Beauty class and the practice of beautification among lower middle-class young women

Ninik Tri Ambarwati
Graduate Student of Media and Cultural Studies Program. The Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Teknika Utara Street Yogyakarta. 55281.
triambarwati884@gmail.com

Abstract

Beauty class is a place for a woman to share experiences in applying makeup. The participants in the beauty class obtain tips and trick or some specific ways of applying makeup. The participants in this class can directly practice the knowledge on how to apply makeup on their faces. The beauty class phenomenon has existed in Indonesia since 2000. Beauty class becomes a trend which attracts young women. Beauty class becomes a place where ideal beauty is constructed, for instance, white skin for body and face, thick eyebrows, long eyelashes, pointed nose, oval face, and pink lips. This research aims to see the consumption practice by lower-class young women at the beauty class in Yogyakarta. This research uses ethnography method by attending and observing the beauty class and having an interview with two active participants in the beauty class. This research shows that 1). Makeup has become a part of the everyday lifestyle of young women. 2). Beautification practice is determined by some beauty standards identified by the other party, in this case, cosmetics industry, and beauty blogger. 3). Beauty class opens an access for lower-middle-class women to use a wide range of cosmetics palette and tools that beyond what they can afford.

Keywords

beauty class, consumption, makeup, middle class, woman,

References

Volume 01, 15 Nov 2018
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