Entwistle, J. 2000. The Fashioned Body. Cambridge: Blackwell Press
*Apple Mac onboard dictionary
from http://hypebeast.com/image/2008/02/prada-2008-james-jean-3.jpg
from http://i.models.com/oftheminute/images/2007/05/gemma-w-vogue-it-cover.jpg
from http://www.blogher.com/would-american-economy-collapse-if-women-stopped-hating-their-natural-appearance-look-makeup
from http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/06/nocturnalist-all-dolled-up/
TokioFashion, 2010. Retrieved October 7, 2010
from http://twitter.com/#!/TokyoFashion
What is Lolita? n.d. Retrieved October 7, 2010
from http://www.lolitafashion.org/what_is_lolita.php
Gothic Lolita [Image] n.d. Retrieved October 7, 2010
from http://www.lolitafashion.org/images/gothic7.jpg
Shiro Lolita [Image] n.d. Retrieved October 7, 2010
from http://www.lolitafashion.org/images/shiro5.jpg
MAC Makeup [Image] 2010. Retrieved October 12, 2010
from http://buycheapmakeupandtips.com/MAC-Makeup.jpg
MAC Makeup Colors [Image] 2009. Retrieved October 12, 2010
from http://alceevents.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/mac-makeup-colors.jpg
So day 10 had finally arrived and I couldn't possibly be more thrilled! The idea of staring at my cupboard for 10 minutes without being able to make up my mind on what to wear excites me! I hate being rushed in general, but rushing through my most loved ritual of getting ready doesn't exactly set a good vibe for the rest of the day. But alas, I made it through these last few days, and as I sit here, waiting for the clock to strike 12, I feel as though I am getting closer to my glass slipper, rather than awaiting for my carriage and trusty steeds to turn back into a pumpkin and a pair of mice.
To sum up my experience, I now feel a sense of accomplishment, because I honestly doubted I could do this, the best however benefit of all, was giving my skin a much needed break, although I'm not sure if perhaps the stress of not putting on my face every morning did more harm than good?
There were times when I felt no strain at all in my task and times when I felt my bare face, wild hair and plain cloths were to my detriment. Over all if need be, I now know that I can do it.
"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms.
And then the whining school-boy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slipper'd pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side,
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank; and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything." (Shakespeare, 2/7) In turn, if I am that lover, surely now would be the time that beauty would matter, if ever. So I'll smile and play around while I am young, because who knows what the future has in store for me. Beauty isnt the be all and end all, but right now, it holds value in my life.Shakespeare, S, n.d. Art of Europe. Retrieved October 13, 2010
from http://www.artofeurope.com/shakespeare/sha9.htm
Walking in a street, almost anywhere in the world, anyone would be able to tell that the majority of women wear makeup. Even if it just dash of mascara and a little shimmer in your sunblock. It is an irritating misconception to me, when people assume that one has to wear makeup to cover something up, or that one is not beautiful naturally. I am a prime example.
So why do I wear make up? Simple. I like it.
I was speaking to a friend today about my choice of going as natural as possible for 10 days and he put it better than I could find the words for. He called makeup an accessory. I have never thought of looking at it in that way before. I always called it a choice and said that I just liked it. But an accessory, what a perfect way to describe my personal experience with it. As I described in my very first post, I see my entire body as a blank canvas, and I use it to represent who I am, how I am feeling and what I want. My face is a part of that, my hair very much so too. If i need to be taken seriously, I'll pair a classic pair of jeans with a white shirt, some heels and go for a more natural and clean look with my makeup to complete the look. It's little things like that, that show that you put effort in, which in turn means you care. Although just because I wear my makeup and hair to express myself, like any other piece of my outfit, doesn't mean all women do.
Here are the stats from a survey of 3000 women :
- 71% of women believe they are much prettier with makeup
- 70% of women never leave the house without apply some form of makeup
- 1 out of 3 never leave the house without a full grooming kit
- 1 out of 5 have never been seen by their partner without makeup, even in bed
- 1 out of 5 admitted they wouldn't even bare it al to their girlfriends
- 68% of women said they feel more confident in full makeup
- 41% say they would be mortified if a colleague saw them without makeup
- 34% say they wear makeup all the time
- 16% wouldn't even show their face to their parents without makeup
- It takes the average woman 20 minutes a day perfecting their look
- The average woman will spend £9000 (almost R100 000) on makeup in her lifetime
MAC Makeup [Image] 2010. Retrieved October 12, 2010
from http://buycheapmakeupandtips.com/MAC-Makeup.jpg
MAC Makeup Colors [Image] 2009. Retrieved October 12, 2010
from http://alceevents.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/mac-makeup-colors.jpg
On the down side...
