51

ASEAN Journal of Educational Research and Technology 2(1) (2023) 51-56

ASEAN Journal of Educational Research

and Technology
Journal homepage: [Link]

Cosmetics Product and Self-Concept Among Senior High

School Students: An Educational Perspective
Kenesha Borling*, Elyza Criz Abraham, Chrissie Dyanne Pamplona, Jims Adrian Carbonell, Anamarie Valdez

Sultan Kudarat State University, the Philippines

*Correspondence: E-mail: keneshaborling@[Link]

ABSTRACTS ARTICLE INFO

Article History:
The study aimed to determine the significant relationship Submitted/Received 20 Jul 2022
First revised 15 Aug 2022
between Cosmetic Products on Self-Concept from an Accepted 21 Aug 2022
educational perspective. We used subjects from Sultan First available online 22 Aug 2022
Kudarat State University - Laboratory Highschool Students. Publication date 01 Mar 2023
____________________
We used an adapted and modified questionnaire as the Keyword:
Appearance,
primary tool to gather data for this study. The Likert scale Cosmetics,
was used to determine the level of self-concept of the High level psychology,
respondents when using cosmetics products and to what Self-concept,
Teaching enhancement.
extent they use cosmetics products in different situations.
The findings show that the respondents sometimes use
cosmetic products in different situations, and the data
revealed that the respondents have a high level of self-
concept when applying cosmetics products. According to the
respondents’ responses, cosmetics products and students’
level of self-concept has a high relationship.
Recommendations have been made to conduct and that
future researchers enhance the study by focusing on the
large number of people who have a deeper understanding of
the issue. We also recommend that the community should
learn more about the self-concept of one person and they
should give an understanding if even the young generation is
more likely to use cosmetics to enhance their appearance.

© 2022 Bumi Publikasi Nusantara

 Borling et al., Cosmetics Product and Self-Concept Among Senior High … | 52

1. INTRODUCTION

Cosmetic products are defined as anything that is designed to be applied to the outside of
the human body (Nohynek et al., 2007). It's also defined as any item, preparation, or odor
intended for human consumption with the goal of cleansing, beautifying, or modifying
appearances, such as beauty products, cosmetics, or perfumes. A person's attitude and
feelings about himself and a gaggle of psychological processes that govern behaviour and
adjustment are called self-concept. It is a crucial attribute of understanding and predicting
human behaviour. Self-concept could even be a crucial part of the event of personality. Self-
concept is the cognitive or thinking aspect of self-related to one's self-image and typically
refers to the organized, and dynamic system of learned beliefs, attitudes, and opinions that
every person holds to be true about his or her existence (Mishra & Khatun, 2015).
Insecurity about their skin, face, and other body parts makes them hesitant to interact with
others. Students whose primary issue is how to gain self-confidence cannot avoid using or
purchasing cosmetics. Teens are frequently obsessed with cosmetics as a result of the social
media videos they have viewed. By doing so, blemishes and other facial imperfections were
concealed. The purpose of this study was to determine the significant relationship between
Cosmetics products and Self-concept among Senior High School students of Sultan Kudarat
State University Laboratory - High School.
2. METHODS

We used a Quantitative Descriptive-correlation research design to reveal the relationship

between cosmetics products and students’ level of self-concept from the senior high school
students of Sultan Kudarat State University – Laboratory High School.
2.1. Respondents of the Study

A total of one hundred forty-nine (149) students is the population of Senior High School
students at Sultan Kudarat State University. Using Calmorin’s formula (2003), in calculating
the sample size, only 122 students from the population are selected and questioned from the
estimated sampling size. In total, (122) students are selected among them, and they will be
questioned about the relationship between cosmetics products usage on their level of self-
concept. The respondents of this study were chosen based on the following criteria: He or she
must: (a) be a senior high school student, and (b) presently enrolled at SKSU Laboratory High
School.
2.2. Research Instrument

