Why Do Women Wear Makeup? Looking at Makeup in a positive, uplifting light. (Blogger Collaboration)

Why Do Women Wear Makeup? Looking at Makeup in a positive, uplifting light. (Blogger Collaboration)

As a makeup wearer, I really don't like the negative stereotypical responses that I hear about wearing makeup. We've all seen these meme's pop up. If you choose to wear makeup that's your choice; if you don't that's yours as well. I don't believe in uplifting yourself while putting others down. Women are not wearing makeup for attention, we're not wearing makeup because we're being deceitful, and we're not wearing it for men. Makeup is a form of expression, a form of art, it's a form of self-care and there's nothing wrong with it. The beauty industry is huge and many influencers have been able to create their own businesses because of makeup. That's amazing! The roundup of women wearing makeup is so diverse that you cannot put the makeup wearers into a "one size fits all" box. Women of all ages are wearing makeup and the ability to learn about applying makeup is so much easier to obtain in today's social media driven world. Youtube and blogging have taught me so much.


Those of us who wear makeup all have a story about why we started and why we continue to do it. I've always had an interest in makeup, but when I became a new mom I really fell in love with the beauty community. My son was not a good sleeper, and every time I looked at pictures of myself I kept noticing how tired I looked.  I really wanted to cover up my dark circles, and I ended up finding a true form of self-care. I tend to put everyone's needs before my own, but applying makeup was something that I could do for me. It's important to make yourself a priority too. It was something that I looked forward to and I found a passion for trying new products and learning more about techniques. It made me feel great and it continues to do so today.

I asked around and received some great responses from other bloggers and social media influencers. My hope is to change the narrative and keep the discussion going that makeup can be empowering, uplifting and it's about you and no one else. If you choose to wear makeup, go ahead and have fun. It's never too late to start wearing makeup.

I initially got into makeup because of figure skating competitions when I was younger - I needed to be more expressive on the ice and makeup helped to accentuate my features. That being said, I've never worn it to make me look or feel pretty, and I started wearing it for fun outside of competition. For me, wearing makeup is about having fun with the colours that I'm wearing - it's not about conforming to a beauty standard, or covering up something on my face as I'm perfectly comfortable (and happy!) with how I look without any on. I like my makeup to reflect who I am - bold, loud and occasionally aggressive. And, above all else, I wear it for me, and me alone.

Chelle from Makeup Your Mind 

My passion for makeup started a few months before my wedding. I was a student, therefore broke and was looking for affordable high-quality makeup and tools. My research led me to create my Online Makeup Store: Orabel. Since then, my passion continues to grow day by day. 2015 and 2016 were tough years for me. My dad got sick and passed away. I was very anxious, sad and had a hard time finding sleep. Makeup was and still is my comforting activity. It not only helped me look better despite the lack of sleep but also helped calm me down. The more I learn abou t makeup, the more I enjoy experimenting with new techniques and trying new combinations. I’m the kind of girl that can go out without makeup on or wear a full face of makeup and go grocery shopping at Costco or Walmart!   

Myriam Instagram @myriamandthebudget Owner of Online Store Orabel

I've gone through different phases with makeup. Definitely when I was younger and experiencing my first skin concerns, I really just wanted something to cover up. It was foundation and concealer that I wanted most desperately. But once I had those 'staples', something had sparked inside me. I loved putting them on and I loved buying them and looking at everything else in the makeup aisle. My parents weren't strict but they were hesitant to let me wear makeup - I think probably because they realised at that stage I definitely wanted it to hide and not to experiment. But as I got older and started getting more interested in makeup, it definitely became a creative thing. I found that I love lipstick and my go-to look at 16 was a red lip, always. It reminded me of Old Hollywood filmstars and I loved their glamorous, elegant beauty. I've had several 'makeup phases' since then and will probably have more. These days, makeup for me is definitely a passion and I don't wear it because of my insecurities anymore, but I can still appreciate that when I did need it for that, it was there for me. Now it's very sensorial and indulgent. I have many days where I leave the house without makeup but when I have the time and inclination to put on a full face or even just a little, I love that process. I love the creativity of makeup, and enjoying the way a good product performs. I have always worn makeup for myself, regardless of motivation, and don't think that will ever change.

Instagram @charlibeauty

I have always enjoyed wearing makeup. Growing up my mom worked in the cosmetic industry so I was no stranger to lipstick! I started wearing makeup when I was 14 as a way to express myself and think that self-expression is still the reason I wear makeup today. 

