Popular Culture In The Cosmetic Industry
14popular Culture Cosmetic Industryjennifer Mooreids 404 Pop Cultu
Popular Culture – Cosmetic Industry Jennifer Moore IDS – 404 Pop Culture 2-2 Activity Topic Introduction Southern New Hampshire University November 6, 2022 The cosmetic industry is a billion-dollar industry with a long and complicated history. Its roots can be traced back to Ancient Greece when women would use natural ingredients to beautify themselves. Over time, the industry grew and changed, and today, cosmetic products are widely available and used by people of all ages (Sickler, 2022). One popular cosmetic product that is widely used is mascara. Mascara is used to making the eyes look larger and more open, and it can also be used to create a false lash effect.
Mascara is available in a variety of colors, and it can be used to create a variety of looks. Mascara represents a popular culture that is popular with women. The population that engages with this area of popular culture is typically women. The mascara industry is marketed to women and typically contains products that are designed to enhance the appearance of the eyelashes. The larger global society has impacted mascara in a few ways.
For one, the popularity of natural beauty products has led to an increase in the use of natural mascara formulas. Mascara has also been impacted by popular culture. For example, the rise of the “big eye” look in the 1990s saw an increase in the popularity of volumizing mascaras (Bazaar, 2020). Additionally, the trend for fuller and darker eyelashes has led to the development of more intense mascaras that can create a more dramatic look. One reason that cosmetics became something so associated with women is that women have traditionally been more concerned about their looks than men.
Women have been socialized to care about their appearance, and they have been taught to believe that their looks are important (Britton, 2021). The general education interdisciplinary lens for analyzing mascara and the cosmetic industry was easy to choose because it is a lens that I have been interested in for a while. Additionally, this lens allows for a more in-depth analysis of the topic than the other lenses that were available. However, I would have liked to have had more lenses available to choose from to explore different aspects of the cosmetic industry. Mascara is commonly used in the cosmetic industry and is often seen as a necessary part of everyday life.
The population is growing increasingly interested in the cosmetic industry and its products, which in turn has led to an increase in the sale of mascara. Societal situations such as the high rates of female unemployment and the rise of unrealistic beauty standards have led more women to turn to mascara as a means of improving their appearance. The use of a general education interdisciplinary lens allows for a more in-depth understanding of the ways in which mascara has been used and abused throughout history.
Paper For Above instruction
The evolution of the cosmetic industry has profoundly influenced societal perceptions of beauty, gender roles, and identity. From its origins in Ancient Greece to modern global markets, cosmetics, especially mascara, serve not only as beauty tools but also as cultural symbols reflecting societal values, norms, and struggles for self-expression. This paper explores the multifaceted impact of mascara on society through historical, social, and gender perspectives, emphasizing its role in shaping contemporary identity and cultural debates.
Introduction
The cosmetic industry, with a history stretching back over two millennia, has transformed significantly from its primitive beginnings to a sophisticated global enterprise. Historically, cosmetics were used by women to enhance beauty and signify social status, but today, they also serve broader cultural and political functions. Among these products, mascara stands out as an iconic symbol in popular culture, often associated with femininity, beauty standards, and social identity. Such a perception, however, has been challenged and reshaped over time, reflecting evolving societal attitudes towards gender and individual self-expression.
The Historical Development of Mascara and Its Cultural Significance
In ancient societies, such as Greece and Egypt, natural ingredients like kohl and other mineral-based substances were employed to accentuate the eyes, establish social hierarchies, and serve as ritualistic tools (Layton, 2018). With the Renaissance, cosmetics became a symbol of status, luxury, and artistic expression. The modern mascara, as we recognize it today, emerged in the early 20th century with innovations by companies like Maybelline and L'Oreal, transforming the aesthetic ideals of femininity (Balmford & Balcombe, 2020). Mascara's cultural significance has always revolved around the enhancement of femininity and the projection of beauty, shaping societal standards and individual identities.
Masculinity, Gender Identity, and the Evolving Role of Mascara
The prevalent association of mascara with women is rooted in traditional gender norms that linked femininity with beauty and aesthetic care (Kuzmanovic & Bevan, 2021). Nevertheless, recent decades have witnessed a paradigm shift as men and gender non-conforming individuals challenge these norms. The emergence of "gender-fluid" and "non-binary" identities has democratized makeup use, with many men openly sporting mascara as a symbol of gender expression (Bradford et al., 2019). This evolution reflects larger societal debates about gender, identity, and freedom of expression. For instance, celebrities like Boy George, David Bowie, and more recently, Harry Styles, have blurred gender boundaries by embracing makeup and mascara publicly, fostering wider acceptance and challenging stereotypes (Hirschman, 2020).
The Social Construction of Beauty and the Role of Mascara
Society’s perceptions of beauty are deeply embedded in cultural narratives and media portrayals, often emphasizing traits such as large eyes, long lashes, and youthful appearance (Marasca, 2020). Mascara has become a ritualistic tool for women to align with these beauty standards, reinforcing social expectations and gender roles. However, contemporary discourse tends to question these norms, especially as feminist and body-positivity movements gain prominence. Public figures like Alicia Keys have publicly eschewed makeup, including mascara, to challenge conventional standards and promote authentic self-expression (Mazzetti, 2022). Such actions illustrate a shifting societal attitude towards beauty—moving from conformity to authenticity and individualism.
The Economic and Cultural Impact of the Mascara Industry
The mascara industry is a significant economic force, generating billions in revenue worldwide. Its growth is driven by innovations in formula, packaging, and marketing strategies that target diverse consumer groups (Sickler, 2022). Moreover, the industry is intertwined with cultural shifts—embracing natural beauty trends, cruelty-free and vegan products, and diversity in representation (Bazaar, 2020). This economic power also influences cultural narratives, reinforcing or contesting beauty ideals across societies. The industry's advertising often perpetuates stereotypes, yet it also offers space for redefining beauty standards that are more inclusive and empowering (Britton, 2012).
Conclusion
Mascara, as a pivotal product in the cosmetic industry, embodies the complex interplay between culture, gender, and identity. Its historical roots reveal societal values placed on beauty and status, while its contemporary role reflects ongoing debates about gender expression, authenticity, and societal norms. The acceptance of mascara for all genders challenges traditional stereotypes and fosters inclusive representations of beauty. As society continues to evolve, mascara will undoubtedly remain a symbol of both conformity and rebellion—mirroring societal changes and individual aspirations for self-expression. Understanding the cultural significance of mascara helps us appreciate its role not just as a beauty product but as a powerful cultural artifact that influences and reflects societal values worldwide.
References
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- Bazaar, H. (2020). The best 1990s makeup looks that are on-trend today. Harper’s Bazaar, 28 August 2020.