Self image is one the most important things to people nowadays due to the fact that we are the generation that take practically more 'selfies' than we take showers. Self image is a very big deal to people, especially young people e.g teenagers. Many teenage girls and boys take pride in their appearance and constantly trying to fix their natural image with photoshop apps and instagram filters. Another way that people try to improve their appearance is makeup. Some girls (and or boys) use makeup just to touch up their imperfections or hide displeasing features on their body. Makeup is completely harmless substance that over millions of people use (including myself.) Makeup is a prohibited substance in schools in the UK. Most secondary schools do not allow students to wear makeup to school as it goes against their code of conduct for uniform. However, I personally think this rule is completely inequitable because as a matter of fact, most students do not wear makeup to impress other people or to "show off". Girls (and some boys) decide to wear makeup because it raises their self esteem and self confidence. It may sound ridiculous but you would be surprised by how a simple black line across your eyelid can make your day seem x10 better. Unfortunately, we do not have the option in life to precisely choose what we look like (unless you earn as much money as the Kardashians) so we can only really work with what we have. But makeup can be an ultimate confidence boost to insecure people who do not like certain aspects of their face and they are not trying to be disrespectful by not abiding by rules but they are simply just trying to learn to love and accept themselves which they can do by wearing makeup. Wearing makeup makes people feel happy and good about themselves and we should not be punished for feeling good about ourselves or making ourselves look presentable. I understand that schools may have rule to go with uniform installation and that if no one wears makeup, no one feels left out or unequal, but I strongly disagree with the idea that if you are wearing mascara on your eyelashes, you deserve to be shamed by your teachers and given a 20 minute detention after school. 1/3 women in the world do not leave the house without applying their makeup and this proves how much of an impact makeup has on women. Makeup is not a necessity of course, however, to some people it is almost their best friend and they would be lost without it (because some people actually enjoy putting on makeup for it is a pleasurable activity.) I believe that rule about no makeup should be withdrawn from school conducts because I feel it would make such a difference to people in a brilliant way. Girls and boys might actually feel better going to school because they feel more comfortable with their outer appearance. It could possibly decrease the statistics of insecure and socially anxious teenagers and it is not a big hassle to change. If you would like to tell people why you wear makeup to school, I encourage you to please use the hashtag #FREETHEMAKEUP to spread your message. Written by: Isabel Harper, Gumley House Convent School, Young Reporter