quality and properly chosen cosmetics make us more beautiful, and our life – more harmonious?
Features of the national make-up
The peak of cosmetics consumption activity in our country falls on 17-30 years. By the age of 60, women practically stop using makeup. In the budget of American women, spending on cosmetics remains stable until the age of 55, and even after 60, they continue to actively use decorative cosmetics.
Polls show that the main purpose of most of us using decorative cosmetics – attracting male attention. Eight out of 10 Ukrainian women admit that in matters of appearance they are guided primarily by the opinion of the opposite sex. Whereas among feminist American women, male assessments are important only in half of the cases. Of course, this ratio is determined primarily by the characteristics of the demographic situation: in the face of fierce competition, make-up is an effective tool to attract a sexual partner.
Decorative addiction
"I don't go out without makeup – I hide my face, I feel ashamed, as if I'm going naked", – confesses my friend, a beautiful mature woman. "Of course I wear waterproof mascara when I go to the beach. Me and my boyfriend – how do I go ashore without eyelashes?" – echoes her daughter, a very young girl.
Some women's relationship with cosmetics is clearly addictive: they live with the conviction that they are not good enough as they are. It would seem that there is nothing wrong with the desire to always look perfect. However, behind the early rises in order to put on makeup before the beloved opens his eyes, there is a low self-esteem. The woman could not accept herself with her own appearance and is in full confidence that under no circumstances should she appear natural, because she likes the way she is – impossible.
What is in my image for you
"Femme Fatale", "nymphet", "Marilyn" or even "no make-up" – we make a face before presenting it to the world. And we coordinate the created images with fashion trends, and – the most important – with the social role they intend to play. Red lipstick will help you get used to the image of a seductress. And not attracting attention makeup in the style of "nud" in the office will look most appropriate. However, masks not only help to show any qualities, it is better to get used to a social role. Make-up provides protection to our "I", increasing personal distance.
Putting on a "mask", we present it, and not our true self, for value judgments to others. And in this protective action is the ancient archetypal meaning of the habitual action. In primitive societies, war paint – indispensable companion of the war. We are also romantic warriors – we achieve, conquer and conquer... the opposite sex. Seductive coloring ensures we win the romantic gender confrontation.
Complete failure
And what can be behind the complete refusal of a woman from make-up, from all sorts of attempts to present herself in a better light? There are several possible reasons. Most often, this is an identification with a mother who neglected her own femininity. Makeup, especially catchy, is perceived by such women as "traps for men", degrading a woman, or detracting from the value of her personality and intellectual qualities. Such a position can reveal a childish trembling desire to be loved in its natural form – and only such "parental" love is perceived by some women as true.
Women whose mothers were hyper-feminine and sensitive about their appearance and most often used the term "doll" or "beautiful child" sometimes grow up with a sharp rejection of the feminine in themselves. For them it is – confirmation of belonging to oneself.
Back to Yourself
Look great, feel attractive and gain self-confidence – these are the steps towards harmony and self-acceptance that make-up helps us to do. According to American make-up artist Bobby Brown, founder of the cosmetics company of the same name and author of the bestselling book The Evolution of Beauty, there are three qualities that make women look and feel beautiful: accept what cannot be changed; have knowledge in the field of make-up; be confident. Moreover, self-confidence, on the one hand, means awareness of one's own characteristics, individuality, zest, and on the other hand – avoiding focusing on what, from your point of view, is not ideal. For example, a nose that, in your opinion, is large, should in no case distract your (and after you & ndash; and others) attention from the beautiful color of the eyes or well-defined plump lips.
Makeup can be a psychotherapeutic tool and a good help for women working on self-acceptance. Take a look at what you like the most about your face. Highlight, emphasize these advantages. Keep them in mind every time you approach a mirror. This is the only way you can see and love the real you – right here and right now.
Add a comment