Why are women judged for wearing “too much” makeup? Some may find them “less human”

From the Kardashian clan to Tammy Faye Messner and Lady Gaga, it’s a story as old as time: if there’s one thing famous women have in common with the rest of us, it’s the judgment they face when they wear what many consider “too much”. trick.”

Malvika Sheth clearly remembers the moment her grandmother warned her against wearing lipstick, saying it would darken her lips.

“I was always told that makeup was bad for my skin,” Sheth said. The 24-year-old Los Angeles resident is now a fashion and beauty content creator. “Recently, in this weird way, having a career in space justified me wearing makeup. But I can’t say if the comments [from my grandmother and others in my life] I quit because of my career or because people are more accepting.”

Sheth’s experience with cosmetics, and more specifically the opinions of others about her use of beauty products, do not appear to be unique to her upbringing or lifestyle.

Sara Pavoncello, a 32-year-old from Tel Aviv, Israel, has also faced negative reactions to using makeup over the years. “The comments started when I was a teenager,” she said. “My dad always tells me he doesn’t like me wearing too much make-up because women are quite natural. I agree with him, but we have to look at why someone wears makeup.”

These reasons can be as varied as the types of cosmetics found in the average Sephora or Ulta Beauty store. Lapwing, for example, feels empowered when applying eyeliner, lipstick and bronzer. “I never used makeup because I thought I had to… look better. But I have blue eyes and I always liked how it would help them stand out,” she said.

Sheth’s interest, however, derives directly from his cultural background. “As an Indian classical dancer, I loved that I could use makeup to portray a character because the practice is to tell Hindu mythology,” she said. “And I felt like without hair and makeup and costumes, I wouldn’t have been able to do even 50 percent of the kind of acting that I ended up doing.”

For Megan Cultrane, a 27-year-old from New York, the reasons are even simpler. “I wear make-up to feel more elegant,” she said. “Or if I’m not feeling pretty that day.”

Such motivations seem to be prevalent in all nations and cultures. According to a 2008 study in Journal of Cosmetic Sciencewomen wear makeup for two main reasons: to blend in and to seduce.

Regardless of the rationale behind the decision, one thing that resonates across the board is that critical comments come hard.

Cultrane, for example, said the remarks sometimes force her to stop wearing makeup.

Sheth expressed her frustration with the comments she receives. “I would like people to understand that my relationship with makeup is not about concealment, but about expression,” she said. “People have told me not to wear too much because they thought I wanted to change or hide my look, but I do because I want to play with color and show the parts of me that I like. It’s so much about expressing myself.”

Pavoncello echoed those sentiments, expressing his hope that one day those around him will recognize his devotion to the form as a passion. “I absolutely love wearing makeup when I’m going to an important event or meeting,” she said. “It’s not an addiction, but something I really enjoy doing.”

Since makeup directly affects only the wearer, should the opinions of others matter? What’s wrong with wearing “too much” (whatever that means)?

According to one study 2020, women who wear cosmetics are perceived as less human than those who do not. RThe researchers conducted four different experiments with a total of nearly 1,000 participants and published their findings in the journal Sex Roles.

“Results showed that make-up faces were rated as less human using complementary indicators of dehumanization,” the experts wrote, adding that both models and ordinary women. “They were perceived as having less humanity, less action, less experience … less experience, less warmth and less morality” than those who did not wear cosmetics.

That’s a lot to assume from the relatively low-impact use of lipstick, eyeliner and the like. But if people develop their own opinions, it doesn’t make sense. After all, we can’t force people not to form opinions about each other.

What matters, however, is that some people openly express their negative observations. What makes makeup ok?

This may result from the online commenting culture of recent years, which prizes honesty and freedom above all else. “I am free to make the statements I want to make regardless of the impact” would be the argument.

But Additionally, there seems to be a disconnect between the makeup wearer and the critic. They probably both believe it and a limitation – but like everything else in life, the criteria differ from individual to individual.

Unfortunately, there are usually “too many”, but what that looks like depends on who you ask.