All Made Up

“Full of intriguing anecdotes and trenchant commentary on the relationship between conventional beauty standards and misogyny, classism, and racism, this is an invigorating examination of the ‘rules and assumptions that govern appearance.’”—Publishers Weekly“Journalist Nudson offers a strong argument that makeup affects everyone, whether they wear it or not.”—Booklist“An exuberant critical study of how cosmetics and beauty culture shape the world and everyone in it.”—Kirkus Reviews“A compelling read that proves make-up is not, nor has it ever been, just about gloss and glamour.”—South China Post““With sharp observations and insight, Rae Nudson explores the significance of makeup in our lives, culture, and politics. Ranging across time and place, All Made Up shows how makeup contributes to and reinforces social definitions of gender and race, even as it has been a tool of creativity and subversion. Beyond the familiar association of women and cosmetics is an intriguing discussion of the uses of makeup among men, transgender people, and subcultural groups. In Rae Nudson’s hands, makeup is not a frivolous matter.”—Kathy Peiss, author of Hope in a Jar: The Making of America’s Beauty Culture“Makeup has always been political. Rae Nudson understands that makeup isn’t just frivolous—it’s a site of negotiating power and privilege, and it can be a powerful tool for liberation. Rae’s deep research and sharp analysis show how cosmetics have long been used both to police the lines of race, class, and gender, and to subvert them. All Made Up challenged my own thinking about makeup, and it straight up blew my mind.”—Aubrey Gordon, author of What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat“Writing astutely about the complex yet fascinating world of cosmetics, Rae Nudson shines a light on what is now a multibillion-dollar global business. She explores hidden secrets, unravels complex social mores, and examines the psychological power plays about makeup in a nuanced narrative. A perceptive approach to what is actually a very intricate topic masquerading behind a façade of frivolity.”—Lindy Woodhead, author of War Paint: Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein

Rae Nudson is a writer specializing in nonfiction essays and reported features on beauty, fashion, and pop culture. Her work has appeared in Esquire, The Cut, Hazlitt, Topic, Medium, Paste Magazine, The Week, The Billfold, and Real Life, among others. She has bachelor’s degrees in journalism and history, with a specialization in American history, from the University of Missouri. She lives in Chicago.

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