Although makeup trends are constantly evolving, makeup remains an important factor in student self-confidence levels.
Girls at Williston and beyond often wear makeup to classes. Some may say it is simply their method of feeling “complete.” However, it is arguable that this is the product of societal pressure, and is also tied into feelings of self worth.
Makeup has been worn by women for centuries. As girls get older and are exposed to sequences of makeup trends, some may feel the need to fit in with the crowd. After interviewing seven girls, The Willistonian found that girls at Williston have surprisingly varied experiences.
Alyssa Frazier, a three-year senior from Berlin, VT., wears makeup to class every day.
“Sometimes people will ask, if you don’t wear makeup, if you’re tired or something’s wrong with you,” she said. “When you don’t wear it, it’s much more prevalent.”
Scarlette Graybill is a three-year junior from Old Lyme, Conn. Like Alyssa, Scarlette regularly wears makeup to school, and does not like the idea of going to class without makeup.
“I would feel like I was not put together,” Scarlette said. “It just makes me feel better about myself, and it’s something I don’t have to focus on. If I’m not worried about the way I’m looking or presenting myself, it’s easier for me to focus on other things, like school.”
In a Cosmopolitan article, author Bridget March, included a survey that asked older women what age they see young girls begin to wear makeup. 61% of the women stated that they notice girls start wearing makeup between ages 11 and 13.
Some girls at Williston do not feel the need to wear a lot of makeup to classes, including Gus Brown, a four-year senior from Peapack, N.J.
“I used to wear a face full of makeup, and now I just wear mascara,” she said. “I think it makes people think of you differently.”
Violet Carroll, a four-year senior from Milton, Mass., occasionally wears mascara to school. However, Violet prefers an alternative tool to enhance self-confidence.
“I put moisturizer on, and that makes me feel good,” Violet said. “I almost feel more confident when I don’t have makeup on. I like the clean girl look.”
“Clean girl,” refers to a beauty trend originating from Tiktok. In an article from Seventeen magazine by Samantha Olson, the author stated that, “Minimalism is the key to every aspect of the Clean Girl Aesthetic, [and] an essential part of achieving the vibe is putting together an effortless, glowy, and sophisticated beauty look.”
While many girls at Williston wear makeup to classes continuously, there are some girls that do not wear it at all. This includes Kat Mayer, a two-year junior from Massina, New York.
“I literally do not care. I don’t care what people think of me,” Kat said. “I don’t even look at myself before I leave the dorm.”
Mia Daley, a two-year sophomore from Lynnfield, Massachusetts also does not feel the urge to apply makeup every day.
“It doesn’t really make a difference,” said Mia. “I don’t feel like I need to cover up in order to bring out my self-worth.”
Though girls at Williston have varying perspectives on wearing makeup to classes, some acknowledge an underlying reason why so many girls wear it.
Grace McCullagh is a four-year senior from Cambridge, Massachusetts, who wears makeup to school every day.
“Everybody here is online, on social media, and I know for a fact they feel some pressure to wear makeup,” Grace said. “It’s something you have to overcome.”
