THE FILM
We’ve spent the last few years watching the makeup world explode, with more and more people becoming obsessed with the latest techniques and products. Sadly, we’ve also seen the rise of makeup shaming. My face. My rules, is our way of positively recognising and standing up for everyone’s right to define their own beauty, without boundaries. It’s our way of saying it's ok to be obsessed with makeup, to put whatever you want on your face, whenever and however you want. We’re making it our mission to combat the judgement many of our customers face every day; the negative stereotypes that come with a full face of makeup, or a bright red lip, or a bold brow.
MEET THE CAST
My face. My rules, is a celebration of individualism and uniqueness, with a true love for makeup at its core. Every star of the campaign is a Sleek MakeUP consumer; the campaign was inspired by them and created for them; showcasing their incredible skills and their amazing responses to the judgement they have all faced in the world.
MEET: ABBY BROWN. 19. Basingstoke, UK
Occupation: Makeup and hair artist
@_abs_makeup
Why do you wear makeup?
It's like art for your face! I love creating different looks that are so easy to change if you don't like them.
Tell us something about yourself that other people wouldn’t assume by looking at you.
I'm a trained and qualified lifeguard, I actually worked as one for a year!
Tell us about a time you have been judged for wearing makeup.
Up in the club I often get strange looks from people wondering why I'm wearing a pink cut crease and I'm covered in glitter! Of course it's horrible to get funny looks, but it makes me more empowered to rock the looks I wear because I know I'm good at what I do and it looks good! I don't mind being extra!
Have you ever been judged by someone in your inner circle?
I'm very fortunate for my family and friends as they all are very supportive of my makeup. I think when people judge, they just don't understand the passion and skill behind it.
What bit of advice would you give to someone who has been shamed for their love of makeup?
Hold your head high so your highlight catches the sun and blinds the haters!
What is your fave Sleek product & why?
The i-Divine palette’s, so bright, pigmented and affordable, it's so fab for when I create bright looks!
MEET: ASTON JOSHUA. 24. London, UK
Occupation: Dancer and Drag Performer
@astondavidjoshua
Why do you wear makeup?
I have always worn makeup from a young age, being in shows and performances. The more I've grown up and got older, the more love I have for it. I wear it because I can and because I love the experimentation and the creativity of makeup and the designs you can create with your own face.
Tell us something about yourself that other people wouldn’t assume by looking at you.
Ohh, hmmm. I don't know! I guess maybe that I am a massive game, cartoon and Disney fanatic. If you didn't know me then maybe you wouldn’t think that. But pretty much everyone who knows me knows that haha.
Tell us about a time you have been judged for wearing makeup.
One was on a train, going to a performance in full drag makeup. Two boys came over and were laughing and saying mean things like, “oh guys shouldn't wear makeup", "you look like a girl", etc. I didn't feel hurt in any way, as I'm doing something correct that basic boring males have never seen before so it's new to them. I just sit and smile and think; I'm going to perform and do what I love to do, while you go home on a train.
Have you ever been judged by someone in your inner circle?
Yes, a few. They didn't really understand why I wore makeup or did drag. The way I dealt with the situation was question the things they did, to which they replied they loved to do it. So I would then respond with the same reason, when you love and have a passion for something, you do it. It's as simple as that.
What bit of advice would you give to someone who has been shamed for their love of makeup?
Ignore it. People say things out of their own insecurities, their own negativity they are facing in their own life and force it onto others. You have to be the bigger person and just ignore it. Find the strength you have that other people don't and wear it. In weakness there’s strength, in strength there’s power, and once you find that, nothing can break or bring you down.
What is your fave Sleek product & why?
Cream Contour Kit. I think it's on my top fave list as it's one of the most used make up products I reach for when doing both drag and my day to day look.
MEET: NATARIA RAPLEY. 19. Northampton, UK
Occupation: Sales Assistant at Topshop
@natariamua
Why do you wear makeup?
I look at makeup as an art form and by being a creative person I wear makeup as a way of expressing myself and my art. Like artists, I love to be inspired and influenced by other artists and the world around me. For me, wearing makeup isn’t about making myself feel better about myself, it is a way for me to create and be myself by expressing the things in my mind and by doing that I feel more beautiful and confident.
Tell us something about yourself that other people wouldn’t assume by looking at you.
I am half Thai and can speak the language!
Tell us about a time you have been judged for wearing makeup.
