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Has the Art of Makeup Disappeared?
From the early ages of “Nikkie Tutorials,” “LaurDIY,” and “MannyMUA,” to the hundreds of influencers flooding our screens with new contour wands, under eye creams, and “get ready with me” videos, the power of makeup has caused Gen Z to grow up with the overarching idea that if you don’t have the newest product, you’re missing out (i.e. ultimate beauty FOMO). However, when did makeup become dull? Has all the artistry disappeared? Millions of young people in this generation have conformed to the industry’s opinions of what “true” beauty is. But can beauty really be “true” when it is tarnished by over-consumerism and cruel intentions? The presence of colors, shimmers, and blending of bold tones has been painted throughout editorial campaigns and runways by photographers and designers to portray a story that is revealing and daring. Yet, so many beauty companies are pushing a narrative of being stereotypical instead of expressive. The art of makeup was born to tell stories amongst the frames of a million faces. Yet, as a society, our stories are being forgotten through corporate manipulation and the pressure to move on to the next best thing. Our brushes are being tainted by a standard that is unattainable and expensive. This standard plays on the heartstrings of so many young people who want to be themselves rather than the typical mold so many of us “add to our cart.”
Social media influencers profit from views and likes when advertising a product, an incentive that leads them to push the product as a “must-have.” And while we may already have 20 lipsticks in our makeup drawers, it can feel impossible to resist influencers’ clever advertising. Yet, what is most shocking is that influencers will test high-end lines of skin care or beauty products, but use them for only a week. As soon as the novelty of the product fades, or another content creator gains attention from a new item, these influencers immediately jump ship to the next product. Boredom runs deep when a generation is driven by rapidly changing influences, such as the “clean girl aesthetic” in comparison to the infamous 2016 “full-beat” look. In a report done by Nordic News, a selection of students were asked a variety of questions regarding the usage of products and spending habits on a day-to-day basis. The study found that 30% of respondents reported their buying habits influenced by trends, with 22.7% saying their habits were also impacted by influencers. If these statistics proliferate, as they very well may, the meaning behind makeup as an art form will disappear and become nothing but a dollar sign.
Makeup has been used for centuries by people all around the world for celebration, culture, and self-expression. So, at what point has it lost its purpose? Instead of participating in such a beautiful art form, so many people in today’s society are divided by this stigma that less is more, or more is too much. Many influencers are manipulating their audiences into spending hundreds of dollars rather than communicating a genuine message. For example, Mikayla Nogueria, beauty influencer, has received backlash for promoting the “L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara” in a deceiving way. Viewers caught Nogueira only pretending to apply the mascara, although she simultaneously applauded its benefits. Doesn’t add up right? Makeup has lost its authenticity and meaning. It was made to connect with others, help us feel confident in our skin, and highlight our natural beauty. Makeup can paint a picture of hope. A picture of heartbreak. A picture where stories can be told through no words and just imagination. Creativity is now only present among those who are brave enough to fight against the stereotype, because without perseverance, we might as well blend like the makeup we so carelessly buy.
I, like so many people who appreciate the art and community makeup brings, am searching for makeup looks that are more than just Pinterest-inspired. True creativity is told when no words need to be said. If we want the power of makeup to stay alive, we must break the boundaries placed around us and fight against the pressures of social norms. The driving force of so many designers and artists in presenting powders, glitters, and shades through imagery is solely from the heart of passion and vulnerability. As a generation so active among the political, economic, and social corners of our country, why should we tolerate what is deemed to be safe, rather than bold? All these questions, and we still dismiss the clear answer: stay true to yourself. Paint your face with the most vibrant colors. Be the narrative that erases the placed one. If you don’t, the disappearance of makeup will be lost forever.
