PERCEPTION & BEAUTY
“Beauty is about perception not about makeup. I think the beginning of all beauty is knowing and liking oneself. You can’t put on makeup or dress yourself or do your hair with any sort of fun or joy if you are doing it from a position of correction.” - Kevyn Aucoin, Beauty Expert.
Makeup can be a powerful tool.
Its application can be the start of a good day by lifting your mood or giving you that added boost of confidence. It may also be used to alter or enhance ones look for a dressed up night out by only adding to your existing features or creating a dramatic look for photos.
Whatever the reason is for wearing make-up, none of this matters if the most important part does not exist. Each of us have an individual pursuit to discovering our beauty. Believing that you are beautiful starts on the inside. We must have a healthy perception of beauty within ourselves…Period.
Curious to find out other California women’s perception on beauty and make-up, I set out to find out just how it plays a role in their value of self-confidence. Here are some of the interesting quotes from my interviews.
When do you wear makeup?
"I love the days where my skin is bare, and I embrace those days, just like I do when I wear a full face of makeup. Each day is different and I enjoy the freedom I get when I decide to wear makeup or not. Choice is important."- Rachel Pagan 29 Makeup Artist and Yoga Instructor, North Hollywood, CA.
“Everyday! When you look good, you feel good. In turn in brings out confidence.” - Margret Romero 31, Escrow Agent, Los Angeles, CA.
"I wear makeup for other people, never for myself. Physical youth and attractiveness give performers a huge edge in this city. More often than not, when all else is equal, an opportunity will be given to the more attractive of two candidates." - Linda Y. 30, Magician, Los Angeles
How do you feel when wearing makeup?
“I don’t feel comfortable wearing makeup. I feel vain in attempting to improve the way I look and I don’t feel that people should feel like they need to improve the way they look naturally” - Monica Gellar, 36, Architect, Los Angeles CA
“Makeup is like a bra… You rarely leave the house without one on for that added lift! Makeup kind of does the same thing! Makeup not only makes me feel beautiful, it gives me confidence in knowing I put effort in choosing the way I want to look” - Kelly Marcus, 28, Senior Paralegal, Los Angeles CA.
“If I'm not broken out, I'm comfortable with no makeup. I always feel more attractive and confident with makeup, but at the same time, I feel "untouchable", literally. I don't like that makeup can rub off and get messed up. Skin is just.... there.” - Becca Adams, 27, Fitness Trainer & Actress, Los Angeles CA.
What do you think of women who wear no makeup?
“Jealous! I perceive it as someone who is comfortable in their own skin and owns it. That is admirable.” - Lindsay V. 29, Creative Director at Established California, Los Angeles, CA
"It depends on whether it looks like a choice and they good/healthy, or if it looks like they just don't care. If they look good I admire them. If they look like they don't care, I feel like that's sloppy." - Ester Hillebrand 40, Personal Chef, Venice, CA
“There are times when I get jealous of natural beauties and other times where I am glad to have my makeup skills. I think people who walk around in their own skin must be the most confident people in the world’”- Katie Hillman 20, Makeup Artist, San Diego CA.
Have you ever asked yourself why you wear make up? I know I wear make up because I love to feel that added level to my natural beauty.
My favorite perspective from the interviews was this from Linda Y. and really sums it up for me “No amount of makeup can ever cover up the natural charisma of a woman with a genuine smile, who is warm and caring and present to all around her”.
After listening to these women, I think it solidifies the fact that makeup is only a tool to be utilized in various ways for every woman from time to time. Understanding that it all starts from within is the most powerful and important piece to take away. Learning to own our natural beauty and being self confidence with it is the biggest gift we can give to ourselves. We deserve nothing less.
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Photography by Eleni Hopkins for Established California
Women featured Becka Adams, Ester Hillebrand and Rachel Nicole Pagan
Make-Up by Stephanie Navarro
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stephanie moved to Los Angeles at just 17 years old with dreams of being a successful makeup artist. Success and a long list of clients came quickly as she took up new roots in LA. Her talent has brought in work from many directions, feature films and commercials, editorial and special events. Her recent work includes commercials for Disney, Virgin Airlines and Audi. Her loyal clients appreciate her talents and she continues to thrive in the competitive market.