Makeup has been around for centuries all over the world. Different forms of makeup have been used from mud to inks, powders, creams, tinted animal fats, charcoal, etc. African tribes, Egyptians, Europeans, Japanese geishas and other people all embraced their form of makeup and have continued to embrace it throughout history to modern times. The question is why makeup is so largely embraced by people across the globe. Especially now, in more modern times, the majority of teenage girls wear makeup, and some might be asking, "Why?"

Besides wanting to enhance their features, hide the occasional blemish or stay in style, it is believed that makeup provides a confidence boost for girls.

Makeup not only brings out a girl’s features, but it gives them a sense of security and self confidence. It helps girls feel more beautiful and comfortable with themselves which helps them act more out going and this does not only give them comfort, but helps boost their social life. This thin coat of makeup can cause a huge change in girl’s personality (and appearance, of course). Girls need that extra boost to help them gain confidence and makeup happens to fill that need.

The majority of the world, especially in Western countries, has been exposed to the magic of makeup and are supportive of its use, but here, in our small HOPAC community, opinions vary.

 Grade 10 student Electra Miles agrees that makeup is a confidence booster.

“People don’t feel comfortable with how they look so they put make-up on and then see themselves as pretty,” she said. Although she uses makeup herself, she warns others not to over do it. “People should wear a little makeup to enhance their features, but not too much to hide their natural beauty.”

Art teacher Erin Steinhoff shares a similar viewpoint.

“It helps to enhance what features we already have. God gave us beauty and I think it’s a wonderful thing to express that,” she said. “The only problem comes when people rely too much on makeup or physical appearance. As God tells us in the Bible, true and lasting beauty comes first from our inside.”

Other individuals, however, share a different view. Lois Postmus, grade 8, agrees to wearing makeup sometimes, but does not view it as helping one’s confidence to grow.

“It’s just something you put on your face. It’s just make-up,” she said., saying she does not see makeup as a necessity and therefore doesn't depend on it.

Should HOPAC consider allowing minimal makeup at school to help boost girl’s confidence? Leave a comment with your thoughts.

Heat Speak:

Miss Christianson: “When you dress up you feel cute and pretty. It is the same with makeup; you feel better about yourself.”

Caleb Simpson (grade 7): “Girls get to hide their faces, so they feel better.”

Niko Kaihua (grade 11): “It might help some people who feel insecure about themselves.”

Laura Smits (grade 12): “All girls look at themselves in the mirror and find things about themselves which they dislike. Makeup is one of the convenient ways in which we can make ourselves feel better about our appearance, thus boosting our confidence.”