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Lauren Tran

Makeup and Gender in the Western World

Makeup and Gender in the Western World

by Lauren Tran · Jul 16, 2022

Blush. Mascara. Highlight. Lipstick. These are terms that many could recognize instantaneously. Today, makeup seems to be an intrinsic aspect of our everyday lives, from a sacred step in a morning routine to a touch-up before a fun night out. It has played a significant role in our society for several years. Makeup can influence our self-image and can serve as a symbol of wealth and class status. Ranging from a lighthearted application in costume to a life-altering component of gender expression, makeup may also aid us in shaping our identities. Though gender discourse is becoming prevalent in the cosmetic industry, the relationship between makeup and gender has been nonlinear throughout the history of the Western World. In order to truly understand makeup’s influence within our society today, we must start at the beginning.

The first use of cosmetics traces back 6,000 years ago to ancient Egypt, where it “served as a marker of wealth believed to appeal to the gods” according to Meg Matthias’ article “Why Did We Start Wearing Makeup?”. Both Egyptian men and women would wear kohl around their eyes, paint their lips with stains from beetles or red ochre, and powder their faces white to lighten their skin. At the time, makeup was used by Egyptian men to showcase their masculinity. 

The ancient Greeks and Romans utilized similar techniques. Rogue was used to add color to cheeks, and they painted their faces with powders made from ground-up minerals. However, it was during these eras where a distaste for makeup began to arise. Some Greek and Roman thinkers associated cosmetics with sex workers and single women, although it seems their mindsets were in the minority as women from all ages and statuses carried on wearing makeup. During the Roman era, it was widely agreed that cosmetics were for women only. If a man spent too much time on his appearance, he was often ridiculed. 

These patterns in society of embracing versus rejecting makeup and of approving versus disapproving makeup for men continued as time went on. Some notable shifts in history include: the popularity of cosmetics during the Byzantine era or the rejection of makeup (especially on men) during the mid-19th century after it was declared “vulgar” by Britain’s Queen Victoria. Before the Enlightenment period, men spent more time and energy towards their appearances. However, the time following the Enlightenment period and the French Revolution was characterized by a public disapproval of the male extravagance that was formerly associated with higher classes. Instead, society began assigning the gender roles we are familiar with today: men as hardworking breadwinners and women as objects. Although makeup did not completely disappear in the 1800’s, there wasn’t a strong resurgence of highly visible cosmetics in the Anglo-American world until the 1920’s. Once again, cosmetics became a symbol of status and wealth as opposed to something wicked that was looked down upon in society. 

It was during this time that the beauty industry began to establish itself as a major player in the economy. In fact, part of the reason that makeup made such a big comeback among women was due to gendered marketing. Unfortunately, despite the fact that we have made massive progress in dismantling societal stigmas surrounding cosmetics, there is still an obvious gender binary in advertising for beauty and grooming. For example, products targeting women are often light colors with floral scents while the advertisements garnered towards men feature products in dark, bland colors with hypermasculine scents such as “GLACIER PUNCH.” 

After years and years of witnessing cosmetic marketing with such a distinct barrier between men and women, it is refreshing to come across brands that market themselves as gender inclusive. Gender-inclusive marking is advertising “in a way that does not discriminate against a particular sex, social gender or gender identity, and does not perpetuate gender stereotypes.” It is important because it normalizes the gender spectrum, helping the world feel more open and safe. In an article for Refinery29, Rachel Lubitz writes “in a world where transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people can feel understandably uneasy going up to something as public as a department store counter for makeup advice, this new corner of the industry matters.” Despite the amazing progress with gender inclusivity in makeup brands, there is still more work to be done in the beauty industry. For example, there are companies that use “representation” solely as a crooked sales tactic (since statistically gender-inclusivity is becoming increasingly profitable) as opposed to actually caring about bringing joy and comfort to their consumers. 

All in all, the steps we have taken as a society in the past 20 or so years towards lifting up the LGBTQ+ communities in the beauty and grooming industry are no small feat. Nonetheless, there are always improvements that can be made. As cosmetics brands begin to build upon the success of representation politics, we, as consumers, should challenge them to take it up to the next level. Is their representation reflected internally? How diverse is their brand’s team? Questions like these are essential to the expansion of inclusivity not just within the beauty sector but throughout all industries.

