If you ask different women the question "Why do women wear makeup?" you'll get answers as varied as the women who respond. There is no one correct answer as women have their own reasons for wearing cosmetics.
Answers to Why Do Women Wear Makeup

Makeup isn't a recent invention. Women and men wore makeup in ancient cultures, such as Egypt. While the use of cosmetics has changed over the centuries, in current societies the world over, women are the main buyers and users of makeup. Here are some common reasons why:

Confidence
Some women cannot imagine facing the day without makeup on their face. In extreme cases, women won't allow anyone to see them without their faces made up for the day, including their own husbands!

Fortunately, this isn't very common, but many women report feeling more confident going to work, school or running errands with at least some makeup on. This can range from a light application of mascara and lip gloss to a face complete with foundation, powder, blush, eyeliner, eye shadow and several coats of lipstick. The amount of makeup that makes a woman feel confident varies.

To Look Older
Teenage girls often wear makeup because they want to appear older. While many teens only need lightweight cosmetics such as powder, mascara and lip color, others want to experiment with all kinds of cosmetics.

To Look Younger
On the flip side, women who are past a certain age rely on cosmetics to make them appear younger. Some cosmetics claim to soften wrinkles or reduce fine lines. With skillful application, women can erase years from their face.

For a Clearer Complexion
For women who have complexion issues, makeup can help disguise problem areas, although the main focus should be on a skin care routine to maintain clear skin. Concealers can hide dark undereye circles or blemishes. Foundations can smooth your complexion into an even-toned canvas. Makeup is great for creating the illusion of perfect skin if used the right way.

To Look Attractive or Glamorous
If you want to glam up your look, for a big night out or a special date, makeup will help you do that. You can choose whichever look you like best. One day may include smoky gray eyes and pale, shimmery lipstick, while the next might find you in the mood for thin black eyeliner and classic red lips.

Some women wear makeup to attract someone special. While men's opinions differ on what kind of makeup they like to see on women, it's better for women to wear what makes them feel attractive and confident.

To Enhance Her Beauty
While some women want to appear sultry and glamorous, others prefer a very natural look. They still use makeup to achieve it, but the idea is to have a polished look without looking like she's wearing makeup. Done correctly, a woman may have on foundation, mascara and lip color without anyone even realizing it.

Because It's Fun
Makeup is one area where women can really set themselves apart from men. It's generally a very girly arena where boys aren't allowed! With all of the different colors, textures and tools involved, playing around with makeup can simply be seen as a fun thing to do. If you mess up, all you have to do is wash it off and start over.

The answer to the question "Why do women wear makeup?" isn't that simple. Maybe one of these reasons applies to you, or you have your own. If you're not a woman and you've always wondered why, the reason depends a lot on the woman. To make it even more complex, her reasons may differ from day to day! Whatever the reason is, it's as unique as the woman who answers.