Why Do Women Wear Makeup?

It's hard to say why women wear makeup. A lot of women don't feel like themselves if they don't go through the makeup motions before leaving the house. But that doesn't mean makeup-free women aren't out there. Plenty of women are comfortable having a naked face during their everyday activities. Women with glasses, for example, use their frames as a facial accessory, and bypass the liner and mascara.

Dress Up
Women who doll-up their faces on occasion-a dab of blush or a stroke of mascara-will turn heads and find themselves fielding compliments. Even if you're wearing a casual outfit of jeans and a sweater, you'll find people asking why you're dressed up. Don't underestimate the power of pink-tinted lip gloss!

Comfort
Makeup can be a good way for some women to feel confident and more themselves. Jamie K., 22, of Washington, DC, has been wearing makeup since eighth grade. While the colors of her eye shadow have changed over the years, Jamie cannot forgo to wear eyeliner. "Seasons have changed, my weight has fluctuated, and my love interests have gone all over the map, but my eyeliner remains the same," she explained. Jamie now considers her black eyeliner as part of her identity. "I don't really recognize myself without it," she said.

Professionalism
In the workforce, makeup can make some women look fierce-as long as it's appropriate for the setting. Sarah K., 23, of New York, dresses up her simple makeup for the office. "I wear it in a way that plays up natural features," she said. "It's never too showy or caked on. I think of it as a beauty enhancer more than a beauty creator." Meghan O., 22, of New York also opts for light makeup-eyeliner, mascara and cover up-for the office to make her look "well-rested and ready for work day."

Tips for wearing makeup in a professional setting like an office include soft colors-nothing too flashy-natural and long-lasting so you don't keep leaving your desk to reapply.

Cover Up
A common reason why women opt for makeup is to cover up a late night, a scar or an unfortunate breakout, which can happen long after puberty.

Sarah of New York uses make up to cover up dark circles under her eyes, despite her young age. She covers up any other blemishes as well, "My skin is generally in OK shape, but I feel that breakouts make me look a lot younger," she said. A strong advocate of women's rights and women's confidence, Sarah said she hates feeling self-conscious about blemishes. "I don't believe anyone should feel forced to wear makeup," she said. But she realizes there is a pressure to conceal "flaws."