The researcher used an adapted and modified e-questionnaire to gather the needed data
in this study. A survey questionnaire is a type of research instrument that consists of a series
of questions designed to elicit data from respondents (Collins, 2003). Survey research is a
quantitative method for collecting information from a pool of respondents by asking multiple
survey questions (Apuke, 2017). This research type includes the recruitment of individuals,
collection, and analysis of data.
In addition, this study utilized a Likert scale to determine the level of self-concept of the
respondents when using cosmetics products and to what extent they use cosmetics products
in different situations. The researchers use the Likert scale to collect the necessary response
from the respondents, they are tasked to scale their thoughts or their answers on a scale of 1
to 5. To collect and analyze data, researchers used an adapted and modified e-questionnaire.
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This study utilized a Likert scale to determine the level of self-concept of the respondents and
the frequency they used cosmetics products and the frequency they use cosmetics products
in different situations.
2.3. Data Gathering Procedure
The researchers ask permission from the research adviser, the examining committee, and
the chairman of SKSU- Laboratory High School to conduct the study. A questionnaire is used
in collecting primary data from the respondents, the researchers are guided by the research
problem of the present study in formulating the questionnaire. The content of the
questionnaire is validated by three (3) professionals to ensure its validity and reliability before
distributing it to the respondents. After the questionnaire is validated, the researchers
identify the chosen respondents and distribute the survey questionnaire online. And after
that, the researcher compiles and analyzes the information provided by the respondents.
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1. The Frequency of Usage of Cosmetics Products
Table 1 shows the frequency of the students' use of cosmetics products in the situation of
social gatherings. Based on the gathered data, statement 3 obtained the highest weighted
mean of 3.65, and standard deviation of 1. 16. It is described as often and with an
interpretation that the respondents often use cosmetics products when they’re at social
gatherings. On the other hand, statements 1 and 2 obtained almost the same weighted mean
ranging from 3.03 to 3.14 respectively, described as sometimes. It can be seen on the grand
mean of 3.27 with a standard deviation of 1.08, with a verbal description of sometimes. The
findings by stating that in their study, cosmetics are likely used when having events, that it is
important in any kind of situation, and also according to the study cosmetics improved their
social skills and attitude in dealing with other people.
Table 1. The frequency of the students using cosmetic products in social gatherings.
Parameters n Mean SD Verbal Description
1. I use cosmetics products when I’m at a family 122 3.03 1.07 Sometimes
reunion.
2. I use cosmetics products when I attend a 122 3.14 1.02 Sometimes
birthday party.
3. I use cosmetic products when I attend 122 3.65 1.16 Often
weddings, christenings, and gatherings.
Weighted Mean 3.27 1.08 Often

Table 2 shows the frequency of the students' use of cosmetics products in the situation at
school. Based on the gathered data, statement 3 obtained the highest weighted mean 4.21,
and a standard deviation of 1. 01. It is described as always and with an interpretation that the
respondents always use cosmetics products when they’re at school. On the other hand,
statements 1 and 2 obtained almost the same weighted mean ranging from 2.76 to 3.05
respectively, described as sometimes with a verbal description that the respondents
sometimes use cosmetics products when they’re at school. It can be seen on the grand mean
of 3.34 with a standard deviation of 0.97, describe as sometimes with an interpretation of the
respondents sometimes use cosmetics products when they’re at school.
Applying cosmetics when going to school is very important to the students, it helps them
be confident facing their friends, teachers, and school mates, they feel uncomfortable
without using cosmetics.
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Table 2. The frequency of the students used cosmetic products in school.

Parameters n Mean SD Verbal Interpretation
Description
1. I use cosmetics products when 122 3.05 0.88 Sometimes The respondents
there is a performance task in sometimes use cosmetics
class. products
2. I use cosmetics products when 122 2.76 1.03 Sometimes The respondents
I go to school. sometimes use cosmetics
products
3. I use cosmetics products when 122 4.21 1.01 Always The respondents always
there is an event in my school (js use cosmetics products
prom, grad ball, graduation, etc.)
Weighted Mean 3.34 0.97 Sometimes The respondents
sometimes use cosmetics
products

Table 3 shows the frequency of the students' use of cosmetics products in the situation of
going out with friends. Based on the gathered data, statement 3 obtained the highest
weighted mean of 3.13, and standard deviation of 1. 16. It is described as sometimes and with
an interpretation that the respondents sometimes use cosmetics products in going out with
friends. On the other hand, statements 1 and 2 obtained almost the same weighted mean
ranging from 2.76 to 2.8 respectively, described as sometimes with an interpretation that the
respondents sometimes use cosmetics products when going out with friends. It can be seen
in the grand mean of 2.89 with a standard deviation of 1.12.
Wearing cosmetics has always been a topic of interest among girls today (Feder, 1994).
Some people choose not to use cosmetics products, and some of them always use them
wherever they go. Makeup has become the standard for women in our current society, and
even grade school students wear it. When people wear cosmetics and feel physically more
attractive, they experience the "lipstick effect," which is a widespread psychological
phenomenon that enhances their confidence. It aids in the development of self-esteem,
attitude, and personality in women. A boost or improvement in self-esteem aids in the
enhancement of cognitive capacities. Furthermore, positive emotions can help students
improve their grades.
Table 3. The frequency of the students who used cosmetic products in going out with
friends.
Parameters n Mean SD Verbal
Description
1. I use cosmetics products when I/we go to the mall 122 2.75 1.08 Sometimes
2. I use cosmetics products when I/we go to travel. 122 2.8 1.13 Sometimes
3. I use cosmetics products when I go on dates. 122 3.13 1.16 Sometimes
Weighted Mean 2.89 1.12 Sometimes