Photo by Linh Ha on Unsplash

Filed Under: BLOG, LOVE, LIFE AND IDENTITY

Tackling OB/GYN Anxiety

Tackling OB/GYN Anxiety

by Lauren Tran · Jan 1, 2022

“I felt like someone was accessing a part of me deep inside that should never be touched,” health media director Kristin Canning recounts when discussing a visit to her gynecologist’s clinic. Fear or anxiety surrounding a trip to the gynecologist is not an uncommon feeling amongst women. There are a variety of reasons why a gyno visit may arise these negative emotions—the most prevalent being discomfort, embarrassment, feelings of personal intrusion, and fear of finding health issues such as cancer. If these fears sound familiar to you, know that you are not alone.

What can be done to help alleviate OB/GYN anxiety?

First and foremost, it is important to find a provider that works for you. Since your OB/GYN will be seeing you in a more vulnerable state, they should be someone that makes you feel comfortable, safe, and heard. You should also consider other factors such as insurance policies (if you have insurance), location, and gender. In searching for the right physician, try reading reviews online or asking friends or family members for referrals. Before scheduling a wellness exam with a potential OB/GYN, you can also see if there is an option to meet with them briefly. Some clinics offer virtual or in-person consultations that would allow you to ask any questions you may have, express any concerns, and generally gauge your comfort level around them before scheduling an exam.

Along with finding a gynecologist that is the right fit for you, communication is essential for creating a positive environment for your wellness exam visit. It is much easier for a physician to modify their approach to procedures and exams in accordance with your needs, if you express those needs with them. However, speaking up can sometimes be a difficult obstacle to break. In order to build up confidence during your physician encounter, try:

  • Talking to trusted friends (they may even share similar anxieties!)
  • Reading other people’s stories about their gynecological experiences
  • Planning out what you would like to say or ask (i.e., coming to the appointment with a written list of questions or concerns)

Remember that you are NOT being a burden by asking for medical care in a certain way. You could ask for the smallest possible speculum to be used during your pelvic exam, for the doctor to tell you step by step what they’re doing, or have them not say anything at all and move through the procedure quickly. You can even ask to place the speculum yourself — an option many people are not aware they have. 

Other general tips for reducing or coping with OB/GYN anxiety include:

  • Bringing a family member or friend with you to your wellness exam – you can decide if this person is simply there to sit in the waiting room with you or if they will accompany you in the exam room. Keep in mind that a provider may ask for a few minutes of one-on-one time if they want to discuss personal or sensitive information with you.
  • Relaxing your muscles and taking deep breaths during the pelvic exam – this might seem obvious but it can be easy to forget to breathe during your pelvic exam, especially if you are nervous or are experiencing any pain. Deep breathing can help your muscles and your mind relax.
  • Positioning yourself in a comfortable manner prior to the exam – during a wellness exam, your feet are on stirrups and your legs are bent and open while the rest of your body lays back on the exam bed. Providers state that they often have to ask patients to bring their bodies further down the bed. Doing this actually makes it easier for your muscles to relax. Additionally, try to let your knees fall naturally to the side when you open your legs as this position will aid in preventing muscle strain. Another small but helpful tip is to wear your favorite pair of warm socks if you are worried about the stirrups being too cold. 
  • Finding distractions – most OB/GYNs know pelvic exams are not the most comfortable experiences in the world and will try to distract you in some way during the exam. If your provider does not do this,  you can come up with something fun or silly to think about during your exam. It is also completely okay to ask the doctor or a nurse if they have any distractions (eg. music, games on a tablet, etc.) they might be able to provide. 

