This post was written by ScIU Undergraduate Intern Alana Pate.
Waking up and applying makeup has become one of the most relaxing parts of my daily routine. While my music blares and I sing along, I go through the motions: concealer, blush, bronzer, mascara, lip gloss. Though applying each product symmetrically, in the right proportions, and with intentional brush strokes takes on a meditative quality, I rarely reflect on the ‘makeup’ of what I am putting on my skin.
What if the very products that make me feel so beautiful are uglier than they seem?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve held a deep admiration for makeup and its transformative power in boosting people’s confidence and self-perception. Witnessing diverse communities connect and find common ground through the art of makeup has been a source of great joy for me. While makeup has been a gratifying part of my life, I hope to become more discerning in my product choices while considering their potential impacts on mental health, particularly among women.
Forever chemicals
Behind the bright colors and aesthetic packaging, the makeup I put on my face has hidden chemicals that are potentially very harmful to my health. These chemicals are known as PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) or “forever chemicals” that have the ability to linger in the body for years. These chemicals have even been linked to diseases such as high cholesterol, thyroid disease, and other health problems. Not so pretty, huh?
Not all makeup contains these harmful chemicals; there are often natural ingredients found in modern makeup products. In fact, more and more makeup is being formulated with natural ingredients as companies shift to more sustainable and healthy models. With more and more brands shifting towards wanting to help the environment, forever chemicals are increasingly out of favor. Modern cosmetics are often made with similar formulations as found in sunscreen, which are not very harmful at all.
These natural ingredients echo those used by the Egyptians around 4,000 years ago. From employing black kohl for eyeliner, harnessing the power of makeup for religious and ritualistic purposes, and even using sugar and honey for waxing (a practice that continues today), people in the past embraced natural cosmetics to express their personalities and find joy.
Animal testing
Historically, many cosmetic brands have developed their most popular items using animal testing. Even some of the most popular makeup brands used on social media, especially promoted by influencers, explode in popularity due to their seemingly great formula and how they look through a camera screen.
Trust me, I have fallen victim to makeup trends more times than I would like to admit. Unfortunately, even the secret behind the pretentious packaging of your “TikTok-famous” Dior lip oil is animal testing. (Dior is one of many non cruelty-free brands.) However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. As a result of the backlash of animal testing being brought into the light, many brands have started to opt for alternatives to avoid harming animals in the development and production of their products.
Next time you are walking around the aisles of your local Sephora, look out for the signature cruelty-free bunny logo on the packaging, showing that the product is not contributing to animal testing. Although the presence of this logo signifies that the specific product is cruelty-free, it’s essential to remember that the brand might produce other items that do not adhere to cruelty-free standards. Therefore, it’s advisable to confirm the overall cruelty-free status of the brand rather than assuming that all of their products share the same ethical principles.
Environmental impacts
As if the issues of ‘forever chemicals’ and animal testing weren’t concerning enough, we are now beginning to grasp the environmental impact of the makeup industry, particularly in relation to climate change. Most makeup products are packaged in plastics and oils that can accumulate in the atmosphere, posing a significant threat to our environment’s future.
More recently, brands have been much more environmentally conscious, switching to more bio-based products. Even the fragrance industry has been leaning towards a cleaner environment by introducing more refillable and/or compostable packaging.
These advancements in the beauty industry are paving the way for a future where our makeup purchases are not only about personal beauty but also about positive impact. We are becoming increasingly mindful of our environmental footprint while still indulging in the makeup products we love so much.
Mental health and societal impacts
For years now, influential people have been shamed for wearing makeup. Society tends to have an unfair perception on how people, especially women, use makeup. Since the beginning of time, women have enjoyed wearing makeup to express their individuality and even shape their identities; yet, there has always been a long history of shaming women for makeup use.
Surprising? Not really. The history of makeup and its connection to women is a complex one, marked by both the shaming of its use and the shaming of not using it. This “damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don’t” reaction highlights the need for women to reflect on the products they choose and why they use them. It’s also a call for everyone, including men, to reconsider their implicit expectations in the ongoing conversation about makeup and self-expression.
What can we do?
Makeup plays a significant role in our society today. The best thing we can do is evaluate the products we use on a daily basis. Checking the ingredients and researching the history of your favorite brands and products is the first step to living a more conscientious life with makeup. Our purchases have power, and the more we opt for cruelty-free, environmentally friendly products, the more available they will be on the market. This is an important step towards a more mindful approach to makeup.
It is crucial to acknowledge the positive aspects of makeup while also delving into the concealed drawbacks. Makeup serves as a powerful tool for a form of self-expression, a quick confidence boost, and, quite simply, a delightful form of personal enjoyment! After all, there’s no harm in indulging in a touch of makeup is there?
However, comprehending the deeper significance of the makeup choices we make goes beyond the surface allure of colors and packaging. It pertains to our sense of beauty, self-worth, and the ethical values we uphold. Wearing makeup with a positive ethical background not only enhances my external beauty but also elevates my inner sense of beauty and confidence.
Personally, delving into the ethical concerns surrounding the makeup industry has been an empowering journey for me. As a self-proclaimed makeup enthusiast, I’ve made a conscious decision to integrate this newfound awareness into my daily makeup routine. Opting for cruelty-free makeup has become a non-negotiable principle for me, as I’m committed to supporting brands that align with my values.
This intentional shift in my product choices not only amplifies my confidence but also bolsters my sense of empowerment. It’s a testament to the synergy between my personal values and the makeup I wear. Embracing this alignment offers a greater sense of self-assurance and beauty. Perhaps the most radical aspect of this transformation is my unwavering refusal to be burdened by any semblance of shame regarding my makeup use. I’ve embraced the power of informed choices, and with each brushstroke, I express my values, my confidence, and my unique sense of beauty.
The next time I take a seat in front of my light-up vanity, fixing my red eyeliner to cheer on the Hoosiers or putting colorful glitter on my eyelids to attend my friend’s Katy Perry vs. Lady Gaga party, I will make sure the products I am wearing stand for the same values I do while still looking good.
For even more guidance on how you can help the cosmetic community, check out the Food and Drug Administration’s guide on how to read cosmetic labels!
Edited by Brianna Best and Joe Vuletich
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