From Category: rambles
Whilst browsing through YouTube on one boring day, I came across a video by Nikkie Tutorials that read "ENDING MAKEUP SHAMING". Watching the video, I couldn't help but feel slightly exasperated that, not only Nikkie but quite a lot of people I know on the Internet, are overdramatising what I think is very trivial.
As an artist and the girly-girl I am, I love makeup. I love wearing it, experimenting with different colours and techniques and changing the way I look and I often never leave the house without doing my foundation, eyebrows and sometimes that pop of colour on the lips. It is, no doubt, similar to one of my favourite methods of fine art - painting.
Yes, makeup is art. It is a way to change yourself and empower confidence by expressing yourself. But, if that truly is the case then I don't understand why people are complaining and making "makeup shaming" a real thing.
I understand it's hurtful to hear brutal comments that target people's insecurities such as "you wear it because you're insecure" or "you wear it to impress boys", but those comments are those people's problems and it's their fault for not living in the 21st century and being extremely narrow minded. Letting that get into your head would ruin the tagline of makeup that it empowers beauty and confidence because if makeup really does empower confidence then there shouldn't be makeup gurus complaining about other's useless opinions on their makeup. There's nothing wrong with people posting about it and raising awareness that makeup is for oneself only and not something to impress people, but I'm not a big fan of this idea being emphasised as a 'social issue' because I believe it's not and it shouldn't be.
In my view, the entire idea of makeup shaming is one of the elements that define our culture and society today. Everything relating to how we choose to present ourselves have become common topics of discussion, showing that people nowadays prioritise looks. Of course I am not against people expressing themselves through appearance but, since we are in 2017 and with the world slowly falling apart, I don't think it should be something that's trending. To be brutally blunt, in 50 years time we will look back and see ourselves now as the narcissistic generation.
It's so unfortunate we live in a society with a mould that people need to shape themselves in for conformity and these expectations in appearances greatly affect, as well as recently shift, the social hierarchy amongst us, in particular the generation I'm in. People wearing a specific style of makeup deemed 'acceptable' are praised for their "amazing makeup skills", people with perfectly clear skin without makeup looked up to like 'gods' of some sort, people with thin lips sometimes stereotyped as white people and mocked for it and men who do makeup look down upon by other men because they find it 'gay' as it's too 'feminine'. It's amazing to see how looks determine power.
To add more, despite makeup being a form of art and expression I honestly think, with all the weird and ridiculous makeup trends on YouTube and Instagram, makeup is slowly losing its creative flare. I see a lot of videos that show the same routine, where they put foundation and concealer on, do their eyebrows in that same arched shape, apply the darkest colour here and that there and so on and there is just nothing new anymore. I feel like most makeup gurus always take a short-lived trend and twist it into their own and although that is creative, again it is nothing new - it's expected since I feel a lot of makeup gurus do that. An example would be that contour craze where people would contour their faces using objects you wouldn't typically use, or contouring in henna patterns, vice versa. But I'm NGL there are so many other artists who do crazy and really weird looks.
 |
| The short-lived clown contouring. |
Additionally, with this particular style of makeup being the most popular all over social media it sets beauty standards. The ubiquitousness of these makeup rituals and its results that I fore mentioned, and that's still growing on the Internet, is the one creating these moulds. Because of its popularity, it's deemed as the acceptable and lauded way of presenting yourself: the high cheekbones achieved by contour and highlight, the winged liner, the fluttery false lashes, the plump and over-lined lips along with that strong arch in the eyebrows, etc. There are many people out there who physically change their natural features so it's much easier for them to fit the mould without too much makeup, such as getting lip-fillers (which are very common amongst public figures like Kylie Jenner and Dove Cameron). I know it's completely their personal choice, but I still believe they change their looks to feel a sense of belonging in a world that idolises perfection.
