What’s that? You want to look like Keira Knightley? Adele? Cruella de Vil?

Don’t fret…we have the technology. We just need a little foundation to completely change the color of your skin, concealer to cover your every freckle, some contouring here, highlighting there and definitely a ton of blush, bronzer and lipstick to liven up that pasty face. Don’t forget the eye shadow, mascara and eyeliner to define those ordinary eyes of yours…

Isn’t that how it goes? Makeup equals adverse implications?

Though the amount of makeup aforementioned is a lot for the average person, even wearing half of that spurs inquiries about what the occasion is, or the is-she-really-wearing-all-that look.

Although cosmetics can be traced back to Cleopatra’s time, nowadays makeup tends to carry a negative connotation.

The cosmetic industry gets a bad reputation by those who believe that makeup sends out a negative message to females. And instances of the cruel abuses of bronzer seem to have a longer lasting impact on people than when it’s used the right way.

But is the use of makeup really that bad? How much harm can some eye shadow actually do?

An Oracle-conducted survey of 93 female students revealed that 72 percent of female students wear makeup on a daily basis. And the leading reasoning behind those numbers is, as senior Daisy Dirkus* expressed, the “boost” makeup can give one’s self-esteem.

“I wear makeup [because] it makes me feel comfortable and confident,” Dirkus said. “It isn’t to trick people into thinking I’m prettier than I am, it’s just that some people feel more comfortable wearing makeup, and I’m one of those people.”

Though some say makeup is only a mask covering one’s “true self” and that women should feel confident without it, today’s media world does not allow for all young women to be comfortable in their own skin.

Advertisements of airbrushed models and the flawless images of celebrities on magazine covers surely will not be going anywhere any time soon, as businesses care more for their profit than the self-image of teenage girls.

Dirkus vocalized her views on the pressure the general public presents for women.

“Society makes women feel the need to look perfect all the time,” Dirkus said. “We feel embarrassed or ugly if people see us when we’re not wearing makeup or looking our best.”

Although we grow up hearing we’re beautiful just the way we are, we see a completely different story through magazines, movies and shows. With innumerable media influences showing perfect faces 24/7, it is no wonder we strive for perfection through makeup.

Makeup can provide relief for girls with insecurities until they are able to grow out of their self-conscious stage and into secure women.

But cosmetics can also serve another purpose, further than just masking imperfections and enhancing features, some say that makeup is an art.

Makeup as an art form is totally plausible: it’s like being presented with a fresh canvas every day. You have the opportunity to be creative and do whatever you please.

Though funky makeup may not be everyone’s cup of tea, like everything in life, it varies from person to person. Makeup is such an impermanent thing that it’s ridiculous to have such strong oppositions to it.

And until the point comes where society overcomes its obsession with appearance, makeup should be seen for what it truly is, a great, fun tool that can help people project their best self.