Makeup is cosmetics such as powder or lipstick applied to the face and used to enhance or alter appearance. Centuries ago, males and females wore makeup until it was banned. When the makeup industry came back in the early 1900s, it slowly grew into what it is today, a multibillion-dollar industry. When it first came back, it was gender-inclusive to mostly females. This is gender-normative, adhering to or reinforcing ideal standards of masculinity or femininity. When we focus on traits that people have, we group or categorize them based on our perception. We learn about this growing up from our families, peers, and the media. As young children, we learn this and use this perception through socialization. Meaning that women are caring, act ladylike, and pay attention to their appearance, while males are assertive, physically active, and do not display certain emotions. These “norms” are slowly changing especially in the makeup world. Male grooming and makeup products have now become their own multimillion-dollar industry. Men are also some of the front leaders in the makeup industry, having their own brands, and making millions a year. Makeup is a way for both men and women to express themselves. It is a form of art, and everyone is able to show their skills and talents with cosmetics. Gender stereotypes are slowly changing within makeup, and there are not as many expectations that only women can use makeup. The cosmetic/makeup industry proves that stereotypes can be broken and that males are dominating within the makeup community.
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