Unveiling makeup in the workplace

Abstract

Why do differentials in beauty expectations for men and women prevail in the workplace, with beauty work being associated as feminine work? This study seeks to understand the makeup practice of young Singaporean woman in the workplace; how they negotiate such beauty standards and assign meanings to their use of makeup. Through snowball sampling, 15 women of aged 21-26 year-old are interviewed. The study has found out that makeup is associated to notions of health, credibility and productivity at work, which can translate into occupational success. In analyzing their experience, the author concludes that women do not mindlessly adhere to beauty ideals, but also exhibit agency through negotiating beauty labor and redefining the meaning of makeup. Although such resistance to conventional beauty norms is limited by institutional constraints, the potential for beauty as a source of liberation or empowerment should not be undermined and disregarded.