Even in the smallest nooks and crannies around the world, makeup is used by both men and women. The trend started over 6,000 years ago with Egyptian, Chinese, Japanese, Middle Eastern and European cultures. In fact, Nefertiti, an Egyptian queen who lived from 1370-1330 BC, was sculpted wearing eye shadow, lipstick and winged eyeliner. Since then, makeup has become one of the largest industries around.

While both genders wear makeup, statistics prove that the majority of its users are women. Many of us wonder, “why do women wear makeup?” The subject is a controversial issue to many. Psychologists have tried to find a reason for the use of makeup. The Renfrew Center Foundation, a treatment center for women and young girls who struggle with eating disorders and other behavioral health issues, took a survey to see how many women wear makeup and why. Some of the statistics showed that over 40 percent of women felt “negative emotions” when they went natural (no makeup), and over 30 percent of women said that wearing makeup made them feel good about themselves. Clearly, there is a strong correlation between wearing makeup and having a positive or negative self-image for women.

Not all women feel as though they need makeup, though. Many love it because they view it as art in a sense. Emma Stone said, “I think women should wear whatever makeup they want for themselves. Makeup should be fun.” Other celebrities have made comments regarding the subject as well. Drew Barrymore once claimed, “My main beauty tip is, don’t say that negative thing when you look in the mirror. It just isn’t healthy…That lack of beating up on ourselves — that’s my new mantra. Happiness is the best makeup; a smile is better than any lipstick you’ll put on.” Tina Fey said, “If you retain nothing else, always remember the most important rule of beauty which is, who cares?” Although I understand the message Fey is trying to convey, it isn’t completely correct. In the 21^st century many people do care and criticize others when it comes to wearing makeup.

Not only do others put women down for not wearing makeup, but they shut them down even when they do wear it. This is part of why women struggle with having a positive self-image when it comes to “going natural.”  Whether their makeup isn’t good enough, there isn’t enough foundation covering their acne or their lipstick is too bright or too dark, people will always find something to judge about a women’s cosmetic choice. Women can no longer rely on makeup to feel more attractive because someone will most likely tear them down even if it is perfect.

Truth is, women do not need makeup to look attractive, and they certainly don’t need someone to tell them what being “beautiful” is or isn’t. Without the judgment of others, women probably wouldn’t feel so bad about not wearing make up. All women should listen to Lupita Nyong’o, who said, “I don’t ever want to depend on makeup to feel beautiful.”