BEAUTY

Makeup as Armor:

From Cleopatra to Cat-Eyes, the Power Play of Cosmetics

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We all know that moment. You wake up, look in the mirror, and decide today's face needs a little extra oomph. Enter makeup—the war paint of the modern age. But did you know that this isn't just a modern phenomenon? From Cleopatra's iconic kohl-rimmed eyes to today's Instagram contour queens, makeup as armor has been a go-to empowerment tool for centuries. Let's dive into the fascinating, sometimes hilarious, history of cosmetics as a form of empowerment.

The Ancient Eyeliner Warriors

Travel back to ancient Egypt, where Cleopatra didn’t just bat her famous lashes for fun. Her dramatic eyeliner, made from kohl, wasn't just a fashion statement; it was her battle-ready armor. Egyptians believed that makeup had magical properties, warding off evil spirits and even eye infections. Imagine striding into a room knowing your smoky eye could fend off both shady characters and conjunctivitis—now that's multitasking!

And Cleopatra wasn’t alone. Men and women alike slathered on the kohl, creating the ultimate unisex armor. This early use of makeup for self-empowerment laid the groundwork for centuries of cosmetic confidence.

Renaissance Blush and Bashfulness

Fast forward to the Renaissance, where pale skin and rosy cheeks were all the rage. Noblewomen (and sometimes men) used lead-based powders to achieve that ghostly glow. Yes, they literally risked lead poisoning to look like they hadn’t seen the sun in years. The blush? Sourced from crushed beetles. Nothing says "empowerment" like a dash of bug juice on your cheeks.

In a society where appearances dictated power and status, makeup wasn't just about looking good—it was about commanding respect. The paler you looked, the less labor you presumably did, and the more elite you appeared. Who needs a personal trainer when you have a lead-based powder puff?

20th Century Lipstick Revolution

Jump to the 20th century, and lipstick takes center stage. During the suffragette movement, women wore bold red lips as a symbol of defiance and empowerment. Red lipstick became a way to challenge societal norms and demand visibility.

World War II further solidified makeup's role as armor. With men off at war, women took on jobs previously reserved for men. Despite the grime and grit of factory work, they kept their lipstick game strong. The message? Even in the toughest times, a swipe of red could maintain morale and femininity.

Fun fact: The British government even rationed makeup during the war but ensured that lipstick remained available, believing it boosted morale. Because nothing says "we'll win this war" like perfectly painted pouts.

Modern-Day Contour Queens

Today, makeup has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry, and the empowerment factor is stronger than ever. Think of the modern-day contour queens who can chisel their cheekbones sharper than a diamond cutter. Makeup tutorials flood the internet, teaching everyone how to wield a makeup brush like a battle axe.

Brands like Fenty Beauty by Rihanna have revolutionized the industry, offering inclusive shade ranges that empower people of all skin tones to embrace their beauty. It's no longer just about looking good; it's about feeling seen and celebrated.

The Funny Side of Makeup Armor

Of course, makeup mishaps are part of the journey. Who hasn’t tried to nail the perfect cat-eye and ended up with something resembling a Picasso painting? Or gone a little too heavy on the bronzer and looked like a streaky Oompa Loompa? Yet, even in these moments, makeup serves as a form of empowerment—giving us the courage to laugh at ourselves and try again.

The Future of Makeup as Armor

As we move forward, makeup continues to be a powerful tool for self-expression and empowerment. Brands are increasingly focusing on sustainable, ethical products, allowing us to armor up without harming the planet. Glossier, Rare Beauty, and Ilia are just a few brands leading the charge with products that empower while being eco-conscious.

Whether you’re rocking a bold lip, a killer contour, or just a touch of mascara, remember: makeup is more than just a beauty tool. It’s a statement, a shield, and sometimes, a much-needed laugh. So go ahead, pick up that eyeliner and draw your battle lines. After all, life’s a stage, and you're the star—so make sure your makeup is worthy of an encore.


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