The Debate Over School Makeup: A Middle School Perspective
It's fascinating to observe the growing trend of young girls wearing makeup to school. Makeup, while a common part of many people's routines, mainly serves as an adornment for special occasions. As a middle school student, my view on makeup has evolved significantly over the past year.
My journey with makeup started last year when I began to experiment with my appearance. Initially, my makeup consisted of mascara and lip gloss. As the school year progressed, I gradually added more products to my routine, including concealer, blush, foundation, and highlighter. My makeup collection now includes a range of neutral shades, such as warm tones of soft brown and light pink eyeshadow, lip gloss, and eyeliner.
My Journey with Makeup
It's important to note that I am the one who purchased all of these products. I have personal control over my makeup choices, and I blend everything to ensure a natural look. Inquiries about my makeup style often lead to my mother, but don't fret—this is my choice and my responsibility.
Why I Wear Makeup
I don't wear makeup every day. Occasionally, I might apply light brown eyeshadow and tinted lip balm. Living in Asia, where school uniforms are a norm, makeup is generally not tolerated in school. For the rare occasion when I do wear makeup, it is minimal. My primary reason for wearing makeup is the societal expectation of presentability. Additionally, I sometimes feel sickly without it. Being a pale person, I have experienced several instances where my school would send me to the nurse due to perceived unwellness. Therefore, I make sure to keep at least mascara and bronzer in my locker.
Comfort and Identity
Some students, however, choose not to wear makeup and are comfortable with their natural appearance. For example, one of my peers, who is also in middle school, avoids makeup entirely. She finds that wearing makeup makes her feel uncomfortable and that she can fit in just as well without it. She is happy with her natural look and takes good care of her skin. She likes the idea of looking natural and may consider wearing more makeup as she grows older, but for now, she is content with her current routine.
Differences in Makeup Culture in Asia
Living in Asia, makeup culture is quite different from what I might have experienced in other parts of the world. In my community, makeup is seen as less acceptable for school settings. The most common makeup application I have seen involves drawing eyebrows, which I have been doing for the past two years. However, despite this experience, I still find it challenging to achieve a symmetrical and defined look. My lack of artistic skills has made the process more difficult for me. I often struggle to determine where my eyebrows should end, leading to uneven results.
Conclusion
The debate over wearing makeup to school is a personal choice that varies greatly among students. While some embrace it as a tool for self-expression and comfort, others prefer a more natural look. Regardless of one's approach, it's essential to consider the societal expectations and individual comfort levels when making decisions about makeup. As I continue to navigate middle school, I will keep exploring and refining my makeup routine while respecting the varying perspectives of my peers.