Overall, I don't think makeup shaming is real, I think that those comments that I mentioned before is bullying. Comments like "your foundation looks cakey", "you have too much highlighter on" or "your eyebrows are too dark" are simply criticisms. Everyone has different views of what beauty is to them so, like any other art, makeup is ambiguous - you should accept those criticisms, otherwise you wouldn't be a true artist.
Also, despite loving makeup myself, makeup is brutal and it is one of the factors that has one of the biggest impacts to our perceptions, feelings and society as a whole. But as someone who doesn't give a shit about appearance, I believe makeup is not important. It shouldn't be something that someone overthinks about on a daily basis and spends hours in front of the mirror as well as constructing this social hierarchy. However, I find it interesting how the idea of painting yourself can not only affect you but an entire society.
I'd like to know your thoughts, whether you agree with me that makeup is not and should not be important or whether you think otherwise!
Nicole ᵔᴥᵔ
4.14.2017
I have returned! I'm still alive and healthy but barely keeping my breath from combatting the stress and low-moods and finding the motivation to continue living a more productive life. Over the past several months, I've been through some emotional rollercoasters and tough periods where I'd want to jump off a cliff, but there was something that was quite life-changing that made me open my eyes a bit more.
In the recent weeks, I was told I only had 3 months left in the UK. Because in three months I am moving to America to live with my dad. Slightly scary. For me anyway because I've never had much major changes in my life (although I did immigrate from the Philippines, but I was two so I wouldn't really count that).
Because of my introverted ways and hermit-like lifestyle, I've stayed bottled up in my own room, watching the world from a screen rather than experience it. And with approximately 10 weeks left of my time here, the world around me seemed inevitable than ever, even though I never saw my town as interesting because I've lived here and seen pretty much everything here my entire life. This became my eye opener, my motivator that pushed me to make the most of my remaining time here.
From now on, I'll finish and then follow my Before I leave Bucket-list, which will include such things as writing my first novella, skinny dipping, starting my own zine, becoming semi-fluent in french, etc. I will also [try] to share it on here, so you can follow me on my journey of living a fuller life and towards becoming a person I want to be; a more confident and socially-savvy force to be reckoned with.
Always,
In the recent weeks, I was told I only had 3 months left in the UK. Because in three months I am moving to America to live with my dad. Slightly scary. For me anyway because I've never had much major changes in my life (although I did immigrate from the Philippines, but I was two so I wouldn't really count that).
Because of my introverted ways and hermit-like lifestyle, I've stayed bottled up in my own room, watching the world from a screen rather than experience it. And with approximately 10 weeks left of my time here, the world around me seemed inevitable than ever, even though I never saw my town as interesting because I've lived here and seen pretty much everything here my entire life. This became my eye opener, my motivator that pushed me to make the most of my remaining time here.
From now on, I'll finish and then follow my Before I leave Bucket-list, which will include such things as writing my first novella, skinny dipping, starting my own zine, becoming semi-fluent in french, etc. I will also [try] to share it on here, so you can follow me on my journey of living a fuller life and towards becoming a person I want to be; a more confident and socially-savvy force to be reckoned with.
Always,
Nicole ᵔᴥᵔ
+ BTW if anyone of you have a crazier idea for my bucket-list, I would LOVE to hear and perhaps try it out!!!
3.14.2017
Throughout my childhood, I've been spending nearly a quarter of it indulging myself in Filipino overly-melodramatic series and films. Like many other asian dramas, in my opinion, they are cringe-worthy, too dramatic and very cheesy and each and everyone that I've watched so far all have similar storylines, characters and overall theme which, in general, sheds an obvious light to the divisions between rich and poor.
