Whether used as a creative outlet for self-expression or a way to take some time for yourself, Studies suggest makeup can have a significant impact on mental health.

A 2015 Renfrew Centre study indicates women experience huge emotional and psychological benefits when wearing makeup.

Of the 1293 women surveyed, 44 per cent had negative feelings when they were not wearing makeup, 16 per cent reported feeling unattractive, 14 per cent felt self-conscious and an additional 14 per cent felt as though a piece of them was missing.

Calgary based makeup artist Bonnie Heine worked in retail cosmetics for many years.

She spent two years as a national trainer with Sephora and served as an educational representative for well over 100 makeup brands.

She believes the impact makeup has on individuals can be profound and powerful.

“I love the creative and artistic aspect of makeup. It allows all people to express themselves and to feel beautiful, no matter what that may mean from one individual to the next,” said Heine. 

In her professional capacity, Heine says she saw many people come into the store feeling bad about their appearance, get a fresh-face of makeup, and walk out with a new outlook on themselves. 

“Makeup has become a huge comfort for people worldwide. With makeup, you can enhance someone’s natural beauty and a stunning masterpiece can be created,” said Heine.

For others, makeup is not a profession, simply just a pass-time.

Nypieth James, 26, approaches makeup from a purely consumer level.

She enjoys wearing makeup on occasion but doesn’t commit to that routine every day.

She says that the products people put on their faces do not govern their personal beauty.

“You’re beautiful, and makeup doesn’t determine that. It can totally be something that makes people feel better about themselves and If that’s what makeup is doing, then I’m all for it, but people shouldn’t feel obligated to get dolled up.”

The casual makeup wearer also says if natural beauty is not promoted in the right way, the effects of the makeup industries influence can be damaging.

“I feel like it sends a message of what is beautiful. That can be harmful to a lot of young people. On the outside people might not be directly told they are lesser, but in reality, that’s what they are being shown. The hurt that could cause is astonishing,” said James.

Although she has spent over 10 years in the world of Cosmetics, Heine also doesn’t feel the need to wear makeup every day, she believes that although makeup has a powerful impact on people there is something equally freeing about walking the world confidently with a bare-face.

“I’m happy with it and I’m happy without it. Somedays I will go all out, from lashes to contour and everything in between. Other days I just toss on some moisturizer and hit the road.”

As a fierce advocate for beauty in all forms, Heine supports people’s decisions regardless of whether they choose to slather on the makeup or go sans-product.

“All people are beautiful, and we should all be given equal opportunity to express that in whatever way we choose so long as we are not hurting ourselves or others.”
Heine also believes one of the amazing things about makeup is that it allows people to emphasize their best features, rather than zooming into what’s wrong and what they want to cover up.

Armed with a beauty bag full of product, people can go forward knowing that while they may be altering their outward appearance with cosmetics, research says they are also enhancing their self-confidence.