Table 4 shows the frequency of the students' use of cosmetics products in the situation at
home. Based on the gathered data, statements 1 and 3 obtained the highest weighted mean
of 2.44, and 1.83, respectively, with a standard deviation of 1. 01 and 0.93. It is described as
rare and with an interpretation that the respondents rarely use cosmetics products when
they’re at home. On the other hand, statement 2 obtained a weighted mean of 1.66 with a
standard deviation of 0.85, described as never with an interpretation that the respondents
never use cosmetics products when they’re at home. It can be seen on the grand mean of
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1.98 with a standard deviation of 0.93, describe as rarely with a verbal description of the
respondents rarely use cosmetics products when they’re at home.
The respondents are likely to use cosmetics in different situations, however, based on the
study they are not likely to use cosmetics in different situations as they are labeled sometimes
or rarely, it can infer that the Senior High School students of Sultan Kudarat State University
are not relying on cosmetics when they’re at home.
Table 4. The frequency of the students used cosmetic products at home.
Parameters n Mean SD Verbal Description
1. I use cosmetics products after taking a bath 122 2.44 1.01 Rarely
2. I use cosmetics products even if I'm sleeping 122 1.66 0.85 Never
3. I use cosmetics products when there are online 122 1.83 0.93 Rarely
classes
Weighted Mean 1.98 0.93 Rarely

Table 5 reveals the level of self-concept of the senior high school students of Sultan
Kudarat State University – Laboratory High School when they apply cosmetics products, all
statements have almost the same weighted mean ranging from 3. 84 to 4.02 respectively,
with a standard deviation of 0.95 to 1.14. It is described as high and with an interpretation of
the respondents’ level of self-concept is high when they apply cosmetics products. It can be
seen on the grand mean of 3. 83 and a standard deviation of 1.04 with an interpretation, that
the respondents’ level of self-concept is high when they apply cosmetics products.
Most females in India do experience the ill effects of poor self-conception and low
assurance of oneself. Meanwhile, using cosmetic products may quickly change their
appearance. Most of the research on ladies about their confidence has been determined by
how they feel about their bodies, but only with small consideration has been given to a certain
population. Meanwhile, ladies with the use of cosmetic products can develop fearlessness
and bravery. Table 6 reveals the results of the test of the relationship between the use of
cosmetics products and the level of self-concept. It implies a high correlation or relationship
with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.729.
Table 5. The student’s level of self-concept when they apply cosmetic products.
Indicator n Mean SD Verbal
Description
1. When I apply cosmetics products, I feel good 122 3.84 1.03 High
2. Applying cosmetic products makes me feel more confident 122 3.88 0.97 High
3. I feel more comfortable when I use cosmetics products 122 3.57 1.14 High
4. When I use cosmetics products, it makes me feel more 122 4.02 0.95 High
attractive
5. When I use cosmetics products, I feel more professional 122 3.91 1.02 High
Weighted Mean 3.83 1.04 High

Table 6. Testing the relationship between the use of cosmetic products and the students’
level of self-concept.

Source of n df Pearson Adjectival P – value Interpretation

Relationship Correlation (r) Equivalent
Using of Cosmetics 122 120 0.729 High 1.85E - 21 Significant
Relationship
Level of Self–Concept
*significant at 0.05 level of significance

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4. CONCLUSION

From the analysis presented, it was revealed that senior high students had a high level of
self-concept when applying cosmetics products. This indicates that the majority of the
respondents have a good cognitive aspect of self-related to one’s self-image when they apply
cosmetics products. Additionally, the findings of the study revealed that the frequency of their
using cosmetics product in different situations has a different verbal description. It shows that
the respondents rarely use cosmetics in the situation of social gatherings, they sometimes
use cosmetics in school and when going out with friends and they rarely use cosmetics
products when they’re at home. Furthermore, findings also confirmed a link between the use
of cosmetics and students’ level of self-concept, the data revealed that there is a high
relationship between the use of cosmetics and level of self-concept.
5. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We would not have been able to complete this study without the assistance of numerous
people who worked on the project, provided constructive feedback, and provided important
guidance. We would like to convey their heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals for
their invaluable contributions to making this study possible: Jerick E. Fegarido, Vivialyn T.
Asoy, and Joshua Joye O. Caguioa.
6. AUTHORS’ NOTE

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this
article. The authors confirmed that the paper was free of plagiarism.
7. REFERENCES

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Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review, 33(5471), 1-8.
Collins, D. (2003). Pretesting survey instruments: An overview of cognitive methods. Quality
of Life Research, 12(3), 229-238.
Feder, A. M. (1994). " A radiant smile from the lovely lady": Overdetermined femininity in"
ladies" Figure Skating. TDR (1988-), 38(1), 62-78.
Mishra, B., and Khatun, J. A. (2015). Study on the self-concept of MA class students in view of
Carl Roger’s theory of self. International Journal of Informative and Futuristic
Research, 2(6), 1709-1717.
Nohynek, G. J., Lademann, J., Ribaud, C., and Roberts, M. S. (2007). Grey goo on the skin?
Nanotechnology, cosmetic and sunscreen safety. Critical Reviews in Toxicology, 37(3),
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