The body practice I chose is applying makeup. I do it nearly every day. As part of my morning routine I start in on my face with some cover up, then foundation to give myself an even skin tone, some blush for my cheeks, a little eye makeup and some lip gloss to finish off. By wearing makeup I feel more confident and attractive almost making me feel like an entirely different person. I think that with this “new face” I’ve put on I will be read as attractive. This is a prime example of women all over the world that Susan Bordo mentions have a docile body. We willing give into what our culture tells us to do through the body practice of applying makeup. In our culture makeup covers blemishes and all things that are considered unattractive and makes it suddenly presentable and desirable. The praxis alone of applying the makeup automatically makes me feel better about my day. When I do not wear makeup, I generally feel less attractive and tend to stay in more, unmotivated to go out. The vanitas with makeup is the look that comes with wearing it. It makes women believe they have a sense of what is beautiful but only when the makeup is on. It’s a symbol of beauty, something each women wants. Makeup has become something in our culture that women use as second nature now. It has become a habit, and part of the routine of many women.
Couldn't agree more, it is a feminine thing and typically makes girls feel better about themselves. I would love to see a test or results if it has already been done as to who men think are more appealing the same group of girls once with make-up and once without. Men always claim they don't know but I feel like that's untrue. Also these body practices are so deep in our culture because you don't see a celebrity or spokesperson or anyone with any power really without makeup on. Makeup is a social norm, representing only visual beauty as women with makeup. Crazy to think about.
ReplyDeleteI also strongly agree with your post. I feel the same way about makeup and put it on every morning. Whenever I don't wear it, I don't feel as confident and myself as when I do. I recently got a new job at a retail store, and their look policy is to look natural, or natural beauty. You are only allowed where a little bit of foundation and the only makeup you can wear on your eyes is mascara. On my eyes I usually like to wear eyeliner and a little eye shadow in addition to mascara, so whenever I get ready for work it's just a little weird for me to not put as much make up on as usual. Now I try to wear less makeup on a daily basis, so I don't feel as "naked" going to work wearing less makeup.
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