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Being Told No: How to Practice the Practice of Proving One Wrong
I’ve always held myself to the highest of standards. Some may say that’s damaging, others selfish, but for the few, it is perceived as a risk worth taking. I take great pride in who I have become: a woman who doesn’t let others walk all over her, is confrontational (when needed), and most importantly, never takes no for an answer. However, how does one reach a point where there is no other option than to accept the horror of being told no? You’ve all heard the saying, “Rejection is redirection” and although that is very true, why is it so hard to come to terms with such a cliche statement? I have been someone who envisioned myself as a force, as someone fearless, while having it all planned out. Someone who uses logic rather than emotion, yet why am I in this place of denial? The word no has always been a tactic to me, a word that has little meaning and can be manipulated very easily, but, in this case, rejection dances on the heartstrings of all I’ve worked for. I have to accept what is true: being told no.
Now, this may come off as dramatic but it all comes from a place of anger, passion, and simply being myself. But, when you’re living in a world of people given everything on a golden platter, we, the common population, fall into the stigma of having to sit back and drink from our plastic cups, as the “fortunate” flush our hard work down the drain. Most of us comply with the “well, that’s life”, but from the words of two very smart people I call my mom and dad, I say, “Well, fuck that”. Being told no is what drives the brilliant minds of young innovators, artists, politicians, and writers of our generation. Although it stings the wounds of self-doubt and drives the desire to give up, what better feeling is there than standing in front of those who said “you can’t” while proving you can? I would be lying to you and myself that throughout the years of constant admiration towards the working forces of the Fashion and Beauty industry, I too felt lost amongst the stacks of magazines I’ve collected since I was a young teenager.
From going to a place where I found comfort amongst the smell of glossy paper, strappy sandals, and the articulated words from editors and directors, to now being told you can’t go down a path where your dreams lie is one of those feelings you can’t tread lightly. I went from running through the current to floating above its surface. I saw my future self through a blurred lens and had to figure out a way to escape my blindness. However, when have I become someone who floats? This is MY life and no one is going to tell me no when all my life I’ve been swimming.
As someone who holds the greatest appreciation towards the characters brought to our screens, I have learned from the best and two of my favorite girls, Charlotte York from “Sex and the City” and Andrea Sachs from “The Devil Wears Prada”, where their spirit resembles all that I am and when their identity has been questioned and challenged by those around them, they worked for what they deserved. You and I are someone who will always be tested, who may be seen as weaker than the rest, who might have to stay up later than most for their name to be noticed, but with time and humility, those who once said “we can’t offer you a place here”, will soon ask for a seat at the table you built. So, although it stings and you are waiting for this wound to scab, know that as you stride amongst rejection and stand before the outcome of your hard work, all that will be left is a scar and what was once a feeling of doubt and unknowing will fade, as most wounds do.
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Spring and An Ode To The Notting Hill Closets
Spring: a season of realization, overused floral, and a warm night out with your girlfriends. Some may hate it, some may dread it, and some may, well use it to their advantage. A time when you thought you had more time to get into your “perfect summer body”, only to come to terms that May is around the corner and you’re still in December. I mean let’s be honest people, weren’t we all just having Thanksgiving dinner but now we’re putting our turtlenecks away and exchanging them with shorts. Don’t even get me started with jean shorts, nothing screams Spring more than humidity, denim sticking to your thighs, and to top it off, frizz. Now although I am not the biggest fan of Spring weather, that doesn’t mean I hate the clothes that come with it. I’m just about ready to say goodbye to my knits and hello to a new wave of Spring fashion, starting with boxers, micro glasses, and vintage slip dresses! (I still hate jean shorts)
As a Fashion and Makeup enthusiast, and a YouTube fanatic, I tend to spend any free time I may have browsing hundreds of Vogue videos that reveal the hidden treasures of Beauty Secrets, styling tips, and even exploring what lies within the handbags of our favorite celebrities, models, and icons. However, I recently came across one of my Fashion and Beauty inspirations, Camille Charrière, on Vogue France sharing her most admired and prized vintage shops in the beloved Notting Hill, which she calls home. As she emphasizes the importance of secondhand shopping and the world of vintage thrifting, we dive into the archived looks by Tom Ford at Gucci, Coco Chanel, and John Galliano at Dior.