So we all know that a lot of women wear make up. Whether you're painting on a whole new face or just slapping on some mascara to make yourself look more awake, it all counts.
I tried imagine what I would do with that extra half an hour every morning instead of taking forever to pick an outfit, styling my hair a little, and of course my absolute favorite, doing my eyes in a way that I look fresh, alert and ready to take on anything the day could throw at me. The sad truth is, when it came down to it, I slept. thats right, all I did was wake up a half hour later.
Did that extra half hour of sleep take away the bags under my eyes from the weekends festivities? No. Did it make me look at feel wide awake? No and unfortunately I don't drink coffee either, so I simply had to resort to looking tried and slightly sickly.
The amount of people that have been asking me if I am okay or why I am upset in the past week has really been abnormal. If I was at all feeling sexy despite the makeup ban, its certainly been crushed now. "Rough weekend?" was the most common reasoning people seemed to go for as to why I looked so bad/tired/sick. Of course that makes perfect sense with today being a Monday. "No, actually I hardly did anything this weekend!" was certainly not the response people were expecting. None the less, it beat the "Why do you look so sad Tatyana?" I got almost daily in the previous week.
Beauty - Really in the eye of the beholder?
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Back to basics
Make goes back a long time, longer than we care to think about. It didnt start in the 60's when flannel and bright colours were all the rage. Even though makeup has greatly evolved, it has been around for centuries. Ancient civilization had strict codes of use and reasoning behind it, though all in all, the core essence was always the same: divine beauty. Even though the meanings behind why we wear makeup may have changed over the years, I believe it is essential to know where one comes from in order to understand where one is going. So heres a brief history lesson.
The first archaeological evidence of makeup was found in Ancient Egypt in the 4th Century BC. The colour of their nail varnish for example was used to denote class. They believed that eye makeup had the power to ward off evil spirits and improve eyesight. Even the poor wore eye makeup, men and women alike.
The ancient Romans also used a lot of makeup. They even used a Foundation to cover up skin imperfection. The main producers of their makeup were usually females slaves that were called "Cosmetae". The word Cosmetics however is actually derived from the Greek word "Kosmos"(cosmos) which means order and is also what they called the universe, because before the universe came into being there was chaos (Kaos). That order they considered a beautiful thing and therefore the word cosmos was used to also describe things of beauty.
Persia, which is now the known as the Middle East had a strong idea of beauty and therefore used many kohl based cosmetics. Only after the Arabs converted ti Islam and conquered the Persian lands did teh use of makeup decrease. But not by much, only certain guidelines were put in place, such as the makeup cannot be used in a way to either disguise the real look in order to mislead others, or be the cause uncontrollable desire in men.
In China, like in Egypt, people would stain their fingernail to represent social class. The Chou dynasty royals wore gold and sliver, later royals wore red and black while lower classes were forbidden to wear any bright colours on their nails. Makeup was also extensively used for stage performances.
In Japan the most obvious example of the use of cosmetics were the Geisha. These were skilled entertainers and performers, that contrary to popular belief were generally not sex workers. These women entertained men with anything from dance to light conversation and flirting. Geisha's used very specific makeup techniques to perfect their look. Each aspect of thir makeup was there for a purpose and had a particular meaning. For example the length of the eyebrows show maturity. A younger Geisha would have shorter eyebrows than an older more established one.
In Europe between the 1400's and 1800's one of the most important and fashionable differentiator of class was a lighter skin tone. This was due to the fact that the poorer lower classes generally worked outdoors, which lead them to tan and therefore their skin would be darker. The rich spent more time indoors relaxing and therefore wouldn't tan. This then evolved into an over the top deliberate whitening of the face using cosmetics to further state ones social class. The white 'mask' also helped to hide age.
