This Commercial Proves the Transformative Power of Makeup

Makeup has the ability to empower and uplift its wearers, but above all, cosmetics' most impressive quality is how easily it can transform someone. Shiseido explores that terrific trait in its new advertisement "High School Girl?," which had more than four million views just eight days after it was first posted on YouTube.

The title of the video is innocent enough, but pay close attention — that question mark at the end betrays the ad's twist. The camera moves from face to face in a school classroom, focusing on each pretty student. Spoiler alert: the girls are actually boys. Time lapses show the extreme makeover (wig styling, makeup, and uniforms) performed on each actor, including the teachers. At the end, the powerful tagline "anyone can be cute" flashes across the screen.

As members of our society learn more about gender identity and fluidity, advertisements like Shiseido's go a long way in starting important conversations. More men are starting to wear makeup to feel like their best selves, which we wholeheartedly support. Above all, beauty is fun! Watch the video and see if you can catch the clues leading up to the surprise ending.