Early in the morning, M-A bathrooms are full of students doing their makeup in the mirror in preparation for the day ahead. For many, makeup is more than just a part of their routine—it’s a confidence booster and a way to express their creativity. Whether it’s a swipe of lipgloss or a full-glam look, makeup is a key aspect of many students’ lives.
Approximately 73.9% of students who wear makeup reported wearing it to school at least once a week, according to a survey conducted of 256 juniors in November by the M-A Chronicle. Still, there is a stigma around young people wearing “too much” makeup to fit societal standards.
“I don’t wear makeup. People who do are kinda odd—it’s a school,” one student responded in an anonymous survey. To some, wearing makeup to school is seen as a sign of insecurity in one’s natural appearance.
“At times makeup can get very excessive,” senior Aarron Gutierrez said. “Girls are naturally pretty, they don’t need that much makeup”
Freshman Lesly Gonzalez, who does not wear makeup to school, agreed. ““I feel like it’s better to not wear makeup and just show your natural self to feel more comfortable,” she said.
Others expressed how routinely applying makeup in the morning sets the tone for their day. “If I’m getting ready, I feel like I’m going to go do something, and that gives me motivation to actually go throughout my day,” senior Kendra Mancia said. “You shouldn’t be judged for wearing makeup. If you want to do it and you have the time to do it, do it.”
“I wear makeup to come to school more presentable and I guess just to feel pretty,” senior Kimberly Estrada said. “Sometimes I feel like girls overdo it though. I’ve noticed girls doing their makeup in the library when they should be in class.”
Some students wear makeup in response to societal norms, like the pressure to fit beauty standards. “I wear makeup pretty much every day,” senior Camille Scott said. “It makes me feel more confident. Unfortunately, that’s what society has done these days. ”
Regardless of where students fall on the makeup spectrum, it’s clear that makeup holds value in the way students feel about themselves and their lifestyle.
