As I sit in front of my mirror trying to apply concealer "just right" to minimize my more masculine features, I sometimes think about just why make-up is such a major part of feminine presentation.
While having proper "smokey eyes" or "the perfect pout" or eyebrows that begin and end at the right place with just the right amount of arch is great, I don't really think that is the real reason.
Males, at various times in history have used make-up, usually as "War Paint" to strike fear into enemies. The Celts, African tribesmen, indigenous peoples in the Americas and Australia and many more do/have done this. In Japanese Kabuki Theater the males use make-up to appear fierce and hide their emotions.
I think the opposite is true for the female use of make-up. It is to heighten, even exaggerate, the emotions which pass over the face. Women are allowed to express their emotions openly in ways that males are not supposed to do. Mascara, eyeshadow and liner and shaped brows emphasize the "mirror to the soul", the eyes. Lipstick and lip gloss serve the same function for the lips. Foundation, powder and rouge provide a palette to focus on the eyes and lips. Nail polish draws attention to the hands and their movements, which also convey emotion.
Anyhow, that's the conclusion I've come to.
Best,
Melody
<p><span style="color: #800080;">Girls will be boys and boys will be girls It's a mixed up muddled up shook up world except for Lola Lo-lo-lo-lo Lola</span> - Ray Davies, The Kinks</p>
<p><span style="color: #3366ff;">(S)he's a walking contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction</span> - Kris Kristofferson</p>