Camille Charrière, a well-known Fashion influence and contributing editor at Elle UK, finds her way through the corners of Notting Hill and lengths of Portobello Road, and the historic vintage shops that stand along the pavement that Charrière is most familiar with. Some may even say she is an acclaimed athlete in the sport of shopping. She first makes a stop at “One Of A Kind Archive”, where she dresses in the legendary John Galliano pink dress worn by no other Kate Moss on the runway in 1995. “The beautiful thing about buying something vintage in a place like this is if one day you were to decide to get rid of it, there will be someone who will want to wear it because these are unique pieces,” says Charrière.
The next hidden gem she visits along Portobello is “Karen Vintage”, where Charrière explores the beauty of chic silk, silver sparkle, and ethereal dresses. Not only is vintage shopping all about searching for pieces, but also you must overcome an obsession almost because if you have a feeling about a skirt or a blouse and you decide to sleep on it, the next day, most likely, it will be in the hands of another. This Spring I will be practicing the lessons that Karen Stott, founder of “Karen Vintage”, loves to preach when finding garments and accessories that best fit her store and image. “90’s, figure-hugging, must be silk. I love a long showing back because you don’t get enough of it these days. I love that and I love very sexy dresses,” says Stott. So, as the humidity begins to rise, take note that the back of your dress should lower, showing nothing but the spine, shine, and divine.
Lastly, Charrière’s final destination is “Found and Vision”, a jewel that thrives off of uncertainty and uniqueness. Co-founder Karen Clarkson says, “When people ask me what you specialize in, we specialize in not specializing.” What I loved most about Charrière’s ode to Notting Hill vintage shops was how she says, “how leopard is to Britain what stripes are to France”, my favorite line throughout the whole video because it frames the main message. What you find, what you wear, and what you make of the fabrics you wear, all come from a place of history and without the vintage stores, Fashion has no heartbeat.
As we take away from the brilliant advice of Camille Charrière and the owners of these collective shops, one thing that I urge you all to take away from this is the more risks you take in the dressing room, the more you get to know yourself. I never would have thought I would find the best pieces of clothing I own would come from secondhand stores, but now as I discover stories through garments and play a part in sustainability, I am in full blossom and I hope you bloom too.
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Lexapro, Leopard Print, and “Acting Like A Lady”
Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to grow up. I wanted to fit into my mother’s heels and wear her necklaces. I wanted to hang out with my older sister’s friends and paint my nails with them. I wanted to run before I knew how to walk. Now that I am 19, and as I reach my last year as a teenager, I wish I could sink into my mom’s shoes again and put my ear up to my sister’s room, taking a peek into the future. But, we can’t go back so might as well step forward. I am now in my second semester as a Freshman here and I can finally say that I am enjoying college. I understand why people call this place “home”. But between you and me, that might have to do with the help of a very well-known friend: Lexapro.
For the past couple of months, I have dealt with the extremities of anxiety, from nausea to nervousness. I knew something was wrong but I didn’t know how to talk about it without feeling judged. I was falling back into my old ways and hiding from the truth of what I was feeling. I knew I wasn’t alone but I felt very lonely. With the support of my family and friends, I was able to get the help I needed and found a solution. I never considered myself as someone who would need medication but here we are and I’m in the early stages of Lexapro. Before I found comfort in not knowing who I was and carving out a hole to hide in, scared to be myself, scared to try. Now, this is me trying (subtle Taylor Swift reference).
I am now on my 19th journey of rediscovery and that’s okay. I am someone who believes in the act of rebirth through fashion, makeup, and self. As women, we are supposed to always act the right way, never too much but always stand out. I was afraid that once I was medicated I would fall into the societal norms of how a woman is supposed to act. “Acting like a lady” is subjective, offensive, and a false narrative placed on the women who defy these standards. I am myself. I am medicated. And there is nothing wrong with that. I will continue to wear my hair down, speak up, and wear the prints we all love so much. Let’s start with our beloved leopard!
