2016 has been the year for makeup. It has been really hot on YouTube as women and guys show off their artistic abilities. The contour, highlights, and winged eyeliner are few of many pretty aspects to doing makeup. But it’s the production of the makeup itself, and what comes after, that makes it not so pretty.
Too many people aren’t aware of how their makeup is made, or more specifically, how it’s tested. In a study of 50 female students and teachers at Northeast, 37 of them said they wear makeup more than occasionally. When asked what brands of makeup they use, the top three mentioned were Maybelline, Two Faced, and Covergirl. Maybelline and Covergirl sell their products in China, and in order to do so, they are required to test their products on animals. Like L’Oreal, Maybelline is not cruelty-free.
There are many tests that are performed on animals like guinea pigs, mice, rats, and rabbits. According to The Humane Society of the United States, chemicals are rubbed on the skin of shaven rabbits or dropped in their eyes to test skin and eye irritation. There are also forced-feeding studies that go on for long periods of time, such as weeks or months to determine if there are general health effects or birth defects. They also force animals to swallow lethal doses of the chemical being tested in order to determine the doses it takes to cause death. When they are done, they kill the animal by restricting their oxygen intake, breaking their neck, or decapitating the animal. In all steps in the process, the animals aren’t given any form of pain relief.
Luckily, Two Faced products aren’t tested on animals. They are cruelty-free, unlike the big brands such as Rimmel London, Covergirl, Maybelline, L’oreal, Mary Kay, and many others.
Although there are some good brands out there that don’t harm animals, it’s important to know that makeup also causes harm to the people that use them. Based on Marvi Masud’s article The Cost of Beauty – The Harmful Effects of Makeup on Your Skin, “A normal mascara wand is the ideal breeding ground for pseudomonas aeruginosa, a harmful bacterium that causes corneal infections, redness and styes.” It’s very important to switch out mascaras if the wand isn’t clean or if it has passed the expiration date because the eyes are very sensitive, making them more vulnerable to damage or bacterial infections. People don’t always do this because their mascara may still have a lot left in it. This is a very poor habit that should be thrown out, along with the six month old mascara.
Often times, foundations that don’t work well with your skin can cause wrinkles, cracks, or worsen pimples. When cracks are formed, it makes your skin prone to different types of infections. It can also irritate the skin, causing itchiness. Many cosmetic products today consist of chemicals harmful to the body like carcinogens, or substances that can cause cancer. According to qualified beautician Saira Mahmood, “The chemicals can seep into your bloodstream via skin absorption. From there, they can enter the bloodstream and ultimately, damage your internal organs over time.”
A majority of the women surveyed wear makeup as an art or because it’s fun or to boost their confidence. With the amount of young people wearing makeup to raise their self esteem or as an art, it’s important to know what is in the substances that are sitting on your face for hours on end. Many companies are trying to be safer to their customers, as well as animals. But it’s best to research what you’re wearing or limiting the amount of makeup worn everyday because creating art on a damaged canvas gets a bit tricky.