Although it is valid and common to feel anxious about visiting your gynecologist’s office, it is  important to not let this deter you from attending your yearly exams. Dr. Chau Nguyen-Tran, a board certified OB/GYN at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, explains that her specialty is comprehensive, and screening includes mental, physical, and social stratagems. Annual check-ups offer opportunities to adopt instructions towards proactive health practices such as hygiene care, self breast exams, and nutritional recommendations. Physical exams can also be a way to detect certain precancerous lesions and/or infections. These annual visits also allow you to discuss issues related to sexual and/or reproductive health since OB/GYNs are the experts! While medical information is abundant on the internet, it is much better and safer to acquire this information directly from an educated source like your provider. Lastly, the purpose of yearly wellness exams do not always solely focus on women’s reproductive health. Your provider can also assess general health through laboratory tests, measurement of vital signs, and discussions regarding eating, sleeping, or exercise habits. This is highly valuable, especially if you do not see a primary care physician. In summary, your annual well woman exam can serve as a preventative, diagnostic, and educational experience.

There are several reasons why people suffer from OB/GYN anxiety, and it is entirely okay to feel this way. Nonetheless, there are many methods to tackling this fear and working your way up to a safe and stable relationship with your gynecologist.

Filed Under: BLOG, HEALTH

Pregnancy in the Midst of a Pandemic

Pregnancy in the Midst of a Pandemic

by Lauren Tran · Apr 12, 2021

Pregnancy is already a long journey, and the emergence of COVID-19 has brought along physical and mental burdens to mothers and mothers-to-be. Pregnant people are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 or experiencing more severe effects of lung and cardiovascular strain.  Worries about their health also affect pregnant peoples’  mental states and can further contribute to ill health. This stress is compounded by isolation as many people have had to deliver babies without loved ones around them due to current no visitor policies in hospitals. 

The Physical Impact of COVID-19 on Pregnancy

Although research on pregnancy is still far from complete, some trends have been observed.. Firstly, data suggests that pregnancy causes women’s bodies to be more susceptible to severe COVID-19. This is partially due to the coronavirus’ main points of attack being the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, both of which are already under additional stress during pregnancy. As the uterus expands, it presses against the lungs and therefore affects pulmonary function. The higher vulnerability to COVID-19 also stems from pregnancy altering the immune system. According to Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist who studies at the Yale School of Medicine, a pregnant woman’s entire immune system is geared towards not creating any sort of anti-fetal immune response, so “the mother has to compromise her own immune defense in order to preserve the baby’s health.” 

In September of 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a study on the birth outcomes of 598 pregnant women confirmed to have COVID-19. They found that pregnant women with COVID-19 were more likely (6 times more likely according to the Public Health Agency of Sweden) to be hospitalized and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit as opposed to their non-pregnant counterparts. Moreover, there was a slight increase in preterm deliveries. Another study found that pregnant women were 70% more likely to need ventilators. 

The Mental Effects of the Pandemic on Pregnant Women

In addition to the physical strain of pregnancy, there are several mental stressors on pregnant women during this pandemic. From worrying about their baby’s health  to their own wellbeing, people are spread thin juggling the physical and emotional labor of pregnancy.

Working as a medical assistant at a gynecologist’s office over this past year has given me personal insight to the perspectives of pregnant individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. I heard many admissions of distress and anxiety, and the OB-GYN I worked under shared her fair share of saddening stories of what it is like in the operating room. Many hospitals have a limitation of one visitor per patient- meaning that some expecting mothers’ partners must be home to take care of their other children and that there is an absence of the usual flood of friends and family who would shower love upon the new mother and child. As a result of this policy, there are patients who must deliver on their own or with their loved ones through a phone screen. Additionally, the one visitor policy can lead to conflict of who the expecting mother would like as her companion during the delivery. This could be between their partner, a parent/parental figure, a doula (a trained professional who provides the mother with emotional, physical, and mental support before, throughout, and shortly following childbirth), a best friend, etc. Although this rule is extremely useful in the prevention of COVID-19 spread within the hospital, the loneliness and lack of support in labor and delivery are not insignificant issues. These problems and prolonged isolation from quarantining in general most definitely have a negative impact on the mental health of these mothers. Bringing life into this world is usually an event that is filled with lots of joy and loved ones, but the pandemic has transformed it to being a lonely and stressful experience. Studies have proven that after only 50 days of quarantine, pregnant people showed a pronounced “increase in depression, anxiety and negative affect” compared to the non-pregnant people. With a normal pregnancy lasting about 9 months, these emotions are further prolonged and amplified. 

