An in-depth Interview with Iranian Women who Use Heavy Make-up or Plastic Surgery as a Communication Tool

The number of consuming make up has increased in Iran. This issue has been the subjects of many studies. Some scholars blamed western media for its effect on women. However, other scholars believed that it is the result of restriction and lack of freedom. Furthermore, scholars also argued that there is a relation between people‘s body communication and lack of opportunity to express. This study aimed to search how Iranian women use cosmetic surgery and make up in relation to their perception of beauty standards, their use of the body as a sign of existence in society; and the use their body as a means of socio-political non conformity. Using the interview method, the study surveyed 45 Iranian women who reside in Northern Cyprus and Iran. Questions revolving around three primary areas of concern for the study are; is make up a way of communication? , Could make up be a form of expression of sociopolitical non conformity? And might there be some influence of Western beauty standards that is promoted by the media, and if so what are they? According to interviewees, there are various reasons for wearing make-up or undergoing cosmetic surgeries such as lack of education, self esteem and pursuit of freedom. The study concluded that although western media influence Iranian women, Iranian women do in fact use make up primarily as a sign of their existence in the society and as a tool to protest against socio political restrictions on women. Indeed, there is not an opportunity for Iranian women to express themselves as the way they want, so, they communicate with their make-up or cosmetic surgery. Furthermore, although interviewees with higher education believed that there is a positive relationship between low-level of education and heavy make-up; the study didn‘t find any difference. Keywords: Communication, media, body, make--up, cosmetic surgeries, resistance