As we’ve all seen on TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest, the revival of leopard appreciation is back and better than ever. However, for me, it has always been here, being a neutral in my closet ever since I paired it with red and gold accents. But why now? Why is the leopard replacing the bow epidemic? As most good things do, trends tend to have their moment for a couple of weeks and then die out. From bleaching eyebrows, crochet tops, Y2K, and even cottage core, these trends have paved our generation for years, giving us the chance to find ourselves through other wardrobes and Pinterest boards. I have always been attracted to loud prints and layering with dark colors, but for a long time, I thought I had to follow these trends to be accepted and seen as “cool”, blending in but making it a point to be different. Yet, why as women do we have to conform to what seems acceptable, when in reality it makes us miserable inside?
I felt embarrassed and guilty for expressing myself through big accessories and chaotic makeup looks because I was scared of what others would think of me. Causing a great amount of anxiety and harm to my well-being. Yet, this was and is normal for girls struggling to find their identity, struggling to look in the mirror, and being happy with what reflects on them. In a society that is driven by digital influences and faulty images, it’s hard to know what works for you when you can’t even recognize yourself. But, it’ll pass. These feelings of hopelessness and faking it, will soon turn into dust and be unrecognizable. I found myself through risk and not caring what others thought of me. I’ve found myself, I lost her again, and now she is back. I wear faux leopard fur, I wear big hoops, and I have long nails, but most importantly, I can be who I want, when I want, and how I want.
There is no right way when it comes to finding yourself. Whether that is through skin care, cooking, running, or even medication, how YOU do it, shouldn’t matter to anyone else but you. After being diagnosed with “Generalized Anxiety Disorder”, I was scared of what that meant for me. Will I change? Will my friends want to be around me? Yet, as I came to terms with it and accepted it, I became more comfortable with the idea that this is normal and that I am not alone. I was living in a state of mind that made me feel horrible and ever since I’ve been on Lexapro, my life is mine again. I remembered who I am, and what I want to achieve, and I am not ashamed of being someone who is medicated. Although it is different for everyone, it is important, especially in college, that we take care of ourselves and remind ourselves that this is for the better.
I will always have anxiety, and I will go through more downs than ups, but I know with the support of my family and friends, I am capable of more than I know. So are you.
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The “I Love Looking Cold” Makeup
If you’ve ever watched any Vogue “Beauty Secrets” video, you know what it means when someone wants to achieve an “I like looking cold” makeup look. This could mean adding more pink blush than anticipated on the cheekbones and over the bridge of the nose, or applying a frosted white highlighter on the tip of your nose and eyebrow crease. While it is a chic way of adding a more frozen flare, , the cold will naturally do the blushing for you, especially when walking the campus here at Syracuse. However, that is not to say you can’t experiment with different powders and creams because if there is one thing about the snow, it has the best lighting for pictures.
The evolution of blush has grown immensely since the early 80’s. From powder products only to a variety of creams and liquids offered by all major beauty brands today. Blush is one of the most flexible makeup products we all have been blessed with. For me, I love “Cloud Paint” from Glossier, a liquid blush in shades Storm, a burgundy finish, and Haze, a sheer fuschia. These blushes offer an easy to use application that leaves a fresh, clean and dewy cheek. And of course, the fan-favorite, Rare Beauty liquid blush by Selena Gomez, in shades Encourage, a soft pink, and Happy, a bright pink. But, what goes more with blush than a highlighter?
Although I’m not the craziest fan of powder highlighters, Fenty Beauty gets it whenever it comes to making the best and most reliable highlighters in the makeup game. If you really want that girl look go for the “Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter” in shades of Lightning Dust/Fire Crystal. Both shades are effortlessly pigmented and blend beautifully on the skin. This product may be a bit pricey but you get your money’s worth when it comes to buying anything Rihanna. Another highlighter I strongly recommend to really achieve that flushed look is once again, Rare Beauty liquid highlighter in shade Enlighten, a champagne finish that enhances the cheekbones perfectly.
