It's both a method of empowerment and a tool of control — but it sure is pretty! Today's episode delves into how makeup reflects and perpetuates society's conflicting views on femininity, with the help of historian Ilise S. Carter, author of The Red Menace: How Lipstick Changed the Face of American History. From its historical roots, like ancient Egyptian eyeliner and the opulent courtiers of Louis XIV, to the modern-day pressures women, POCs, and gender-nonconforming people face to adhere to impossible ideals, we uncover the dark side of makeup's impact. Hope you've got your no-makeup makeup on, 'cause this is one cute selfie we will not delete later.

Pick up Ilise's book, The Red Menace: How Lipstick Changed the Face of American History, right here: https://amzn.to/43DzyQA

See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/s3e8-makeup/

Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2h

Connect with the show: 

Newsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience 

Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/ 

Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

Mentioned in this episode:

Important Not Important

Science for people who give a sh*t. Want to feel better AND unf*ck the world? The 6-time Webby nominee delivers deep conversations with the world's smartest people (scientists, doctors, CEO's, farmers, and more!), and digestible news updates every single week, loaded with tips and steps you and we can take to fix this place right up.