Not only that, but I also want to point out the portrayal of SE asians in Western shows and films as well; I either have never seen them on screen, they are portrayed as cleaners, maids, servants, waiters or something fairly low-skilled or service type jobs or, in a woman's case, they are seen as simply "the housewife of the rich white husband" or a nanny. I also find that they're often represented as lower/working class, living in benefits or in tiny houses with children and little money. From the top of my head, a classic example is a Sean Ellis film Metro Manila in which it's about a family from the rural countryside who move into the city of Metro Manila for a better life. To some extent, his depiction of this brutal city in the Philippines is somewhat true: the difficulty of finding a job, cheap accommodation and the type of work they're forced to do especially for someone from the countryside. However, it is slightly exaggerated. Women do not always get abducted in broad daylight in a busy road, not every family or individual person is homeless and the people are not that cynical.
I love how the movie depicts the realities of living in the Philippines which, as I said to some extent, is true because of the corrupt government. I don't love is how it reinforces the ideology that it is a corrupt and third-world country with lower-class people.
As a south east asian, what irritates me sometimes is how some people see my home country only as a third-world country: it is in fact more than that. My country is extremely popular in terms of tourism because of its natural beauty, the tropical weather and the rich culture and history and the english-speaking filipinos. It is not just a country who produces our nurses, makes our clothes, our food, etc.
Another great example is Bata, Bata... Pa'no ka Ginawa? which depicts the roles of a woman in the Philippines.
As a young individual who's willing to change society and impact the world, I want to change this perception because I'm just tired of being constantly marginalised, unrecognised and feeling invisible to society and the media. To be able to do that from where I'm currently at, I'm going to open your minds a bit with this post to make you all realise and see what's outside the 'sphere of races'.
Of course, I understand that Black Lives Matter is a very important movement into achieving equality between the races, but we also need to consider southeast asians because, like black people, they also face racism, discrimination and prejudice but just not in a way that that would bring immediate attention. That also leads me into another point: I think the reasons for Black Lives Matter becoming so widely recognised now is due to the recent issues on the news relating to police brutality and racial profiling (such examples are here). We shouldn't need to be reminded of this continuous problem through the violence that we see on the news. It's the 21st Century so it should be integrated in our minds already. We should be thinking about it immediately. About how unequal society is.
I know that I've kind of drifted off topic, but it sort of relates to what I'm trying to say on this post. I don't want to keep reminding people that this world is still unequal and as generation Z individuals, we need to take action or at least recognise the problems and raise awareness of it to make the world more equal, peaceful and open-minded.
Thank you for reading this, something that my family and I and people of our community are affected by and something that I feel passionate about.
Sorry for the late post ':D
Not only that, but I also want to point out the portrayal of SE asians in Western shows and films as well; I either have never seen them on screen, they are portrayed as cleaners, maids, servants, waiters or something fairly low-skilled or service type jobs or, in a woman's case, they are seen as simply "the housewife of the rich white husband" or a nanny. I also find that they're often represented as lower/working class, living in benefits or in tiny houses with children and little money. From the top of my head, a classic example is a Sean Ellis film Metro Manila in which it's about a family from the rural countryside who move into the city of Metro Manila for a better life. To some extent, his depiction of this brutal city in the Philippines is somewhat true: the difficulty of finding a job, cheap accommodation and the type of work they're forced to do especially for someone from the countryside. However, it is slightly exaggerated. Women do not always get abducted in broad daylight in a busy road, not every family or individual person is homeless and the people are not that cynical.
I love how the movie depicts the realities of living in the Philippines which, as I said to some extent, is true because of the corrupt government. I don't love is how it reinforces the ideology that it is a corrupt and third-world country with lower-class people.
As a south east asian, what irritates me sometimes is how some people see my home country only as a third-world country: it is in fact more than that. My country is extremely popular in terms of tourism because of its natural beauty, the tropical weather and the rich culture and history and the english-speaking filipinos. It is not just a country who produces our nurses, makes our clothes, our food, etc.
Another great example is Bata, Bata... Pa'no ka Ginawa? which depicts the roles of a woman in the Philippines.
As a young individual who's willing to change society and impact the world, I want to change this perception because I'm just tired of being constantly marginalised, unrecognised and feeling invisible to society and the media. To be able to do that from where I'm currently at, I'm going to open your minds a bit with this post to make you all realise and see what's outside the 'sphere of races'.
