IntroductionFrom an early age people are able to recognize themselves in the mirror, contemplating not only how they think they appear but also how they might appear to others. Through reflection, a man can recognize his own flaws and begin to manipulate certain factors in his outward appearance, shaping how his environment will see him. Cosmetics and clothing can serve as a mask to create both an illusion of beauty that may not be there, and to portray a status or rank that a person may not necessarily have. I will take an analytical approach to the topic of how cosmetics and clothes lend their beauty to the wearer, in some cases creating a deceptive or ornamental mask. I will focus on how women throughout history have used cosmetics and clothing and how these differ in their intent to beautify women. The first chapter questions the use of makeup to create a youthful mask by examining the different uses of cosmetics and reactions to it from the 14th century onwards. I will examine how face painting can portray natural beauty and how in some cases excessive painting overcomes the intent of masking ugliness and instead becomes a form of adornment. Chapter two deals with the functions of clothing and how it can serve as an ornamental mask. . I will examine the importance and meaning of clothing in the 14th century, 18th century, and postmodern society to identify how and why people were dressed the way they were, whether it was primarily for functionality or for ornamental purposes.Replacing RealityBeauty as well as the Image plays an important role in physical attraction. While there will always be disagreements about what constitutes beauty and what is considered attractive, youth seems... middle of paper... it did then, as now replication has allowed any common man to appear at the rank he desires . Baudrillard argues that clothing no longer has any meaning or value, which may be due to the impact postmodern culture has had on clothing by allowing it more freedom. Due to the mass production of items of clothing that replicate those of greater value, fashion can no longer be used to distinguish class systems, as there is hardly a dividing line between what the rich and the poor can wear. In terms of semiotics, it is argued that clothing will always represent certain qualities and personality traits. Nowadays humanity will dress accordingly when they realize the impact their appearance can have on their lives. Considering this, it can be seen that clothing creates an ornamental mask, behind which a man or woman can hide while the rest of the world perceives the personalities their mask displays..