MAKEUP IN SOCIETY How can makeup be used by both genders to promote confidence?
s5022740 | Jessica Wood
RESEARCH PROPOSAL Looking back at the research I did and continue to do, shows a lot about the role makeup plays in our lives. The key element for me to look at now is the confidence that makeup can bring out. I hope to uncover the true confidence between both genders of what makeup is doing in today’s society. Makeup can be used so many different ways and by so many different people. Looking at wide demographics and the many users of makeup shows a broad understanding of confidence. Through the research I hope to figure out how I can contribute to the overall judgements being made on choices within makeup use and why there are still such strong perceptions on others decisions. With my design solution I hope to gather information to show others why each and every person should use makeup in their most confident way with no judgements made towards them.
Action Research 2 | August 22, 2016
CONTEXTUAL RELEVANCE Makeup can bring a confidence to a person that they otherwise didn’t have, but no one really seems to know if that is good or bad. Why do others care about the amount people choose to wear, if their confidence is brought out. Some people feel inadequate without makeup. Those with certain skin conditions, often feel that others only see them for what is on their skin. Makeup helps them feel like they are more than what they look like on the outside. They aren’t using the makeup for confidence to look perfect, they’re using makeup to look normal, so that they have confidence to be seen as themselves. (Ciupka ad campaign, 2014-2016) This is a key point, everyone has their own reason and understanding with themselves for wearing makeup. Through my own research it was eye opening to see that what I felt, was reinstated by so many. It saddens me that there are such judgements made on people choices within makeup. There are so many different sides to the discussion on makeup in today’s society. This is vital because it is such a widely used range of products.
Action Research 2 | August 22, 2016
METHODOLOGIES I have been conducting my research by reading the various articles and surveys on makeup and gathering different perspectives on this topic. I have also gained insight from watching and comparing videos online which relate to the topic, such as; online reviewers, ad campaigns, instructional videos, etc. Given that we are in such a digital age, my personal research will be conducted online on pages related to the topic. I will be trying to gain insight and feedback from the audience of makeup users, and will look for the best places to do so. My own survey will be designed to gain additional and personal emotional feedback on this area of discussion. It will focus on delving into the feelings that users have about makeup, the confidence they feel, judgements they have felt, why they use it, and how they feel best with makeup. I will be sending this survey out to makeup users, online forums, and makeup communities.
Action Research 2 | August 22, 2016
CONTRIBUTING THEORETICAL DISCOURSE Throughout this discovery process I had looked at countless journals, surveys, essays, articles and academic sources. Many have influenced my research, but the most relevant touch on the different perspectives of makeup. Why is it that anyone would seem to care if another is wearing makeup and how can that type of stigma be changed? It can be shocking that whilst judged with and without makeup the same women can be perceived on being in completely different social and work standings (Nash 2006). Also touched on in the “The Beauty Bias,” it goes over how it may be becoming a cultural norm for women to be seen as always needing makeup (Leibu 2010). Is there a way for design to help shed light on how makeup could be concealing a larger issue here? Makeup and beauty in the media industry can have a huge influence on women today. The confidence that makeup brings women was evident in a study done for Ann Marie Britton’s article. Britton discusses the relationship between makeup and self-esteem, and how the women perceived themselves as healthier while wearing makeup. This can greatly raise everyday confidence by enhancing and brightening natural features, and is spoken of as being positively related to cosmetics.
Action Research 2 | August 22, 2016
RESEARCH PRACTITIONERS I have chosen a wide variety of related exemplars to showcase again what is behind the uses of makeup. Stefan Sagmeister advertises a great point with, Trying To Look Good Limits My Life (Fig 1). Is the time and money being put into makeup use a waste? Many non makeup users may simply not know, or forget how much work can go into the overall makeup process. In a meticulous and very unique piece of artwork, Ana Teresa Barboza, uses embroidery. The time and effort put into the work, mirrors what is often put into the application of makeup (Fig 2). This can also show the beauty and skill behind makeup and the certain techniques used in the craft. A key point that needs greater awareness is to stop with the judgements and stigma that is placed on wearing makeup. Without coverage cosmetics, it can be hard for some people to ever feel like themselves. In the Dermablend Ad campaigns, they focus on how important makeup can be to someones everyday life, to better their confidence (Fig 3). The makeup covers everything from; acne, hyper pigmentation, scars, vitiligo, etc. No matter what age, occupation, gender, or reason for wearing the makeup they all share one thing in common, they are confident with who they are wearing the makeup.
Action Research 2 | August 22, 2016
PROGRESS - SURVEY The first survey I’ve posted touches on the feelings that makeup users have, the confidence they may or may not feel, and the judgements they may have felt.
63
people said they wear makeup everyday
28
people said they wear makeup occasionally
Action Research 2 | August 22, 2016
PROGRESS - JUDGEMENT When asking if people have felt judged for their makeup choices there were yeses for both; wearing makeup, and not wearing makeup. The worst was to see that almost every response in other was because they had felt judged for doing both.
16 out of who answered 17 people other said that they felt judged for both
Action Research 2 | August 22, 2016
PROGRESS - CONFIDENCE There was an overwhelming result of people who felt that makeup enhanced their confidence. Even though there is judgement they still feel more comfortable wearing makeup to feel happier with themselves.
95 people said that makeup enhances their confidence Action Research 2 | August 22, 2016
PROGRESS - FEEDBACK When asked the question “How does wearing makeup make you feel?” in a total of 97 responses, by far the most popular answer was: confident. When asked the question “What is the best word to describe the confidence you personally feel with makeup?” in a total of 91 responses, the words of positivity were outstanding: . put together . beautiful . fierce . braver . strong . prettier . real . hapiness . pretty . powerful . great . dauntless . proud . empowered . powerful . fierce . radiant . perseverance . happy . beautiful . amazing . outgoing . stylish . powerful . better . heightened . perfect . great . indescribable . fierce . boss . comfortable . put together . ready . on fleek . happy . invinsible . untouchable . good . radiant . secure . creativity . more like myself . boss . beauty . satisfied . slay . beautiful . strong . attractive . fierce . slaying . proud . I feel like I could destroy people . empowerment . amazing . free . slaying . happy . invincible . powerful . proud . I feel more attractive . sexy. cleaner . confident . normal . sexy . boss . badass . fresh, empowered . vibrant . sass . neutral . happy . pretty . content . sexy . confident . unstoppable . amazing . confident . pretty . ready . complete . me .
Action Research 2 | August 22, 2016
PROGRESS - IDEAS/SKETCHES Using the words and feedback from survey goers I could use them with photography to make powerful messages.
My main idea is to work on a campaign where people show how they feel most confident.
Action Research 2 | August 22, 2016
REFLECTIVE PROCESS I have worked to resolve my entire research question. It has taken a long journey but has finally come to a final state that has a design solution in sight. Working towards a campaign that can grow through involving makeup users from all over the world, makes for a promising plan. I need to refine more research to gather extra feedback from more demographics. I want to have ample feedback to work with moving forward and am looking especially for a wider range of gender. I’m now working to resolve the judgements and perceptions that are seen with makeup use. Trying to improve the positive views on makeup use for why everyone has their own reason and use for makeup. Some may not want to wear any, where as some wear lots. Some are female, some are male. Some people wear it everyday, some wear it for work. There are many different factors but they could easily all lead to a positive outcome.
Action Research 2 | August 22, 2016
MAKEUP IN SOCIETY THANK YOU
s5022740 | Jessica Wood