A Seat at the Vanity Table

Beauty practices are loaded with information that, when understood, subverts superficial readings. The Vanity Table is a cultural platform, existing both digitally and physically, that investigates these additional layers of information through an analysis of materials, tools and contexts of cosmetics. For instance, by unpacking the cultural history of a specific shade of red lipstick, and revealing that fish scales are used to make it glossy, the purpose is not to stigmatise but to recognise cosmetics as raw materials through which to explore alternative identities. Built to encourage user-generated contributions and community care, the platform positions beauty practices as acts of radical self-care.