Over the years my makeup style has evolved. When I first started wearing makeup it was more to cover my acne and make me feel more confident. In my teenage years I wore a lot of eyeliner (which makes me cringe when I look at old photos), in my early twenties I loved a good smoky eye, and these days I have been gravitating towards a natural look with my makeup! 

Elisabeth from  At Home with Elisabeth

My name is Delainee Antoine-Tootoosis, I am a 22-year-old Cree woman from Poundmaker Cree Nation – among other things, I am a beauty lover. For many years I’ve been interested in makeup and have worked hard to expand my knowledge and experience with it.
When I first became interested in makeup it was because I was insecure of my appearance, I was bullied for having acne growing up and when I found makeup it was a way for me to hide my insecurities. One of the very first Youtube videos that I ever watched was a foundation routine showing how to cover acne and so began my curiosity into learning different techniques of applying all kinds of makeup.
It has taken me years to love myself, even with my flawed skin, but now that I’ve learned to love myself I have also found a new love for makeup because not only does it give me an outlet to express myself, it has a way of helping me deal with my anxiety. I wear makeup because when I apply it, I feel calm and I am proud of all of the knowledge that I’ve acquired, I no longer feel the need to cake it on every single day to hide. Now I wear it for myself and I wear it when I want to wear it.

Delainee Instagram delantoinetootoosis

I was thinking about your question as to why I wear makeup and I don't think there's just one reason. I have always, always been interested in all things beauty. I love watching my mother apply her makeup when I was a child and would ask for a swipe of lipstick or to have my nails painted and I did that thing that most beauty addicts try at some point - I tried to make perfume using rose petals from the garden. In my teens, I started to wear makeup but never too much as my mother always instilled in me to take care of my skin and I think that put me off wearing anything too heavy initially. As I became more adventurous and my collection grew, I loved to play around with colour and different looks but it was never for other people, I just always genuinely loved makeup and enjoyed applying it (although I wish I had invested in blending brushes earlier!). Because I have a chronic illness, I now enjoy wearing it to try to hide the signs of the illness - it's my war paint! I don't wear makeup on a daily basis but when I do, I love how I can enhance my features. For me, it's not about looking flawless or perfect but just the best version of me, for me. I love how it can transform me from looking super fatigued, grey and generally ill, into a pretty healthy looking person. Thank God for makeup!

Siobhan from Beautylymin



Thank you to those who responded to my call for makeup stories. I will be doing more blogger collaboration if you're interested in participating in the next topic send me an email at mrsqbeauty@gmail.com and I can include you on the next post. 

14 comments

  1. Such an interesting post! Hope you have a great week.

    Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

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  2. Brilliant post and I am so so sorry that I didn't submit my piece to you. I complately forgotten! :-( I wear makeup for one reason and one reason only; I love it. It's a creative outlet for me and I find that for the first time in my life, I am able to show a creative side of me. I never thought I had one but the ability to brighten my face or do multiple different looks showed me that I do have a creative side.

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    1. No worries. Thanks for sharing. I do see it as a creative outlet, especially with my blogging and instagram. Just learning to pair colours has been fun for me.

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  3. Love this post! I really enjoyed reading the other responses. Thanks for including me xx

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  4. What a great post, I enjoyed reading it. I can't imagine my life without makeup.

    Nina's Style Blog

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  5. Very interesting and useful post my dear!
    http://www.recklessdiary.ru

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  6. I love this post and how you included the responses by others! Make up is a work of art!

    xo, Maria
    https://www.miamiamine.com/

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  7. This is such a lovely post Jennifer. Really enjoyed reading. I really hate the negative thoughts that people have about women wearing makeup. I wear it just for myself. My mum never wore any makeup but I was always fascinated by it and I am currently living my fascination. :-)

    Via | http://glossnglitters.com

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  8. Oh, I really enjoyed reading this post. I don't wear much make up but I wear it for me, to make me feel good, not for anyone else. I'd never thought of it as a form of self-care but you're absolutely right! :)

    Lisa | www.lisasnotebook.com

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  9. This is a great post and I completely agree; it's so annoying that we're expected to justify our love for make-up/beauty, and so many people see it as a sign of confidence issues. I've always loved make-up and the creativity and learning involved with progressing my skills xx

    beautygeekuk.com

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  10. I'm so sorry I didn't send you an e-mail when you reached out. I really do want to collaborate with you in the future. Please hit me up again!

    Hannah the Mad Dog

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