Of course, I understand that Black Lives Matter is a very important movement into achieving equality between the races, but we also need to consider southeast asians because, like black people, they also face racism, discrimination and prejudice but just not in a way that that would bring immediate attention. That also leads me into another point: I think the reasons for Black Lives Matter becoming so widely recognised now is due to the recent issues on the news relating to police brutality and racial profiling (such examples are here). We shouldn't need to be reminded of this continuous problem through the violence that we see on the news. It's the 21st Century so it should be integrated in our minds already. We should be thinking about it immediately. About how unequal society is.
I know that I've kind of drifted off topic, but it sort of relates to what I'm trying to say on this post. I don't want to keep reminding people that this world is still unequal and as generation Z individuals, we need to take action or at least recognise the problems and raise awareness of it to make the world more equal, peaceful and open-minded.
Thank you for reading this, something that my family and I and people of our community are affected by and something that I feel passionate about.
|
| Proud Filipinas |
Nicole ᵔᴥᵔ
Sorry for the late post ':D
1.15.2017
As some of you probably already know, there was the ever-so recent Victoria's Secret fashion show where perfectly tall, skinny and absolutely stunning models strut the glittering catwalk wearing their ridiculously expensive lingerie with the addition of flashy and dazzling 'angel's wings' and accessories along with heels and the powerful and sexy confidence that I know I'll never have.
Victoria's Secret Fashion shows are amongst the biggest and most talked about events on the media because of iconic models such as Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, the Hadid sisters, etc. as well as the gorgeous lingerie that they wear and the artists who perform live music on the catwalk, artists such as Ariana Grande, Rihanna, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, etc.; this makes the industry (in the United States) be worth over $6.5 billion.
Honestly, I have nothing against VS apart from a couple of things. Yes, it does claim that their products 'empower women' and make them feel 'sexier and more confident' in which I'm perfect fine with, but I don't like how they objectified the models to sell their bras. Some of you are perhaps thinking that that would be inevitable since modelling lingerie requires you to be half-naked, but VS overtly sexualises these women. For example, take a look at the differences between these photos:
Do you see my point?
Also, the fact that the company claim that their products will 'empower women' by making them feel sexier and confident encourages self-objectification. Especially since VS is widely talked about on social media, this encouragement will spread amongst younger girls. VS's marketing may convince these girls to treat themselves as objects, to be consumed and seen. (See this interesting article for more about VS's marketing)
Now, I'm not here to perpetually bash the company and make them look bad, I'm just here to open your minds a bit wider towards women's bodies. With the VS Fashion show 2016, it's the perfect timing to talk about bras which is the main topic for this post.
Victoria's Secret is well known for its (expensive) bras, including their most expensive bra line, the 'Fantasy Bras'. Because of its widespread commerciality on media as well as in pop culture, the trendy and sexy bras are extremely popular, with around 70% (in the US) women shopping at VS.
Personally, I've never bought or even tried on a VS bra because they are just too expensive for my likes. I prefer functionality than fashion, because what's the point in wearing a black and magenta bra with extremely detailed lacing when it's going to be covered anyway? Well, in this current generation fashion surpasses function which, like one of my previous points, can encourage self-objectification and make girls obsessed with themselves and the way they look; and with the VS angels, society is pushing expectations of women further up which can turn this obsession into something ugly.
I mean, a bras main function is to support your breasts, it's not something that you could show off which is what VS is exhorting. And if society tells us that bras are 'mandatory', then why make it so expensive?
Lingerie is something intimate, so I think it shouldn't be thrown in the spotlight like it's the most important thing in this planet. Bras are bras, it is not mandatory and we should respect other women's choice of not wearing one. We shouldn't degrade them because it's 'suggestive' or 'sexualised' since the nipples are showing, when VS sells products in a way that is exactly like that.
