For some, makeup is just makeup. But for others it’s a source of strength, creativity, and expression. So why do people wear makeup? Is it the fascination of the pretty lip colors and gorgeous palettes? Or is it a feeling of empowerment?

Makeup can be empowering on so many levels; a dab of concealer and a swipe of red lipstick can cheer you up, boost confidence, and put everything in perspective. Makeup is a confidence builder, especially when people give compliments about how beautiful you look. Putting makeup on is also a time for yourself, a personal pamper time. Making the effort to look good can be empowering for women and men.

The truth is that beauty isn’t just about shopping and product hunting. Sure, feeling good about your appearance can give you confidence, but beauty routines provide a creative, fun outlet for self-expression that can lift a person through tough times. Makeup isn’t just meant for hiding imperfections or changing the way someone looks. Makeup is an art form that can empower and transform a person into whatever they want.

“I don’t wear makeup to impress,” says SFHS student Kayla Perez. “I wear makeup to express who I am. Most of the time I’ll just do my makeup for fun, even on days that I’m not going out anywhere, and I love how creative you can be with makeup. It’s cool.”

“Makeup makes me feel awake and ready for the day,” says SFHS student Nancy Avitia.

We’re constantly faced with people telling us what we should and shouldn’t do in terms of how we look, think, and act, from the way we dress to how we do our jobs, to what we’re entitled to do with our bodies. Saying how much makeup we should and shouldn’t wear is a form of shaming.

There are people out there who choose to shame people who spend hours primping in front of a mirror. The internet is filled with memes joking about how “You can’t trust a girl who wears too much makeup.” Makeup shaming is something that happens both when someone wears makeup and doesn’t.

“It’s annoying when someone assumes something from seeing your appearance when they don’t even know you,” said SFHS student Lauren Diaz. “I think no one should be able to say how much or how little makeup you should wear. It is not their business.”

“I think makeup has really taken on a life of its own. It’s not just about making yourself ‘prettier’ or making yourself look ‘better.’ Honestly, it’s an art form; it’s fun,” says actress Zendaya in an interview with Fashionista. “I enjoy the process of putting on makeup. To me it’s like a hobby. I think that’s what it has become for a lot of people, and it’s become more accessible for everybody. It’s not just for women. It’s for men too! It’s for everybody. I wear my highlight for myself. I don’t think that some guy is going to notice how popping my highlight is. I know my highlight is popping.”