For the longest time, accessories have been known to be part and parcel of women's outfits.

One such accessory that is loved by many women across the world is makeup.

For a number of women here in Nakuru, myself included, putting on makeup when getting ready can easily be equated to a ritual.

But, just like most of the things women do, wearing makeup sparks a lot of debate.

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One of the most common debates around the topic being; Is makeup meant for the male gaze or do women wear it for themselves?

I talked to various people in Nakuru, men and women alike, to finally get answers to this question.

Vicky Sawe, whose makeup journey began more than five years ago shares, “I put on makeup for myself. Through makeup, I am able to experiment on different looks and colours, all to find a way to express myself and my creativity.”

Vicky Sawe has been applying make up for five years.

Photo credit: COURTESY

The entrepreneur who resides in London estate additionally notes that she uses makeup to boost her confidence.

Abigail*, notes that just like Vicky, she also wears makeup for confidence. However, her confidence comes from the compliments she gets.

“I started my makeup journey due to my low self-esteem and I’d use makeup to mask my skin blemishes which are my biggest insecurity. As soon as I started, I began getting lots of compliments, something I was not used to,” the university student shares.

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Abigail additionally notes that as much as makeup has been a huge ego boost for her, she currently can’t leave the house without makeup on.

Eleanor*, yet another makeup enthusiast notes that she not only wears makeup to feel good about herself, but also to keep in check with what’s trendy among the ladies.

When asked why women wear makeup, men had contrary opinions to the women’s views with most men stating that women wear makeup for the male gaze.

George Kuria shared, “I think it’s obvious that women wear makeup for the male gaze. I think I speak for most men when I say men like to admire beauty. So as a way to ‘get approval’, look beautiful and even beat competition, women turn to makeup.”

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Holding a different opinion John* shared that women wear makeup to not only boost their confidence but out of peer pressure since they see their counterparts do it.

Brian Wafula was of a different opinion noting, “I think apart from being used as a mask for their insecurities, other women wear makeup to enhance the parts of their face that they love the most.”

Agnes Nyaboke is a make up artist in Nakuru.

Photo credit: DILIGENCE ODONGO/MTAA WANGU

While speaking on the subject, makeup artist Agnes Nyaboke highlights, “Makeup was invented with the intention of boosting women’s confidence and enhancing their beauty. But no matter the reason for starting your makeup journey as a woman, don’t forget to put it on for yourself. Don’t be afraid to try different looks to express yourself and have fun with it.”

So what are your thoughts? Do women wear makeup for themselves or for the male gaze?

diligenceodongo@gmail.com

Do women wear make up for themselves or the men? Nakuru residents speak

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Diligence Odongo