Every morning, my makeup routine is the same: mascara followed by foundation and finished with subtle contouring. I’m usually running out the door in the morning, so I can’t really change my ritual. But the idea of using makeup is actually controversial. Some say it’s sexist, some say it’s dishonest and others say it doesn’t matter.

    With a quick search on YouTube, one can pull up hundreds of thousands of makeup tutorials, reviews and tips. For example, one of the weirdest trends I’ve noticed is clown contouring: using clown-like makeup to blend into a natural-looking contour. It’s strangely fascinating to watch this (honestly ridiculous) makeup that you would see at a circus turn into something you would see on the cover of a fashion magazine.

    Some people argue that putting on makeup makes someone fake or turns a person into something he or she isn’t. I really, really hate the saying, “Take her swimming on the first date.” First, there’s waterproof makeup for a reason. Second, all you’re doing is making her feel very uncomfortable and insecure on your first date. If you want to see who she actually is, allow her to feel confident in her physical appearance so she can focus on showing her personality. And, even though in some cases make-up is used to cover a girl’s insecurities, I believe we should question why the girl isn’t confident in herself, rather than criticizing her for a completely human reaction to her insecurity. Society tells girls that they don’t look professional without makeup and they must sacrifice their identity for their success. Then, society turns around and calls girls fake and shallow and “too focused on their looks” for trying to do just that. Why can’t I focus on what I look like and still be smart and funny? There are so many double-standards when it comes to makeup. Girls are expected to focus on their appearance but are called shallow for doing so.

    When it comes to makeup, a lot of controversy about gender roles and sexism in general exists. I think, just as a girl can choose not to wear makeup, a guy should be able to put on as much makeup as he likes. Guys have just as many insecurities as girls, so why should females have an opportunity to change the way they look? If I were a boy and a sudden zit showed up on my face, right before a big date, I would want to be able to cover it up so I wouldn’t worry about it. I believe makeup should be an option for everyone, not just girls.

    Make-up is just as artistic as painting or sculpting. Could you imagine what Lord of the Rings would be like without special effects makeup? Makeup artists spend years studying how to do makeup, but there work is often overlooked. I bet that even Robert Downey Jr. wears more makeup than me on a daily basis. Why is it deemed okay for him to wear makeup, but not an average high-schooler who wants to have killer eyeliner? For many people, makeup is an artistic outlet, a way to show their voice in the world. Why does society shame them for something they enjoy doing? I believe it’s important that everyone finds a way to be confident in themselves, whether they wear makeup or they don’t. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.