They say diamonds are a girl's best friend, but most women will tell you that her make up is her best friend. Few women will leave the house without their faces being properly affixed. And even fewer will have photos taken without some form of make up. The truth is, make up is a woman's second skin, or more appropriately, the skin she prefers to show to the public. Most men don't really understand this concept, and then, there are some women who wonder about the practice, as well. Those that don't focus on using make up often ask why do we use make up?

Make up is actually worn for several reasons and they are not all for vanity. While appearance is part of the equation, it is not the most important reason why women wear make up. It is true that everyone wants to look their best, particularly for a special occasion or an important meeting, and make up helps in this regard, but underneath the facade, there are stronger factors that play a role in prompting women to wear make up.

Believe it or not, self-esteem and confidence come from wearing make up. By definition, covering one's face with a substance hides flaws, one of which is insecurity. There is merit in the expression "to put on your best face". Make up helps us do that. If we use the right amount in the right spots, we can shift the focus away from the negative to the positive. And not just in a tangible way on our skin, but also intangibly, through making us feel better about ourselves. We perceive ourselves as being more professional or more assertive. Simple make up can help us overcome our fears.

In addition, make up is worn for medical reasons. Often individuals, both male and female, are born with bright birthmarks or discolored skin. They may have imperfections that sadly seem unsightly to others. Today, there are specially formulated foundations and creams that hide those marks or imperfections, allowing the individuals to feel more at ease, since they will not be judged by what is seen on their faces. Children in particular will do well with wearing make up when they have certain skin lesions or scars on their faces. Others can be quite cruel and there is no need to put children through the misery of being taunted. In severe cases, the doctor may even prescribe a specific type of make up to use.

Make up can also be used to match one's skin with an outfit or a time of day. For example, a person's natural skin color may be very light. It might, in fact, be too light to wear certain colors of clothing. The combination creates a "washed-out" look and the person feels uncomfortable. To counteract the effect, make up can help to subtly change the color of the skin, giving the person a more solid appearance. Likewise, make up changes for the seasons, as well as the time of day or night. Women tend to wear more make up when going out at night.

Lastly, make up is worn by both men and women in the theater. The major reason for this is so that the audience can see the actors and actresses. This kind of make up is much thicker and denser that normally worn. Consequently, it works well to convey the messages of the actors and actresses.