Thank you for reading this long rant about bras which I've been meaning to let out for a long time! I really hope I somehow opened your mind a bit more to this long-standing issue about our bodies and hope that maybe you'll do something about it to change society's attitude towards women :D
I'd also like to know what some of your thoughts are on this issue, whether what VS markets is "women empowerment" or plain simple "sexism".
Victoria's Secret Fashion shows are amongst the biggest and most talked about events on the media because of iconic models such as Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, the Hadid sisters, etc. as well as the gorgeous lingerie that they wear and the artists who perform live music on the catwalk, artists such as Ariana Grande, Rihanna, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, etc.; this makes the industry (in the United States) be worth over $6.5 billion.
Honestly, I have nothing against VS apart from a couple of things. Yes, it does claim that their products 'empower women' and make them feel 'sexier and more confident' in which I'm perfect fine with, but I don't like how they objectified the models to sell their bras. Some of you are perhaps thinking that that would be inevitable since modelling lingerie requires you to be half-naked, but VS overtly sexualises these women. For example, take a look at the differences between these photos:
 |
| This image is from the H&M online shop for the Microfibre string briefs. It goes straight to the point and simply shows the product. There's nothing flashy or 'sexy' about this image because of the way the model poses and her facial expressions. |
 |
| This image if from VS online shop for the CrissCross Lace Cheekini. Unlike the previous photo, this image is very alluring and from how the model is posing and her facial expressions she looks seductive. The fact that she only has the panties shows us the photograph is very suggestive. |
 |
| And take a look at this one from Ann Summers (which, like VS, sells sexy lingerie), advertising the Leona Plush Bra. Again, nothing sexy about this image (apart from the product ofc). |
 |
| Now look at this one from VS which shows the Dream Angels Velvet Bustier. From the model's pose, which is the open legs, and her inviting facial expression it makes this very suggestive. |
Do you see my point?
Also, the fact that the company claim that their products will 'empower women' by making them feel sexier and confident encourages self-objectification. Especially since VS is widely talked about on social media, this encouragement will spread amongst younger girls. VS's marketing may convince these girls to treat themselves as objects, to be consumed and seen. (See this interesting article for more about VS's marketing)
Now, I'm not here to perpetually bash the company and make them look bad, I'm just here to open your minds a bit wider towards women's bodies. With the VS Fashion show 2016, it's the perfect timing to talk about bras which is the main topic for this post.
Victoria's Secret is well known for its (expensive) bras, including their most expensive bra line, the 'Fantasy Bras'. Because of its widespread commerciality on media as well as in pop culture, the trendy and sexy bras are extremely popular, with around 70% (in the US) women shopping at VS.
Personally, I've never bought or even tried on a VS bra because they are just too expensive for my likes. I prefer functionality than fashion, because what's the point in wearing a black and magenta bra with extremely detailed lacing when it's going to be covered anyway? Well, in this current generation fashion surpasses function which, like one of my previous points, can encourage self-objectification and make girls obsessed with themselves and the way they look; and with the VS angels, society is pushing expectations of women further up which can turn this obsession into something ugly.
I mean, a bras main function is to support your breasts, it's not something that you could show off which is what VS is exhorting. And if society tells us that bras are 'mandatory', then why make it so expensive?
Lingerie is something intimate, so I think it shouldn't be thrown in the spotlight like it's the most important thing in this planet. Bras are bras, it is not mandatory and we should respect other women's choice of not wearing one. We shouldn't degrade them because it's 'suggestive' or 'sexualised' since the nipples are showing, when VS sells products in a way that is exactly like that.
Thank you for reading this long rant about bras which I've been meaning to let out for a long time! I really hope I somehow opened your mind a bit more to this long-standing issue about our bodies and hope that maybe you'll do something about it to change society's attitude towards women :D
I'd also like to know what some of your thoughts are on this issue, whether what VS markets is "women empowerment" or plain simple "sexism".