As the leaves start to fall and the sun goes down, it’s time to start getting ready for the long-awaited winter weather. You may be thinking to yourself, why would I even want to try to apply makeup when I’m not going to even leave my dorm room or apartment? Well, think again. For most of us, the winter can be dreadful and this time of the year, the season tends to bring a dim to our lives but, it’s important to remember makeup can bring us out of that “slump” and make us feel better about ourselves! Even if you apply a little eyebrow gel or even if you get up to go make a cup of tea, that’s enough. Each day is progress and you will get through it. Embrace the cold and the pink blushes and cherish the memories you make with your friends this winter. Stay warm and look good doing it!
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Everyone’s Favorite: Taylor Russell
“Taylor Russell Is The Quiet New Force Of Hollywood’s Future” – Byrdie
She’s more than Harry Styles’ rumored girlfriend. Taylor Russell is inevitably a breath of fresh air while captivating a classic and edgy look to her name. Taylor’s go-to red carpet makeup look is dewy, light, and sharp. After recently cutting my hair short, I wanted to resemble a look where I could be effortlessly myself without worrying about everything else. Like Taylor, I wanted to express myself through dark lips, highlighted cheeks, and sharp eyeliner. When walking the campus, and feeling the cool breeze of Fall, is the sense of new beginnings and trying new things that you’re scared to do. If that means cutting your hair, bleaching your eyebrows, a new piercing, or even a new eyeshadow color, indulge in being yourself, because that’s enough.
Taylor has left a mark on me and should leave a mark on you with her simple cool girl look. If you want to dress like Taylor, start with a white or black tee or tank, bomber jacket, black glasses, cherry brown lip gloss, slouchy jeans, and a ballerina flats! Enjoy the feeling of being comfortable and sexy, that’s all a girl really needs anyway.
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The Most Anticipated Halloween Costumes, That I Need To See.
Over the past couple of weeks, as we all settle into the first semester and we are now seeing the trees covered in orange and yellow blankets, it is finally time to start planning costumes for Halloween. You may be deciding between being a black cat for the fifth year in a row, or maybe your favorite Quentin Tarantino character. Whatever it may be, I have some costumes that I am eager to see on my Instagram feed. First, starting with Selina Kyle a.k.a Cat Woman, and yes I know I just said being a black cat is overdone but in my opinion what makes an outfit or a costume for that matter most memorable is how you wear it. In simpler words: accessories! If you’ve seen the recent Batman movie you would know exactly what I mean when I’m talking about being Cat Woman, especially when it is played by Zoe Kravitz.
My next most anticipated Halloween costume is a modern-day Marie Antoinette-inspired look that is not only a statement look but is also very much Sophia Coppola. You could either go the coquette route, with pink ribbons, pearls, feathers, and the dramatic hats, or you could turn it into a total horror moment that leaves everyone speechless. And lastly, what screams Halloween more than your very own Winona Ryder, or should I say Lydia Deetz from Beetlejuice. I swear if I don’t see someone towering over everyone, in a red gown, tall, spiky, black hair and sort of a sickly look to them, I will not be satisfied. Most importantly, remember that Halloween is about having fun, being with your friends, and celebrating all of the different costumes you see. Have fun and stay safe!
“I think she looks delightful. She looks like a piece of cake”. – Marie Antoinette, 2006 Film
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Once Again, Olivia Rodrigo Is That Girl
“Forgive, and I forget
I know my age, and I act like it
Got what you can’t resist
I’m a perfect all-American”– Olivia Rodrigo
After listening to her sophomore album GUTS, Olivia Rodrigo, once again, has delivered a no-skip album filled with relatable, angsty, sad girl anthems. From modern-day rock looks to knee-high black boots, with a schoolgirl touch, Olivia’s fashion tends to symbolize not only her music but her unapologetic self. Through her classic winged eyeliner, berry-tinted lip, and 90’s punk-inspired style, Olivia is no doubt the ultimate it girl. Her highly anticipated album will make you cry, laugh, and even stomp, leaving us teenage and 20-year-old girls wanting to live out our “teenage dream” forever.
