MHS students use makeup as a form of self-expression
Sahaj Datta | The Chronicle
Makeup has become a canvas for creativity and a staple of self-expression among high school students, cementing its place in everyday life.
Once reserved for special occasions or professional settings, makeup has evolved into a daily ritual for many teens, reflecting their personalities and moods. From subtle, natural looks that enhance features to bold and artistic designs, students are using makeup to showcase their individuality. Social media has played a significant role in this shift, popularizing trends and techniques that make makeup more accessible and inspiring. This growing trend highlights how makeup has transitioned from purely cosmetic to a dynamic form of personal expression for today’s youth.
Freshman Elakshi Mandke said her makeup choices depend on her mood. She said while some people might use makeup consistently to enhance their looks, her approach shifts based on her emotions.
“I basically just do my makeup based on how I’m feeling,” Mandke said. “If I’m feeling really happy one day, then I’ll put on no makeup because I’m already happy. But then if I’m feeling down one day, I’ll put on a little bit more to boost my mood and feel more confident.”
Mandke also said she views makeup as a way to draw attention to her unique qualities, using it as a tool to bring attention to what she loves most about herself. Rather than using bold or dramatic styles, she opts for subtle touches that emphasize her natural beauty.
“I’ll use it to enhance the features I like,” Mandke said. “[For example], I really like my eyes, so I’ll enhance them with mascara or put some highlighter on the inner corners to make them pop out, I feel like that’s what makes me stand out the most.”
Senior Lex Bolton approaches makeup as a form of creative expression. She said she does not follow trends but instead focuses on styles that resonate with her personality.
“A lot of my [makeup] is goth-based,” Bolton said.” I don’t really follow recent trends; just more of what I want. I look at Pinterest and makeup from the 80s to see how they did their makeup back then.”
Bolton said her bold style has drawn mixed reactions but that she values the opportunity to inspire others. She said her positive reactions have allowed her to become more confident in herself and block out negativity.
“I get two sides of wearing this kind of makeup. I get more judgment, so sometimes that isn’t good for confidence,” Bolton said. “But a lot of people are supportive and think it’s really cool. People have told me I’m kind of an inspiration for them.”
Sophomore Delaney Radtke said makeup styles have changed over the years, noting the differences between her mom’s makeup habits and today’s trends. She said that while her mom’s generation leaned towards bold and colorful looks, today’s trends emphasize more natural and blended techniques, like contouring and “no-makeup makeup.”
“It’s evolved a lot,” Radtke said. “My mom used to wear crazy eyeshadow colors and pluck her eyebrows super thin. Now, makeup is so different, even when she still does hers, she’ll say ‘Wow, it’s so different. [Makeup used to be] a special occasion type of thing but now we use it every day.”
Radtke said she loves seeing the different styles of makeup that people have, and that she thinks makeup is more of an art form than just being a part of many people’s daily routines. Makeup can be a polarizing topic, but Radtke said she sees makeup in a positive light.
“For someone to say [makeup creates] a version of yourself that isn’t real, I think that’s so wrong,” Radtke said. “You’re making it real, and you’re expressing yourself through your appearance.”
The art of makeup has proven to be highly versatile, as through the years it has gone through many different styles. From 80s goth to the “clean girl” aesthetic, makeup has always been around, no matter what’s popular. However, it still maintains a timeless goal.“The [way we do] makeup and the frequency which we use [it has] evolved over time,” Mandke said. “But its main purpose has remained consistent, which is to boost confidence and allow people to express themselves with their physical appearance.”