Make Up & Feminism

I know that sometimes there can be anti-makeup feelings in feminism which I understand. Women being expected to wear makeup to be beautiful for men and to conform to western beauty standards. In some areas of the world, women need to wear makeup in order to be considered dressed "professional" for the workplace. The makeup and beauty industry thrives on the insecurity of women and can create competition and rivalry. It is all a problem and all are issues feminism should address.

However, feminism is much more complicated than just not doing something because it isn't feminist or what have you. wearing makeup is a choice and feminism is about choices. If a woman wants to wear makeup then that is her choice. She makes that choice for her own desire not because she feels she has to or is expected to. The choice is key.

On a different side of the coin, I found that in certain fundamentalist groups makeup was frowned upon. It was seen as a way to lead men into sin. It is something that is vain and a truly godly woman would never wear makeup. I have been in a long term detox from this movement since my family left it and became Orthodox. First I started wearing pants, then shifting my fashion sense and becoming feminist. Now recently in the last year, I started wearing makeup. It is a choice and for me, the choice is a feminist choice. I am making a choice that goes against the patriarchal movement I grew up in.

I will say that I don't do a particularly dramatic makeup look. I favor a more French philosophy and go for a more natural look. I keep it simple, with lipstick, mascara, and brows. Maybe some eyeliner. I like being able to do it quickly and it makes me happy.

What are your thoughts on makeup?