Nicole ᵔᴥᵔ
12.04.2016
With school approaching soon, I have been awfully busy with my new job, summer tasks for my A-level subjects and some writing! Recently was the GCSEs Results day, in which I passed all my subjects and achieved the requirements to get into the sixth form I wanted to go to. I got 2 As and the rest are mostly Bs and Cs - I am so happy that all my hard work studying for the last 2 years has finally paid off! Although I didn't achieve the grades I was expecting on some subjects, I am still very proud of what I achieved :D
With all of this occurring, my new chapter in life is slowly unfolding. Honestly, with what I've worked on and what I achieved this summer has made me feel like a new person. I feel like, with my contributions to projects such as Sacred Zine Club and Adolescent Content, my creativity in writing as well as art has been boosted; with my new job at C and H Fabrics store, my confidence has been lifted and with my recent GCSE grades I can see my future in the distance!
Right now, I'm still working on building my skills, experience, confidence and contacts for networking and I hope that this will all lead to a promising future.
This is a short post but I kept it concise due to time :/ Hopefully, next week I'll show my newest art works I've done with a new art style I'm experimenting with!
I hope you enjoyed and have a great day everyone :D
With all of this occurring, my new chapter in life is slowly unfolding. Honestly, with what I've worked on and what I achieved this summer has made me feel like a new person. I feel like, with my contributions to projects such as Sacred Zine Club and Adolescent Content, my creativity in writing as well as art has been boosted; with my new job at C and H Fabrics store, my confidence has been lifted and with my recent GCSE grades I can see my future in the distance!
Right now, I'm still working on building my skills, experience, confidence and contacts for networking and I hope that this will all lead to a promising future.
This is a short post but I kept it concise due to time :/ Hopefully, next week I'll show my newest art works I've done with a new art style I'm experimenting with!
I hope you enjoyed and have a great day everyone :D
Nicole ᵔᴥᵔ
8.29.2016
I always contemplate my life and I wonder about my future, thinking about where I'm going and planning how to get there. Some of you are perhaps thinking it's too early since I'm only 16 and I only have a few years left of my teenage years which I could make the most out of by going out and doing what other teens do these days.
But as a highly ambitious individual, I want to be more elaborate with my plans to get myself to where I want to in the future. And as an introvert with a creative mind, I'd rather follow my own path than follow the crowd ;)
But as a highly ambitious individual, I want to be more elaborate with my plans to get myself to where I want to in the future. And as an introvert with a creative mind, I'd rather follow my own path than follow the crowd ;)
Several months ago, I applied to an all girls school to study Fashion, Business and Media for A-levels next year because I just finished my GCSEs. As a shy person (particularly in new environments), of course I'm scared. Scared of not being able to make new friends. Scared of being lost in the huge facility of the school and not knowing where to go. Scared of being hurt.
Ever since I moved here in the UK, I've stayed in the same class with the same people in the same school so I've never really experienced being the 'new girl'. I mean, I have joined several after school clubs like ballet and performing arts and such but I was always never alone. This time, I am.
I kind of forced myself to have this 'new beginning' - enrolling into a new school and making new friends to have a fresh start - so I can implement my socials skills; I didn't want to stay this awkward shut-in perceived as the weird quiet girl. Because I desire to enter the fashion industry, I would need to blossom in a social and reputable sense to be successful. And to do this, I would need to turn over a new leaf and start afresh.
I want to face my social fears with a 'can-do' attitude, my chin up, my back straightened and a smile on my face in preparation for the bigger world.
If you are like me, having a 'new beginning' then I'd like to say good luck. You probably have already faced 'new beginning' situations and have gone through it so I know you can make it through this time.
I want to face my social fears with a 'can-do' attitude, my chin up, my back straightened and a smile on my face in preparation for the bigger world.
If you are like me, having a 'new beginning' then I'd like to say good luck. You probably have already faced 'new beginning' situations and have gone through it so I know you can make it through this time.
7.30.2016
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