And while the art of makeup and magic can boost your mood for the better, it wasn’t always seen as a positive.
Both practices—which date back to ancient Egypt when the goddess Isis was worshipped for magic and healing—have had a tumultuous history, with Herstik noting that at times, “Women in power have been a threat to the patriarchy.”
“The word ‘glamour’ has its roots in witchcraft and mysticism,” she said, adding that by definition the act itself, “is something that veils what lies beneath.”
“It could have easily been construed as witchcraft to the uncanny,” Herstik continued. “Anything someone doesn’t understand or that’s labeled as ‘other’ has the potential to be demonized—and this is especially true of anything that women value or care about.”
As she reminded, “Makeup is also a very sensual experience.”
“The witch hunts and the fear of female sexuality are deeply linked,” she said, “and this is reflected in makeup, in women taking control of how they’re perceived.”
Luna, whose grandmother was a traditional Mexican spiritual healer, provided more insight as well, pointing out that “cosmetics were seen as a form of ‘trickery’ to entice men into ‘sin.'”
“Red lipstick specifically was ‘evil’ as this shade was exclusively reserved for sex workers,” she added. “Prostitution was directly associated with devil worship, which we all know is completely ridiculous. This is why I feel even more powerful whenever I apply my favorite shade of blood-red lipstick.”
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