Delving deeper into the cosmetics industry: why make-up means so much more than what is on the surface

According to CTPA (the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association), in 2013 the EU cosmetics market was worth EUR (€) 72 billion.

Also according to CTPA: “cosmetic products are enjoyed by millions of people all over the world contributing to healthy lifestyles, well-being and confidence in appearance – feeling confident about one’s appearance rates as the most important factor for building self-esteem. This is a consistent finding from several years of research, conducted by CTPA since 2004, and comes above having a large group of friends, being financially successful and even having a supportive family.”

Research such as the above proves the importance of cosmetics in 21^st century life, and it is very interesting to read exactly how much of an impact our personal appearance has on our self-esteem. Cosmetics have become a huge part of everyday life and people who were once labelling it and unnecessary and shrugging off the idea of it generating huge profits and jobs for the country, are now beginning to sit up and take notice. It has escalated to mean considerably more than the simple act of enhancing or changing your external appearance. Cosmetics runs much deeper than what is on the surface.

Self-confidence is a huge issue in today’s culture. Despite stereotypes, it is not limited to women and it is certainly not limited to the young. Magazines, music videos, TV shows, movies and all forms of media are constantly bombarding us with images that represent generic beauty, beauty that fits whatever the most current trend is at that time. It seems that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to go anywhere without being faced with the media's idea and portrayal of beauty. It has been said a million times before, and there are thousands of articles and blog posts floating around the internet about this issue, but it will not be enough until people begin to realise and understand that they are free to be whoever they want to be, whether or not that version of themselves matches up to the media’s definition of beauty, is irrelevant.

This issue, no matter how it is interpreted by each individual, has helped to catapult the cosmetics industry into the billion-pound industry it is today. The media’s interpretation of beauty and their way of forcing that interpretation on us, has caused us as a nation to be more self-conscious than ever before, more aware of our appearance than ever before and more likely to flock to Boots on a Saturday afternoon to pick up the latest cosmetic collections than ever before.

Building up your individual style is one of the most effective ways to express yourself. Experimenting with your appearance in whichever way, particularly at a younger age (come on guys, we all did it!) helps to shape us into the person we are becoming. Experimentation and expression are key factors when developing your own self-identity.

To feel confident in your appearance is a huge step towards all-round self-confidence, and without meaning to sound horribly cheesy, if we are confident with ourselves there is very little we cannot achieve (we know, we know, super cringe – but hear us out!) Being self-confident eliminates our thoughts and cares (to a certain extent) of what other people think of us. If you are happy with yourself and those closest to you love and accept you for who you are, then what does it matter what anybody else thinks? What a wonderful way to think, ey? Self-confidence is the first major step towards self-acceptance, and self-acceptance makes for a considerably easier life.

All that from just applying a bit of lipstick in the morning to brighten up our face… who’d have thought it!?

What are your thoughts on self confidence? Do you find it extremely difficult, or have you found peace with yourself?

We'd love to know what you think.

Until next time,

The Vivien Kondor London Team.