makeup

To this day, I still continue to mask myself from those around me, keeping the real me hidden for nobody but myself to see. What began as a fun hobby to hide my appearance soon progressed into a demeaning facade I used to avoid connecting with people.

We live in a world where beauty is seen as intrinsic to a woman’s self-worth and her ability to gain respect. But because these beauty standards often specifically exclude women of color, they send the message that we are not of any value if we don’t change ourselves to look “white enough.”

Call it a lockdown leftover or just plain anxiety, there are times when I simply can’t leave my house. Don’t get me wrong, I love my friends and Berkeley, but it’s undeniable that there are just so many people.

Although makeup can help elevate our looks, it by no means makes certain individuals better looking; but it can help us college students get through class.

Luckily, in the past couple of years, the makeup and skin care industry has undergone tremendous changes: rebranding and making sure vegan beauty products are better than ever.

The label of "beauty" has a presence that I’ve never really understood how to deal with, especially because it tangles with both my Asian heritage and my American upbringing. Both of these cultures have made a permanent mark on me with their distinctive beauty standards.

When I worked in retail, I remember running all over the store drenched in sweat. Over time, I learned how to keep my makeup on my face through any condition: naps, workouts and even water. Now, I want to pass on that knowledge from my experience to anyone in the same boat. 

Here is a power-ranking of the most viral trends from the past year, so you know which ones are worth the hype and which don't make the cut.

Black women are disproportionately exposed to toxic chemicals in cosmetic products, illustrating how the beauty industry is an environmental justice hazard.