I wanted to bring up the issue of cosmetic products and ask both the guys and girls on their opinion of this.
Cosmetics - everyone knows that cosmetics are used for all sorts of purposes, from covering skin imperfections, to add
colour to the face, to express things (for instance, theatrical and dance products rely on make up and costumes) and to
improve the overall appearance of facial features.
Cosmetics can be used to emphasise certain traits (putting emphasis on the eyes for instance) or to even alter the
perception of certain traits (as I have mentioned, changing skin tone, emphasising a higher nose bridge or
larger-than-in-reality eyes).
NB: I am NOT talking about cosmetic or plastic surgery. I am talking about cosmetic products like foundation, powder, lipstick/gloss, eye products such as mascara. For the purpose of this thread, all SKIN CARE products (cleansers, moisturisers) are excluded.
A famous essay by Adolf Loos (who was a Modern architect) named "Ornament and Crime" described the use of
ornament as an act of primitive people (and criminals >_>) - their impulsive desires to express their feelings
through decorating their bodies (through face art, body art and tattoos) made them 'primitive' and
'un-Modern'.
[Of course don't forget he wrote the essay because he felt everything should be economic and machine-like, which
was the general depiction of being "modern" and signifies progress...]
Of course once again some parts of the essay don't actually apply today (like the criminal thing -.- or the primitive thing), but the general concept is the same: is using makeup and cosmetic products something purely impulsive and unnecessary?
From an economical perspective, should we spend so much money on various different types of makeup brushes, eyeshadow colours, hair products, and the like? More importantly, should we be spending so much time applying these products?
Do you agree with Loos about wearing makeup as something unnecessary? Or do you think that personal expression is something important? Or do you agree with both?
Perhaps do you feel that wearing makeup is unnecessary, as it is the persona within, not the shell we like?
[In response to Loos, his so-called 'primitive' desire to wear makeup is in turn creating another economic
phenomenon ie. cosmetic companies creating their products and DEFINITELY selling them well...]
My personal opinion is rather mixed. I believe that cosmetic products are a relief for many who want that extra bit of
self confidence. I also believe that personal expression is important and emphasising certain parts of the face to
enhance a look is important. However I feel that those who wear far too much makeup is pushing the limits. The question
then is, how much is too much? I'm not quite sure, but I think if it means that you have an extension collection of
makeup products (which you are not going to use all at the same time), and wearing quite a lot (I mean more than 10
products at the same time) and calling it 'natural' is pushing it.
For example, I know some girls who wear powder and heavily line their eyes every day. The reason why I can tell they
have the powder on is because they have missed a part of their jaw (where the powder has clumped together). Recently I
also went to a party where all the guys fell in love with this girl. I saw her in "real" form, ie. without
makeup, and they look like two completely different people (party = cute, small, demure, real = acne stricken).
So how do you feel about makeup? How much is too much, and do you think it is necessary? Guys, I would like to hear your opinions too. Thanks!
