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The Why Factor: Make-up

Make-up

31/05/2013

BBC World Service - The Why Factor, Make-up

Why millions of women - and some men - paint their faces

Make-up is a multi-million dollar industry with sales around the world but are we just being sold a dream or is there something more innate in why we wear it?

It is an essential part of women’s days all around the world – putting on their face before they leave the house. This week Mike Williams explores why millions of women and some men paint their faces.

The programme delves back into history to look at why it was worn in the past and how this has shaped what we do today. He looks at the rise of the makeup industry and how it has struggled to overcome cultural and biological boundaries particularly when trying to sell to men. 

He asks whether the sheer scale of the make-up industry is driven by marketing or if there are more, innate biological reasons for the practice – a desire to look attractive and powerful.

(Image: A man applying mascara to his eyelashes. Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

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