Wearing Your Identity: How Makeup Shapes Who We Are

In “Wearing Your Identity,” writer David Alvarado explores the psychology of makeup and how self-expression through beauty shapes our confidence, identity, and power. From bold rebellion to quiet resilience, Alvarado reminds us that every look tells a story—one brushstroke at a time.

Have you ever wondered why you do your makeup in a certain way? There’s psychology behind how we present ourselves and express our identities—one swipe of lip gloss at a time. As we evolve, our preferences—like our circumstances—change, becoming catalysts for how people perceive us and how we navigate different phases of life, all while bearing the weight of societal expectations that remind us of what’s “acceptable.”

Makeup is a major indicator of what we experience in life. When I was 19, I remember painting my eyelids with bold colors to rebel against my parents, who kept me confined within the walls of their authority. I felt empowered, mature, and in charge of the life I was creating—despite the awkward glances I ignored from strangers on the street.

If you think makeup doesn’t matter, you’re wrong. I was sent home from my job at a bakery on New Year’s Eve in 2018 because of how I showed up for work. My bosses were extremely conservative, and while I wasn’t beat to the gods, the way I expressed myself didn’t sit well with them. I was sent home not because we were overstaffed, but because my look didn’t align with the business’s image. Appearance matters—and the power of transformation through cosmetics is often overlooked but never overstated.

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to wear heavy eyeliner, bold blush, or no makeup at all. Ultimately, each makeup application is an excerpt from the memoir we’re writing—a way to remember who we were when we defined ourselves by the looks that translated our feelings onto our faces.

When we apply foundation, it sends signals to our brains that we’re becoming something else—and that “something” varies for each of us. Some become more confident, while others feel transformed entirely. Makeup showcases our authenticity, giving the world a glimpse into the vastness of who we are. Beyond perception, we ultimately decide who we want to be when we apply cosmetics to the blank canvases we create.

Have you ever hesitated to wear blue eyeshadow to a corporate job interview, or black eyeliner to meet your boyfriend’s parents? You’re not alone. But there’s a fine line between wearing what’s “appropriate” and masking your identity for the sake of being accepted. Looks are currency—and when you look good, you feel good.

At the end of the day, who are we performing for? Your boss may like you in clean-girl makeup, but do you? Pay attention to what makes you feel confident, because that’s when you attract the right people, opportunities, and experiences. Forget trends—be true to yourself. Forget your man’s mom; wear the damn eyeshadow. And as for your boss—if your makeup isn’t getting you written up by HR, do me a favor and just put it on.

There’s a time and place for everything. People will treat you according to how you look, so it’s essential to be aware of social cues—not intimidated by them. When dissecting the world of beauty, cosmetics, and personal care, let’s not pretend our reputations aren’t built on the allure of our appearance.

A hairdresser with a bad dye job, a makeup artist with cakey foundation, a nail tech with unkempt cuticles—you can’t monetize your craft if you’re not taken seriously. There’s an image we sell every time we step out of the house. Societal expectations shouldn’t dictate who we are, but they can help us refine how we want to be perceived.

I work in cosmetics, and I’ve noticed that clients treat me differently when my face matches the confidence behind my recommendations. They ask fewer questions and think twice before interrupting. I’m not just selling products—I’m selling the brand, and that’s something I take pride in.

Wearing makeup isn’t only about looking pretty—it’s a lifestyle, a behavior, and a way to command a room without saying a word. I had a friend who worked at a top accounting firm in the city. She noticed her boss treated her differently from her coworkers—praised for her performance, respected for her work ethic, but bullied by women who resented her hyper-feminine makeup and wardrobe. She endured the psychological toll of office politics and learned to appreciate self-care while thriving in a male-dominated field. Today, she’s a certified public accountant with a salary that reflects her dedication—to her career and to herself.

If we’re being frank, it’s not the makeup you wear but how you wear it. With social media flooding our feeds, it’s crucial to stand out from the crowd. Slap on black lipstick, rock a glittery inner corner, or celebrate your bare skin—but do it unapologetically. If you catch yourself straying from who you are, remember—you’re just one eyelash bat away from redefining your aura.