During these trying times, it is important to do what we can in order to take care of ourselves but also to help the others around us, especially those at high risk. While this does include the elderly and those that are immunocompromised, a more subtle population that is still at high risk during this pandemic is pregnant people. It is extremely important that pregnant people take care of their bodies, as they are working to provide for themselves as well as another being. In order to stay physically healthy during the pandemic, pregnant people can follow the typical guidelines for pregnancy such as: eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly (staying at home or socially distanced is best), and getting plenty of rest and sleep. To maintain mental and emotional health during these times, it is essential for pregnant people to keep loved ones close (physically or virtually), as they can aid in the navigation of any anxiety, stress, or depression. Also, speaking to a provider about their mental health can be helpful for pregnant people. There are often support groups offered by hospitals, such as Chester County’s Hospital’s Mommy Wellness Network program. 

Helpful and links to resources that can be shared by non-pregnant people to aid the expecting mothers in their lives:

  • FAQ about nutrition during pregnancy: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy
  • FAQ about exercise during pregnancy: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/exercise-during-pregnancy

Featured Image: The Little Poster Shop

Filed Under: BLOG, HEALTH

Pen to Paper: How Journaling Can Improve Your Mental Health

Pen to Paper: How Journaling Can Improve Your Mental Health

by Lauren Tran · Oct 3, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon hardships and stressors that have affected us all in some fashion. One overlooked, but common concern is the negative effects of quarantine on one’s mental health. At the beginning of quarantine, I remember often feeling burnt out after checking social media and reading heartbreaking news day after day. Every week began to look the same with nothing to look forward to; my motivation to complete tasks around the house slowly declined, and my overall energy was noticeably lower than it had ever been before. One day, as I was cleaning out my room, I stumbled across my old journal and rifled through the pages. My interest was piqued, and I decided to try my hand at journaling once more. Over the following weeks, I noticed improvements in my mental state and wellbeing. 

Journaling can improve one’s mental health because it encourages introspection, and provides an outlet to express inner sentiments onto paper. This simple action can enable us to gain better control of our feelings and understand more about ourselves in the process.

What are the key mental health benefits of journaling?

  • Digging into your true feelings: Life moves quickly, and it can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of events we have every day. Journaling is a method to slow down and really examine how we’ve been feeling. If something has been a heavy weight on your shoulders, taking time to sit down and write about it can lead to a deeper and more realistic perspective as well as lifting the burden a bit. 
  • Controlling your symptoms: By journaling, you are able to recognize certain stressors or recurring behaviors. There are many ways you could run with this information in order to gain more control over your symptoms. For example, you could make a list of steps you want to achieve in order to reach a final goal or track your progress on the frequencies of certain moods or behaviors. Additionally, journaling gives you an opportunity to lift yourself up with positive affirmations.
  • Improving your mood and wellbeing: Journaling can also be used to document happy memories! It could be as simple as jotting down a good moment from every day or pasting in mementos (ex. ticket stubs, a sticker from a friend, etc.) and writing a caption for explanation. A journal can also be filled with positive things from your everyday life that you can refer back to when you’re feeling down. Also, making an effort to find a positive in each day will cause your overall perspective on life to become more optimistic.

Dream log and collage about that dream

People are often discouraged by journaling because they assume it is only writing. Although writing is a useful outlet, journaling is not limited to solely this medium. It can be tailored to a variety of interests! Some examples include: scrapbook journaling, bullet journaling, an art journal, short exercises (ex. writing a letter from your fear, making lists, mind maps), and more. Personally, I love mixing things up and just going with what I’m in the mood for/what I think will help me the most. Sometimes, I write every single thought that comes to mind, and other times, I take the craftier route and sketch or create a collage. 

Drawing of a frog with lyrics I liked from the song, Yoko Ono by Moby Rich, and a sketch of house I thought was pretty on Zillow

Now, it’s your turn. Get out there, grab a notebook, decorate it to your liking, and journal away! If you’re having trouble finding a place to begin, here are some of my favorite places to find inspiration:

  • User @margot.lee on Tiktok
  • Searching “moodboard” or “journaling prompts” on Pinterest
  • Events occurring in my life, small or big
  • Following others that journal on any form of social media

Featured Image: Emma (1996)

Filed Under: BLOG, HEALTH, LOVE, LIFE AND IDENTITY

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