Native tribes such as the Native Americans used natural paints to paint their faces and bodies for ceremonial purposes as well as in times of war and for battles. Many other tribal cultures had similar practices.
Today our reasons for wearing makeup as well as the kind of makeup we wear has changed, but the core and essence seems to remain the same. Beauty and social status are still the driving force for many.
Geisha on Wikipedia 2010. Retrieved October 9, 2010
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geisha
Staying in on a Friday night...
Going to clubs for me is an essential part of my weekly routine. Not for the drinks, not for the people - no offense guys - sometimes for the music, but ALWAYS for the fashion!
Planning an outfit is my favorite part of the process. The excitement of choosing the perfect heels for that red pencil skirt I recently acquired, followed by the off white ruffled turtle neck type thing to complete the naughty-but-nice school teacher effect.
I plan the details right down to what colour my nails are going to be, let alone taking accessories into account. Stockings or bare leg, these are all important decisions. But lastly, and the most important icing on the cake: The makeup. If my eyes are the windows to my soul, I want them to tell a story.
My slight obsession and definite fascination with makeup occurred around the age of 15. As a pubescent teenager struggling with clearly completely confused hormones, there were days when I'd wake up and grow a bright shade of sunshine and happens, and other days when I resembled something along the lines of swamp monster. Makeup, was a way to average things out.
What started as a seeming necessity soon grew into a hobby, a love, a comfort zone and my greatest enemy. The amount of times I'v been late for a dinner party because I couldn't find that "perfect" shade of navy blue (the exact same shade of as all of my other navy blue shadows) are countless. I've been late for school, college, skipped breakfast and almost had several car accidents (to name a few) all due to my insistent applying of makeup. I'll wake up early or just arrive late, but makeup has this charm about it that no amount "control" undies could ever have. It literally can completely change your look.
 |
| The drastic change of "With and Without Makeup" |
...and clearly I'm not the only one who feels this way, according to articles such as "Would the American Economy Collapse if Women Stopped Hating Their Natural Appearance? A Look at Makeup" (Reisman, 2008)
Makeup has this aura of confidence around it. Whether you're influenced by the media, terrified of a breakout, or you simply need to look your best for a job interview, makeup is undeniably, for many women a staple confidence booster. When your diet is failing you, your boyfriends dumped you or you're simply in a bad mood, you can always turn to makeup the same way that you would turn to chocolate. You slap on some mascara and immediately you feel more feminine, more confident, and often a little happier than you did all day. It's like magic!
Granted, we are the ones that often convince ourselves of that magic, but what does it matter if it makes us feel better and our day a little brighter?
 |
| On a regular Friday night out |
Reisman, S, 2008, Would the American Economy Collapse if Women Stopped Hating Their Natural Appearance? A Look at Makeup. Retrieved October 8, 2010
from http://www.blogher.com/would-american-economy-collapse-if-women-stopped-hating-their-natural-appearance-look-makeup
The Other
Unfortunately when it comes to the perception of beauty, the saying "Different strokes for different folks" doesn't always apply. People by nature are subjective creatures and judge the unknown or different according to their own past experiences and conditioning. We base what we don't know on what we do know, and often that may lead to prejudices.
Today on Twitter a Japanese fashion blog I follow posted a link to a New York Times article written on the popular and very unique Gothic Lolita style. What was most impressive was not the article itself but the negative response it generated. Even I was inspired to comment and put forth my opinion on the subject.
What impressed me the most was that the readers comments were not rude, but rather well supported arguments. And even though there are and will always be closed minded individuals, it is refreshing to see people start to defend one another instead of making them outsiders.
"If journalism is truly supposed to allow the readers to make their own call, Ms. Nir failed spectacularly. Her distaste for this fashion is obvious from the article's tone - she hardly presented an objective viewpoint." (Martha, 2010)
One may not understand other peoples choices or the reasons for it, and some peoples idea of beauty may seem foreign and strange, but it is truly inspiring to see how some are starting to take a step back and respect the differences between them. How bland would the world be if we were all grey.
Lolita is one of the many vastly different types of Japanese street fashion that has now spread all over the world and has gained itself a bit of a cult following. Gothic Lolita is one of the most popular and well known variations of the style. In essence Lolita fashion is primarily inspired by fashion of the Victorian ages, but is a more "cute" and "dolled-up" version of the original look. There are also fairly strict rules that would qualify someone as a Lolita.
