The ninnies at the NYTimes were asking, “Does make-up hurt self esteem?“, a question that I find particularly grating, for a number of reasons, the main being that self-esteem is meaningless without accomplishment.
No, make-up does not hurt self-esteem. What cosmetics do (and not only foundation and lipstick, but also hair grooming products, skin moisturizers, and nail polish) is show men and the world that you value yourself enough to present yourself in a favorable light.
Which, by the way, is exactly why overdone or unflattering make-up broadcasts a poor message about you.
The Last Psychiatrist says that No Self-Respecting Woman Would Go Out Without Make Up, and TLP is right;
The evolution from “enhances sexual attractiveness” to “doing it for yourself” is definitely a regressive step, and by regressive I here mean “regressing to age two”, but it’s the next step which reveals the presence of a neurosis: recruiting science as a justification for behavior: “Study finds makeup makes you appear more competent.” Can’t wait to read about that study in a Jonah Lehrer book. Ugh. So here’s the evolution of feminist theory, take notes: “I want to look better” to “I want to feel better about myself” to “I want people to think I am better.” Madness.
Go read the whole long rant, and slap on some make up, will ya!
With the POTUS coming up with 23(!) executive actions in one day, using children as props, you’ll need the make-up.
(Yes, I use all the products shown in the Amazon links, and, yes, the Garniers are actually good for your skin, and you’ll support this blog.)