As this new and upcoming chapter in Olivia’s book unveils itself, as fans and fashion-goers, the only right thing to do is to channel our inner Olivia. Buy tennis skirts and printed baby tees. Embrace the fuzzy mini dresses and sweaters, while wearing a jeweled heart necklace with a kitten heel or black loafer, and nonetheless, wear pieces that are vampire-coded and make you want to spill your GUTS.
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The East Coast Girl Closet
I’ve lived on the East Coast all of my life and living in a beach town as well plays a big role when it comes to my closet and the fashion influences around me. Yet, there are many corners of the East Coast when it comes to one’s closet. From beach towns to city streets, the East Coast has many different personalities which I love to look at. Although I don’t particularly put myself in the beach category, I’ve grown to love white linen pants and the sand between my toes. The simplicity of the flower-coated bushes and the late afternoon walk down to the harbor. From a chunky sandal to a white tee, we know how to make a basic look into an outfit. Some may say we fall to the preppy side, which I totally understand but, for most of us, we thrive amongst those who don’t follow the prints and initialized accessories. We thrive on the nostalgia the ocean brings and the stories told around the fire.
There’s something about waking up on a Sunday morning, throwing on your comfy sweats with a tank top and your sneakers, and blasting your music while you are on your way to get your usual iced coffee. I mean how can you not love the feeling of the crisp morning breeze running circles through your hair? East Coast girls love a messy look but love making it look cute. Some must-haves, if you want to achieve this look, is to have a go-to pair of jeans, many basic t-shirts, classic sunglasses, sundresses, bomber jackets, and sneakers. And how can I forget, gold jewelry with your signature rosy makeup look. But, the truth of the matter is, the East Coast girl is simply no different from the West or the South one because everyone and anyone can dress from any region no matter where they live. Cowboy boots in Boston, yes, please. Low-rise baggy jeans in Idaho, yes, please. Boho in Miami, very much yes. I know I’m a little bias but, but the East Coast closet can’t compare even if you have all the luxury, it’s all about how you wear it and we do it a little differently over here.
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How To Look Mysterious: From the Perspective Of an Extrovert
When I think of being someone who is mysterious, I channel my inner Devon Aoki or Lily-Rose Depp. Laid-back hair, darker tones on the eyes, always your classic pair of sunglasses, and even a baby tee or cami tank with your go-to jeans or mini skirt. As an extrovert, I’m not the type of mysterious that reads at a cafe with her headphones, or the type that hyper fixates on a Norman Rockwell reference. I would say I am more the type to just sit in a room and observe and if I happen to have my headphones on, I would be listening to the Renaissance album by Beyonce, obviously.
As I grow older, my fashion sense matures as well. I went through many stages in my fashion journey and I am now at the point in my womanhood where I realize less on the face is okay, where I realize I don’t have to wear what everyone else is wearing. I don’t have to wear the corset top to parties, I can wear my white tee, signature clean makeup, jeans, and sneakers, and that’s enough. That’s what being mysterious is all about, it’s being able to stand out while not being the shiniest one in the room. It’s about not always trying so hard to stand out just because it pleases others. Screw that, stand out because it makes you comfortable.
Wear the Yankee hat with the dad shorts and platform Converse cause you want to. Wear the dress and the heels to lunch cause YOU want to. Being mysterious is making people want to talk about you because if they are talking about you, you’re being remembered, and that means you’re doing something right.
“We are not idealized wild things. We are imperfect mortal beings aware of that mortality even as we push it away, failed by our very complication, so weird that when we mourn our losses we also mourn, for better or for worse, ourselves.”
Joan Didion