Messy make-up: cosmetics addiction takes the sheen out of childhood

The Rise of Cosmeticorexia Among Youth

A concerning trend has emerged within Kerala’s school system, where middle-school students are increasingly displaying signs of what experts call 'Cosmeticorexia.' This term describes a morbid, obsessive fascination with cosmetics that transcends typical adolescent experimentation. As evidenced by students like Aliya, who maintains a strict morning ritual of applying brightening creams, kajal, and lip tints, the classroom is no longer just a space for academic growth but a stage for performance-based identity construction.

The Psychological Tether to Appearance

The core issue lies in how these students internalize their self-worth through beauty products. For many, the make-up kit serves as a psychological crutch. When teachers intervene—as seen in the case where a student’s cosmetics were confiscated—the reaction is not merely teenage defiance but profound emotional distress. This indicates that the cosmetics are not being used for casual enhancement, but are integral to the child's perceived stability and social standing within their peer group.

Socio-Economic Disparities and Accessibility

The accessibility of cheap, unregulated beauty products plays a significant role in this phenomenon. Even students from low-income backgrounds, such as those with parents working as daily wage earners, are able to acquire these items. This accessibility creates a paradox where children prioritize the purchase of 'brightening' creams and tints over other needs, often without parental understanding or oversight regarding the long-term mental or physical implications of such habits.