As my makeup can sometimes be a bit extreme and out there, I always get weird looks or I find people staring at me for a while. This doesn’t bother me, as I know what's on my face isn’t “normal” or the “done thing”. No one has confronted me for it luckily and as for the stares they don’t really bother me, I kind of enjoy it and like the attention.
Have you ever been judged by someone in your inner circle?
My inner circle has always loved what I do and have encouraged me to do more and to be my true self! I only sometimes get my mum questioning “are you going out with that on your face?” as she's worried about people staring.
What bit of advice would you give to someone who has been shamed for their love of makeup?
Don't let anyone tell you anything about your love for makeup, be true to yourself and do things that make you happy! YOU are living YOUR OWN life, not anyone else, so YOU are in control! Don't get disheartened from hate, just look past it and carry on! Let your inner makeup queen or king flourish!
What is your fave Sleek product & why?
The highlighting palettes! I love all of them, but my favourite is Cleopatra’s Kiss, because I have a yellow undertone to my skin the golden tones in this palette compliment me very well. All of Sleek MakeUP’s highlighters are super pigmented and blinding and just amazing!!
MEET: SHANTÉL EKWENSI. 20. Milton Keynes, UK
Occupation: Professional Makeup Artist/Student
@shantelekwensi
Why do you wear makeup?
It's therapeutic to me! I'm at my happiest when applying makeup, experimenting with colour and expressing my style.
Tell us something about yourself that other people wouldn’t assume by looking at you.
I'm a proper tomboy at heart! I'm an adrenaline junkie! I'm very impulsive! I live for anything that can make me nervous or scared! Theme parks! Skydiving! Swimming with sharks... I'll do it all.
Tell us about a time you have been judged for wearing makeup.
Year 11! That's when I initially started to wear makeup! I remember the guys, but mostly the girls always having something to say when it came to my makeup! It was that I was either insecure or ugly and that was why I'd wear makeup! Which made no sense. It was a challenging time, I couldn't understand why something that brought me so much happiness, made everyone else so uncomfortable.
Have you ever been judged by someone in your inner circle?
Never! I've always had supportive friends and family. They're the ones that really know me and understand why I do what I do.
What bit of advice would you give to someone who has been shamed for their love of makeup?
Criticism is usually a reflection of the critics’ own insecurities! They are not a representation of you! All that really matters is your happiness and being yourself. If makeup is a way in which you choose to demonstrate that, then so be it! The same things they shame you for now, will soon enough be the same things they love you for.
What is your fave Sleek product & why?
Cleopatra Kiss Highlighter Palette, I love this product simply down to the quality & pigment, not to mention the fact it's super affordable.
MEET: NILL TAVANGAR. 24. Warrington, UK
Occupation: Medical Student
@nilltavangar
Why do you wear makeup?
It's my way of expressing myself. I have always enjoyed creating art and that is what makeup is to me. It makes me feel more confident and like an enhanced version of myself.
Tell us something about yourself that other people wouldn’t assume by looking at you.
I've played full contact rugby since the age of 12 and I love it.
Tell us about a time you have been judged for wearing makeup.
I have been judged many times for wearing "too much makeup" by people I know and people I don't know. People assume it is acceptable to comment on someone's appearance, but it never is. It makes me feel self-conscious to think that others feel I’m being 'false' by wearing makeup. When in reality, it’s the opposite – it’s part of who I am.
Have you ever been judged by someone in your inner circle?
I think I'm lucky in this sense, because my other half is my biggest supporter and he is such an enabler when it comes to buying makeup (win!). He takes my photos for Instagram and admires my bright highlight.
What bit of advice would you give to someone who has been shamed for their love of makeup?
Do YOU! Express yourself and play around with makeup, because there's no right or wrong way of doing makeup. Who cares what others say, just do you.
What is your fave Sleek product & why?
Easy - Barekissed illuminator in Pompeii. I love a good glow and this product is so versatile. I use it as a base, mix it with my foundation or use it all over my shoulders and collar bones.
MEET: ELLA-MAY. 18. Bristol, UK
Occupation: Social Influencer and YouTuber
@ellamaymakeup
Why do you wear makeup?
I wear makeup because it makes me feel confident. Not in the clique way, but more of a ‘I have a bright orange on my eyes today and I look bomb’ kind of way. It brings out the creative side of me and allows me to experiment with art, on the canvas that is my face. Don't get me wrong, I love my no-makeup days equally as much, but adding a pop of colour here and there makes me feel more vibrant, and let’s say, proud of my creation.