Nir, S, 2010, Noctrunalist | All dolled up. Retrieved October 7, 2010
from http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/06/nocturnalist-all-dolled-up/
TokioFashion, 2010. Retrieved October 7, 2010
from http://twitter.com/#!/TokyoFashion
What is Lolita? n.d. Retrieved October 7, 2010
from http://www.lolitafashion.org/what_is_lolita.php
Gothic Lolita [Image] n.d. Retrieved October 7, 2010
from http://www.lolitafashion.org/images/gothic7.jpg
Shiro Lolita [Image] n.d. Retrieved October 7, 2010
from http://www.lolitafashion.org/images/shiro5.jpg
 |
| PRADA 2008 Summer/Spring Campaign |
Prada 2008 campaign [Image] 2010. Retrieved October 6, 2010
from http://hypebeast.com/image/2008/02/prada-2008-james-jean-3.jpg
Of the Minute [Image] 2007. Retrieved October 6, 2010
from http://i.models.com/oftheminute/images/2007/05/gemma-w-vogue-it-cover.jpg
Of the Minute [Image] 2010. Retrieved October 6, 2010
Beaty and Women
Why is it, that when I look up the word 'beauty' in the dictionary, online, or ask a persons opinion of what they believe it means, that theres always a strong female connotation to it?
beauty |ˈbyoōtē|noun ( pl. -ties)1 a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, esp. the sight : I was struck by her beauty | an area of outstanding natural beauty.• a combination of qualities that pleases the intellect or moral sense.• [as adj. ] denoting something intended to make a woman more attractive : beauty products| beauty treatment.2 a beautiful or pleasing thing or person, in particular• a beautiful woman.• an excellent specimen or example of something : the fish was a beauty, around 14 pounds.• ( the beauties of) the pleasing or attractive features of something : the beauties of the Pennsylvania mountains.• [in sing. ] the best feature or advantage of something : the beauty of keeping cats is that they don't tie you down.
Why does it say in the example "struck by her"? Why is it denoting something intended to make a woman more attractive? Why does a pleasing beauty have to be a woman? Why are these specific examples always referring to women? Do men not use 'beauty' products to make themselves more physically attractive? To enhance their beauty? To prolong a youthful look? Why can a man not be beautiful?
*Apple Mac onboard dictionary
For the first days post I'd like to take the time to explain what exactly "10 days plain" means as well as my reasoning for choosing it.
I would like to explore the mythologies behind the concept of beauty and the current realities surrounding it. Yes, this is, indeed already a topic of much interest to many, and the choice might be somewhat unoriginal, however, I feel that this topic relates most to me as I too am more often than not a victim of what society dictates to be beautiful.
I find myself knowingly trying to mold myself into this perfect creature that I am taught to believe I should be, and despite knowing all of this and especially studying a degree such as advertising, I still choose to try pursue this idea of beauty.
It is very rare for me to step outside my house without makeup. Not because I feel I am ugly without it, but because I like it. It is a choice for me. I like the way makeup looks and I use it as a form of self expression. I treat my face and body as a blank canvas every morning. One of the motto's that I live by is "Life's too short to blend in." - which is exactly what I plan on doing for the next 10 days.
I feel my idea of the body and the way I 'dress' it is similar to the concept that Merleau-Ponty put forward about the idea of dressing being an "object of consciousness"(Entwistle, 2000: 19) and that it is the "constant dialectic between body and self" (Entwistle, 2000: 19). I externally represent who I am internally according to how I dress my body.
I usually spend a good half hour every morning simply picking out my outfit for the day and deciding what makeup will compliment it most. The way I look is very important to me. Also coming from a Ukrainian backgroud where a woman's beauty is heavily emphasised alongside her worth, I feel it would be interesting to see how comfortable I actually can be, or can't be, without all the daily fluff and effort.
Starting today:
- I will not wear ANY makeup.
- I will not take more than TWO minutes to decide on what to wear.
- I will leave my hair in its NATURAL state.
In essence I plan on removing all the unnecessary "visual fluff" and will try keep my looks as natural as possible. Wish me luck ;)
Entwistle, J. 2000. The Fashioned Body. Cambridge: Blackwell Press