"Mascara" by Jazmine Sullivan is a song that celebrates self-confidence, female empowerment, and the pursuit of success in unconventional ways. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who embraces her appearance and uses it as a means to get what she wants in life. The song starts off with the protagonist acknowledging that her hair and her body parts may be fake, but she doesn't care because they bring her financial stability and luxurious experiences. She mentions that a man promises to support her financially as long as she keeps her body in shape. This highlights the idea of using her physical attributes to her advantage and turning them into opportunities. The chorus of the song expresses that other women may be jealous of her glamorous lifestyle because she is living her best life. Despite people thinking she is shallow, she explains that she needs to maintain her appearance because new competition is always emerging, and they all desire the same things she has. The second verse continues to emphasize how appearance is vital in her life. She never leaves the house without makeup and keeps mascara with her at all times, even when going to the supermarket because she never knows who might be watching her. This conveys the constant need to look her best and reinforces the idea that she has to constantly stay on top of her game. The pre-chorus and chorus repeat, underscoring the theme of the song: using her appearance to her advantage and not caring about societal norms or judgments. She proudly states that she doesn't have a job because she gets everything she wants by relying on her physical attributes and the men around her. There is a sense of empowerment and entitlement, suggesting that she believes she deserves to be treated well due to her looks. In the bridge, the protagonist addresses someone who may be looking at her critically, implying that they are envious because they lack the same confidence and dedication to their appearance. She mocks them for settling with a partner who is not financially stable while she enjoys a lavish lifestyle. The final chorus reiterates the chorus's message that beautiful women hold power and control the world, reinforcing the idea that the protagonist must continue to maintain her appearance to stay ahead. Overall, "Mascara" is a song that uses the persona of a confident woman who embraces her beauty and uses it to achieve her goals. It reflects themes of empowerment, self-assurance, and the pursuit of success on her own terms.
