The psyche behind cosmetics: An explication of reasons why women choose to apply makeup
In a world where appearance plays a significant role in shaping social perceptions, makeup has become an integral part of many women's lives. A series of studies have shed light on the ways in which makeup can influence a woman's perceived attractiveness, success, and ability to form relationships.
According to psychological research, makeup can positively impact a woman's perceived attractiveness by enhancing facial features, making women appear more youthful, healthier, and symmetrical—traits linked to attractiveness and evolutionary signals of fertility and desirability. This improved perception of beauty often results in more positive social evaluations.
Studies reveal a "beauty premium," where attractive individuals, including those wearing makeup, are more likely to receive favorable treatment in jobs requiring interpersonal interaction. This reflects social lookism, a pervasive bias favouring attractive people. The advantage of attractiveness extends to social and romantic opportunities, influencing dating preferences and social acceptance.
Wearing makeup can also boost confidence and provide a sense of control over personal appearance and social identity, feeding into reward systems in the brain. This dopamine release reinforces feelings of pleasure and social belonging.
However, the cultural pressure to conform to ideal beauty standards often leads to negative mental health outcomes, including low self-esteem, anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and social isolation among women.
Women wear makeup primarily for camouflage and seduction. Contouring can make a face more symmetrical and sharpen its angles. Approximately 44% of American women prefer not to leave their homes without makeup.
Interestingly, women are more jealous of other women wearing bold, sexy makeup and perceive them as more promiscuous. Women who wear makeup to camouflage are often anxious and insecure.
Research suggests that attractive people are treated more favourably in various aspects of life. However, attractiveness isn't only physical; knowing people skills can also make someone more attractive. Wearing concealer or foundation can have a significant impact on how women are perceived, especially in professional settings.
Women who wear makeup to be more attractive aim to be more confident, sociable, and assertive. The amount of color contrast around a woman's eyes and lips contributes to her perceived attractiveness. Studies suggest that blush can make a person look younger and slightly aroused to the subconscious mind.
When makeup is not overdone, it makes women appear more likable, trustworthy, and competent. Women believe that showing their natural face may prevent them from accomplishing certain things and may be treated differently. Most women wear so much makeup that it exceeds what is considered attractive.
In conclusion, makeup can act both as a tool enhancing women's social perception and opportunities and as part of a complex cultural system that may impose psychological stress due to unrealistic beauty ideals. The net effects depend on individual and social contexts.
- The impact of makeup on mental health is noteworthy, as psychological research indicates that the pressure to conform to ideal beauty standards can lead to negative outcomes like low self-esteem, anxiety, and social isolation.
- In addition to physical attractiveness, knowing people skills can also make someone more attractive, and wearing concealer or foundation can have a significant impact, particularly in professional settings, contributing to a "beauty premium."
- Making a face more symmetrical through contouring and using blush can add to a woman's perceived attractiveness, making her appear younger, more trustworthy, and competent, while also potentially boosting her confidence and social acceptance.