Tell us something about yourself that other people wouldn’t assume by looking at you.
I feel like because I have my septum pierced, people tend to assume that I’m some hardcore, shady individual. But to be real with you, I wear floral, I like the colour pink. But even if I didn’t, I don’t understand stereotypes at all or how a person's looks could ever accurately represent who they are on the inside.
Tell us about a time you have been judged for wearing makeup.
I am constantly judged for wearing makeup, just like any other guy or girl out there who does too. You just have to be brave and do what you love. If you know you are kicking ass with your highlighter, then who cares if someone asks why you look shiny.
Have you ever been judged by someone in your inner circle?
Some of the older members of my family can be the most judgemental, just because my makeup doesn't look how theirs did when they were younger. Times change, and so do trends. One of my aunts once asked me why I was wearing ‘evening makeup’ in the day. I replied ‘Because it looks damn good’. But you know what, I’ve not stopped doing cut creases or smokey eyes just because the time of day might not approve. You do you.
What bit of advice would you give to someone who has been shamed for their love of makeup?
As with anything else in life, if you love it and it’s not harming anyone else, then do it. You have to fight for what you love and do what makes you happy. If that’s makeup, then own it.
MEET: RAY ROSS. 29. Stevenage, UK
Occupation: Stay-at-home mum (at the moment)
@rayannr
Why do you wear makeup?
I wear makeup to enhance my natural beauty. It's fun, colourful and allows me to be as creative as I please. It also helps me to look and feel my best. I really enjoy the application process of makeup, it's like art.
Tell us something about yourself that other people wouldn’t assume by looking at you.
A lot of people think I’m shy and reserved, when I’m actually the opposite. I love to crack jokes and laugh from the pit of my stomach, but that side of me doesn’t surface until I feel comfortable around someone.
Tell us about a time you have been judged for wearing makeup.
To be honest, I have not been judged to my face regarding wearing makeup from people I'm not related to.
Have you ever been judged by someone in your inner circle?
Absolutely! When I wear makeup, if my family don't agree with my choice of colours or application technique, they would tell me straight away, "I don't like this" or "I don't like that". If their reason is constructive, I usually accept their feedback. If they're just being picky and I don't agree, I usually let it go into one ear and out of the other.
What bit of advice would you give to someone who has been shamed for their love of makeup?
If the criticism isn’t constructive, do not take it personal. You will be constantly exhausted if you tried to please everyone. Please yourself.
What is your fave Sleek product & why?
Oh man, the list is long! But my current fave would have to be the Cleopatra’s Kiss Highlighting Palette! It’s just sick! The glow is just heavenly and I actually look like I have a decent nose bridge when I highlight my nose lol. The Original i-Divine is also a fave of mine! PIGMENT, PIGMENT, PIGMENT!
MEET: KRIS SLADE. 20. Great Yarmouth, UK
Occupation:Beauty Blogger/Makeup Artist
@kris_slade
Why do you wear makeup?
I wear makeup because it lets me express the creativity inside of me and makes me feel empowered to be the person I want to be.
Tell us something about yourself that other people wouldn’t assume by looking at you.
People wouldn't assume by looking at me that, without makeup on I have such a creative side and they also wouldn't assume I wear makeup.
Tell us about a time you have been judged for wearing makeup.
One time I was on the London underground and these 2 girls were just looking at me and laughing to each other. I just completely ignored them and held my head up high, because I had nothing to be ashamed of. At first it made me feel ashamed of myself that I'm a laughing stock, but then it clicked that I'm probably never going to see them again and I love doing what I do and I'm not going to change that for anybody.
Have you ever been judged by someone in your inner circle?
I have been judged by family members in the past when I first started doing makeup. I combated that by carrying on doing it and just blanking out the negativity. Eventually, they came around and realised I'm happy doing this.
What bit of advice would you give to someone who has been shamed for their love of makeup?
My advice to someone who has been shamed for their love of makeup is to never let the negativity get you down, because there is more people out there who will love and respect your passion and that will overpower the negativity.
What is your fave Sleek product & why?
Solstice Highlighting Palette because I love a blinding, wet look highlighter.
THE JUDGEMENT
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Ditch The Label are one of the largest anti-bulling charities in the world; helping thousands of people aged 12-25 each week to overcome bullying and the impact it has on their health, esteem, studies, and social lives. For support, resources and ways to get involved visit Ditch The Label.
