The Science behind Makeup Obsession

The Transformative Power of Makeup

Makeup has the power to alter or emphasize a person’s natural appearance. According to research, approximately “44 percent of American women do not like to leave their homes without makeup” (Van Edwards, 2023). The reasons women wear makeup are multifaceted, but they primarily revolve around two key motivations: camouflage—to appear less noticeable and reduce anxiety—and seduction—to become more attractive, feel confident, and appear more socially assertive. Some studies suggest that women who wear makeup are often “driven by fear” of being treated differently without it, as well as early societal pressures for success. The Association for Psychological Science states that “attractive people are treated more favorably in every area of life,” which adds to the incentive for using makeup to enhance success.

Characteristics of Attractive Female Faces

Symmetry and Facial Balance
Symmetry plays a significant role in how attractiveness is perceived. Even when humans cannot consciously detect symmetry, the brain tends to prefer it. Makeup helps to even out skin tone and balance features through contouring, eyeliner, and lipliner. This process highlights a person’s facial shape and structure, making them appear more symmetrical and appealing. Makeup application can vary based on the face’s outer shape, with each type—oval, round, square, triangular, or heart-shaped—requiring different contouring strategies to bring out individual features.

Skin Mapping and Inner Health

Certain areas of the face can reflect imbalances in the body, according to traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic practices. This technique, known as “skin mapping,” links specific skin issues with internal health problems. Here are the primary areas of the face and their corresponding health concerns:

Dietary Imbalances and Intolerances

Research has shown that dietary choices such as excessive sugar, alcohol, gluten, and dairy can trigger a chain reaction in the body, affecting the skin’s appearance. These foods can disrupt gut health, causing specific skin problems to arise in certain areas of the face.

For instance:

• Alcohol: Known to cause puffiness and broken capillaries, resulting in visible effects on the skin.
• Gluten: May lead to skin flare-ups and contribute to inflammation, particularly around the cheeks and jawline.
• Milk: Linked to acne and clogged pores, especially in sensitive individuals.
• Sugar: Associated with breakouts and premature aging due to its inflammatory effects.

In addition to pure skin those three enhancements have the largest effect when it comes to facial beauty:

1. Blush: it makes you look healthier and slightly aroused
2. Mascara, eye shadow, eye liner: women with more color variations around their eyes look younger and more attractive
3. Lipstick: a higher color contrast around the mouth has a similar effect

Makeup and Social Relationships

In addition to altering a woman’s attractiveness, makeup also “plays a role in her ability to form relationships” (Van Edwards, 2023). Straight women seem to use makeup to help judge other women’s personalities. On one hand, women rate those who wear makeup as more dominant, which can be helpful for career success. On the other hand, bold and sexy makeup can provoke jealousy, with women perceiving those who wear it as more promiscuous. Friendships tend to form more easily between women who wear similar styles of makeup, as it can reveal how much they value beauty or attention.

Interestingly, men have varied opinions on makeup, preferring different amounts depending on the situation. An experiment demonstrated that subtle makeup often leads to friendlier responses from men, while bold makeup can give the impression that a woman is “looking for easy hookups.” Therefore, a moderate amount of makeup tends to elicit the most positive, flirty reactions. You can watch the experiment in this video.

Subtlety is Key

While makeup holds significant power, studies suggest that subtle application tends to yield the best results. Women who wear moderate amounts of makeup are perceived as more likeable, trustworthy, and competent. Ultimately, each individual should choose the amount of makeup that makes them feel the most confident. Whether someone prefers a natural look or enjoys bold, expressive makeup, it is important that their choices reflect their personality. Men should also feel free to embrace makeup if it enhances their confidence and self-expression.

Conclusion

The science behind makeup reveals that it is not just a superficial tool but a powerful way to influence how we are perceived by ourselves and others. By enhancing certain facial features, makeup can boost confidence, improve social interactions, and even impact career success. However, as with any tool of self-expression, the most important consideration is how it makes the individual feel—empowered, confident, and true to themselves.

Sources:

Van Edwards, Vanessa. “Why Do Women Wear Makeup? The Science Behind Makeup Obsession.” Science of People, 2023. https://www.scienceofpeople.com/makeup/.

Iredale, Jane. “Das Geheimnis des Contourings. Mit Unserer Anleitung Ganz Leicht.” The Skincare Makeup, 2023. https://www.janeiredale.de/contouring-leicht-gemacht/.

Ferencak, Kelsey. “Face Mapping Can Tell You What’s Really Behind Your Skin Dilemmas.” Body + Soul, March 2020. http://desres23.designandcommunication.net/wp-admin/post.php?post=2110&action=edit.

Sonnentag, Barbara. “An Ihrem Gesicht Erkennen Sie, Ob Sie zu Viel Zucker, Alkohol Oder Gluten Konsumieren.” Freundin, October 2022. https://www.freundin.de/lifestyle-gesicht-zucker-alkohol-gluten-erkennen.

Images:

“Image of Makeup Brushes and Accessories.” “Pinceaux et Accessoires,” Artistpar Marilyn. https://www.artistparmarilyn.com/collections/pinceaux-et-accessoires (accessed October 4, 2024).

Dolce & Gabbana Beauty. “02 Roses The Only One Matte Lipstick Cap.” Ounass. Accessed October 4, 2024. https://en-saudi.ounass.com/shop-dolce-gabbana-beauty-02-roses-the-only-one-matte-lipstick-cap-for-women-214878075_0.html.

Bryan Bantry. “Makeup.” Bryan Bantry Agency. Accessed October 4, 2024. https://www.bryanbantry.com/makeup.

Grounded Sage. “Acne Face Map.” Grounded Sage, accessed October 4, 2024. https://site.groundedsage.com/acne-face-map/.