Has your mental health ever impacted your makeup routine?

Oh, absolutely! It can impact it both positively and negatively, and it’s not always consistent. Sometimes, playing with makeup improves and feels like it lifts my mood up, but other times, it feels like a chore – and I think for me that does come with the fact that it is a job as well as a hobby, so when it feels like a chore, that’s likely more coming from having to do it vs. wanting to play around.

— Christine

19 Comments

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Mariella Avatar

Not in any serious way. There are times when I’m so tired (mentally as well as physically) or stressed that I don’t bother putting on makeup (this is only the case if I’m staying at home). On the other hand, there are times when I’m blue and just thinking about my makeup, what I have, what products I want to use, the physical act of getting them out and then applying them can put me in a much better frame of mind.

Caroline Avatar

Absolutely. I’ve had depression for many years, and when I’m going through a bad patch either I don’t bother at all, or my makeup look is careless (mismatched/unflattering colours, for example). When I’m alright then everything looks coordinated and I feel more confident, knowing I look my best.

Sarah Avatar

I could write a novel, but I won’t, so I’ll say yes.

Though thankfully, applying makeup has been boosting my mental health more as of late. 🙂

Ana Maria Avatar

I personally tend to see makeup as a very neutral activity, like brushing my teeth or combing my hair, so I don’t necessarily link it with mental health.
Even at my worst points, I still do it because it starts my day. Off course, if I’m having a bad day I won’t do a glam makeup… and if I know I’m gonna cry a lot I’ll just skip makeup.

Nancy T Avatar

Most definitely yes! These past two years have put quite a damper on my makeup usage, but that’s a problem because I still love buying it, just not as enthusiastic about applying it. Half of my MAC lipsticks have lost their vanilla scent for a crayon or Silly Putty smell. This doesn’t mean that they have absolutely turned, but it’s not the most appealing smell, either!

Nancy T Avatar

“I’m ALIVE!” Don’t feel so well due to all the post-surgical pain, pressure and being thrown into full-blown menopause, something I fooled myself into believing was behind me a few years ago. Ah, but the trickery of uterine ablation! Now, I’m dealing with REALLY awful hot flashes and just feel so uncomfortable. BTW, I wondered the same thing to myself: when would my mind and eyes work together well enough to type out my thoughts again! Was it just a fluke today? Or am I finally ‘alright’ enough again? And then, even though I’m in very good facilities (just got moved to physical therapy rehab center today!), the management of pain in this land is quite subpar. Almost non-existent, and one has to just through hoops to get it. Last night, I finally got my first oxycodone, today another, was able to get up and walk. A lot. Then I get here, and they tell me that it’s not in my prescribed medication list!!!

Mariella Avatar

Give yourself time to heal, friend, and for your body to adjust! We seem to have a hard time being patient with ourselves but try to tell yourself “one day at a time” or even “one hour at a time”.

With all the publicity about oxycodone, I guess I thought it was no longer in use – just goes to show what I know. Good to hear it was able to give you pain relief and that you’re up and moving. It’s just so good to “see” you again!

Nancy T Avatar

Mariella, I’m trying to be more patient and nurturing towards my body feeling like a wreck zone. The pain is still there, even with the Oxy. Not impossible to get, but they now really meter out the smallest possible dose of the codeine class of drugs to accomplish the job. And, it’s all well supervised and kept track of how long one is allowed to stay on them.

Krista Avatar

Nancy glad to see your comment! I always look for your always perfectly worded comments every time I stop by Temptalia. I know EXACTLY what you mean about the MAC lipstick smell after long periods of non-usage-that crayon, old skool makeup-y smell.

Nina Avatar

I love putting on my makeup, but there have been times, usually around the death of someone close or a pet that I’ve found it an effort for a few days. Grief has never allowed me to be anything but all consumed.

Genevieve Avatar

I sometimes think that using makeup can be a barometer of how you are feeling on any given day. But for me, the very act of putting makeup makes me feel joyful, colourful and ready to face whatever is going to happen that day. Unless I am extremely ill, I always wear makeup and it lifts my spirits.

I can totally understand where you are coming from Christine because yours is a hobby that turned into a full time occupation. You must have days where you feel like you are creating the colour wheel over and over again.

Martyna Avatar

Same for me. I actually think that if you couldn’t be bothered to put on some make up it would be a sign of being really depressed. Improving my appearance through make up usually cheers me up and helps me to face the world. Not only does it make me feel more put together, but applying make up is also somewhat therapeutic. I find going through all those motions quite calming, it’s mindfulness practice 🙂

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