I was thirteen when I started wearing makeup because of a musical I was doing it required me to obviously put on makeup, so my face could be visible to the audience. Eventually, my mom let me wear makeup “full time” and ever since my skills on how to put on eyeliner, eyeshadow, foundation, etc. have expanded. There were times when I rarely went to school without makeup on, but one day I was running late for school and didn’t have time for makeup. I was all natural for the whole day and it got me thinking, why do we as young women today put so much effort into our makeup?
Dove did a survey online within the United States from Dec. 4-11, 2012, among 572 young girls 8-18 years of age. A few top highlights from this survey include:1. At least one in five young girls (20%) have negative feelings when they don’t wear makeup 2. Young girls are starting to wear makeup much earlier; two thirds (65%) admitted they started between the ages eight and thirteen. 3. Over a quarter of girls who wear makeup (27%) rarely/never leave the house without it.
“It’s fun to put on. Makes me feel more confident,” said sophomore Brenna Dahlin. “Cause we’re ugly. At least I am that’s why I wear makeup. Maybe some have acne? Some people are not confident without it,” said sophomore Alexis Kaminski.
“I don’t wear makeup and I really don’t care what anyone thinks,” says sophomore Becky Provo. Follows Kaminski, “Yeah, but you’re not ugly. Some people are ugly.” Sophomore Hanna Smith said,”I just don’t have anyone to impress.”
Kaminski was able to sit down with me and elaborate her routine of putting on makeup in the morning and what her need for it is.
“For school I put on some moisturizer, concealer, mascara, and sometimes eyeliner. I have under eye circles for not getting sleep, so that is why I put on concealer. Takes me ten to fifteen minutes, five if I hurry,” Kaminski says with a laugh. “I like to look presentable…sometimes. I think girls are fine without it… it enhances features!
