It was bad enough before images could be manipulated with computers. Twenty some years ago, I learned all sorts of makeup tricks to make what I have look as good as possible. Nowadays, there is no way that you can look like the pictures. Heck, even the models don't look like the pictures once the computer is done with them! But of course, the cosmetic companies don't care about what they do to the self esteem of women and girls so long as they turn a nice profit at the end of the quarter. [Bitter much? You bet!]

The cosmetic companies are pushing an ideal that is unobtainable even if you DO use their products. Airbrushing, back in the day, was bad enough. Perfectly even skintone, no dark circles under the eyes, absolutely perfectly shaped lips... the list went on and on but you could at least get close with the careful application of makeup. Now...  *shakes head in disgust...* there is NO way...

The only reason I wore makeup when I was working was because I worked in an office and my boss required it. Now, I only put on warpaint when I want to -- which is seldom. An exception is made if I'm in costume....hehehehehehe Then all bets are off!!

I rarely, if ever, wear makeup anymore.  My skin is hyper-sensitive - I have to dust off the sheets before I get into bed, and I can feel the lightest coat of makeup on my skin.  If it's a family thing where I think my mom's going to be taking pics - which is at every flamin' one - I'll do foundation, blush, mascara & lipstick, but that's it.  One of the ladies I work with wears three inches of makeup every day, and I'm sure she's a lovely woman without it.  I can't imagine what that does to her skin.  Nike, I agree with you - I don't understand why makeup has to be so freakin' expensive.  Almost ten bucks for a freakin' lipstick??  

Oh, yeah, Cover Girl & Wet 'n' Wild are still good & cheap.  I meant L'Oreal, Max Factor, those kinds.  The brands that are insanely expensive.