• If you are an African-American woman with dark spots on skin and you are looking for ways to achieve an even skin tone, there are several products available

By CHRISTINE MWAABA –

WHY is makeup a big deal for some women? A number of women cannot imagine facing the day without make-up on their face.
In extreme cases, some women would not allow anyone to see them without make-up including their own husbands.
This may be considered as high maintenance, a random compulsive habit or a question of vanity.
However, perhaps the real question should be why is make-up so important to women, and what responsibilities come with it?
Make-up is not a recent invention, from ancient times, women wore make-up, but what has changed over the years has been the use of cosmetics.
Today there are many cosmetics that women tend to use ranging from foundation, mascara, lip-gloss, blush, eye shadow, eye liner, lipstick.
Some women report feeling more confident going to work, school, and church with make-up on.
This can range from light mascara, and lip gloss to a face complete with foundation, powder, blush, eye liner, eye shadow and several coats of lipstick. However, the amount of make-up that makes a woman feel confident varies.
Some women want to appear sultry and glamorous while others prefer a natural look but still use make-up to achieve it, but the idea is to have a polished look without looking like one is wearing make-up.
When done correctly a woman may have foundation, mascara and lip color without anyone even realising.
Some women would not consider going anywhere whether to the grocery store, the gym, church, school, and work without first putting on a little bit of mascara or lipstick.
“In the modern day era, women constitute the largest market for cosmetic products,” explains Vincent Lungu, who owns a cosmetic shop.
Mr Lungu says only in exceptional circumstances when men stop by his shop to buy cosmetics in most cases for their wives, girlfriends and mothers.
They often ask him to recommend trendy products, as most men lack intricate knowledge of these products.
Contrary to wide-spread views linking women to such businesses, Mr Lungu says he has excelled in selling cosmetic products.
“I have made it my business to know all about the products I sell so that I can answer any customer’s question even if I am a man”, he said.
Dora Mwale, a professional make-up artist, who is also owner of Dora’s Hair Salon and Beauty parlor, explains that facial care involves careful understanding of skin types, and skin conditions in order to apply appropriate measures.
“Oily skin is the most troublesome skin type to have, but when maintained right this skin type can have a glow and charm that is breath-taking”, she said.
While some women do not take time to know their skin type, color, tone, it is important to recognise these factors, because different skin types require different product formulations.
The more one knows the right cosmetics to use the more knowledge one has on what products to use to help their skin look normal.
She believes that when a woman improves her appearance, she attracts more attention to herself, making her more confident, although some women wear make-up with the view to attract attention and impress people.
Ms Mwale, who is renowned for her works on various television personalities, weddings and other occasions, recommends appropriate cleaning of the skin as a prerequisite to good and healthy skin.
“Washing your make-up and moisturising your face before going to bed will help your skin refresh and heal itself overnight rather than becoming clogged up by dirt, make-up which in turn might end up damaging your skin,” she explains.
In reality, daily routines aimed at cleaning of the skin of dirt, oil, and grime and removing dead skin cells, leave the skin free of exposure to more dirt. And Ms Mwale said this is as important as wearing of make-up.
She says simple measures such as exfoliating, scrubbing, washing of the face, and moisturising it makes it softer and brighter.
The country’s first Miss Zambia winner in 1992 Elizabeth Mwanza, says make-up enhances a woman’s natural beauty.
Ms Mwanza says that simple cosmetics such as eye-liner, mascara accentuate a woman’s looks, and adds beauty to her face.
“Most of the times the first thing a person usually notices is a woman’s face if it has been enhanced with skillfully applied make-up, a woman often feels ready to proceed through the day,” she said.
Ms Mwanza said when properly applied, make-up provides a younger look to older women.
She said taking care of her skin is a matter of choice because she appreciates looking good.
“The goal is to see make-up disappear after applying it on your skin with no boundaries between but not everyone is good at wearing make-up but with time you learn and it is not all the time that you need to wear make-up,” she said.
In reiterating the importance of first appearance, Ms Mwanza explained that women should learn to wear the right make-up, especially in view of the highly competitive society of modern day.
“Landing a job these days is more competitive than ever so do not let questionable beauty choices lower your chances getting a job through an interview. You might be articulate and interesting but if your lips are chapped, flaking, it might cost you,” she says.
She said over-loaded make-up is not advisable for women attending job interviews because it sends a wrong impression at first glance.
Enidy Muzuni, a mother of three girls, thinks make–up often represents adolescent girls’ eagerness and excitement to become a grown up and explore her attractiveness to peers, especially those of the opposite sex.
Margaret Chisulo, a television presenter, said she always ensures that she is looking good because viewers tend to focus on one’s face.
“Even if one is sweating because of the effects of studio lights, make-up helps to conceal the sweat, making the presenter look well in control of the situation.
It is important to bear in mind that make-up should not be viewed as an aid to a complete transformation of one’s looks, but rather as something that enhances one’s natural looks.