Archived Post
Temptalia Asks You - What turned you into a makeup addict?
What turned you into a makeup addict? What was it that just made makeup so great or fun to get into?
Explore Temptalia
We're here to help you make better beauty purchases that you'll enjoy and love! We recommend signing up to take advantage of personalized features like tracking products you own, viewing dupes that you already have, and more!
Here are some useful resources for you:
Compare Any Two
Curious how two shades compare to each other? Type in the shades below to get instant side-by-side swatches!
71 Comments
Comments that do not adhere to our comment policy may be removed. Discussion and debate are highly encouraged but we expect community members to participate respectfully. Please keep discussion on-topic, and if you have general feedback, a product review request, an off-topic question, or need technical support, please contact us!
Please help us streamline the comments' section and be more efficient: double-check the post above for more basic information like pricing, availability, and so on to make sure your question wasn't answered already. Comments alerting us to typos or small errors in the post are appreciated (!) but will typically be removed after errors are fixed (unless a response is needed).
We appreciate enthusiasm for new releases but ask readers to please hold questions regarding if/when a review will be posted as we can't commit to or guarantee product reviews. We don't want to set expectations and then disappoint readers as even products that are swatched don't always end up being reviewed due to time constraints and changes in priorities! Thank you for understanding!
Comments on this post are closed.
We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!
I think what turned me to a makeup addict was the time I got my mom’s lipstick during my sophomore year of high school. You start with one type of product, and you just couldn’t stop trying the others.
Awww 😀 Such a cute story!!
If I only knew…
What I know is that I was fascinated by beauty products from a very early age, I always begged my grandmother to do my makeup, that was in kindergarten! And I distinctly remember that I saved for weeks to get my first lipgloss (a coca-cola flavored, rollerball-topped, extremely sticky, clear gloss), I was in elementary school then. I managed to buy it (I paid with a lot of small coins!) and then panicked because the purchase had to be kept secret from my mom, who was, and still is, totally anti-makeup. Well, maybe that is the reason for my addiction, a way to distinguish myself from her and rebel against her values. But whatever Freud would say to that, I don´t care, just gimme my next lipgloss!!!!
Aww, how adorable, Nell! :)It’s amazing that you still remember your first gloss!
…reading beauty blogs. i kid you not.
Honestly, not surprised! Getting into the Livejournal MAC Cosmetics community did it for me!
Your blog, then Karen’s and now I’m a real beauty junkie, lol! 😀 I came across your blog while surfing online and I’ve returned every day to read your new posts. Gradually, I’ve found more beauty related posts and now I’m prolly too into makeup. I used to wear only foundation, powder, blush, mascara and lipgloss (now that sounds like a long list), but now I’m into eyeshadows, eyeliners, highlighting products, etc. and now I want myself a variety of shades instead of a couple of products. So I have you to thank, Christine! 🙂 (in a positive way, of course!)
lol, Aleks! 🙂
I’m glad you’re thanking me in a positive way!
I’ve started using makeup only now, in my thirties 🙂 I kid you not! I guess the reason could be now I’m more comfortable with how I look and am more confident . When I was younger I’d always imagine people thinking about me things like “what makes her think she can wear that lipstick”…don’t know if I have put it across …
You know, you’re not alone, I hear that ALL the time – women who start getting into makeup in their 30s!
I haven’t been using make-up for that long. I’ve always enjoyed a few lipglosses since about 4th grade. It was the only thing I used. I used to think wearing makeup was disgusting, though I still randomly browsed through my aunt and my mom’s collection from time to time. I began getting into random things like powder and mascara at around 7th grade. It was alright, I guess. I got bored of it eventually, though and stuck with my lipglosses. Then one day in 8th grade, I was browsing a forum and there was a topic on Barbie Loves MAC. It was love at first sight. It was actually the first time I was introduced to MAC and that got me into more products like eyeshadow and things like that. There was no going back after that! It was about a year ago, so I’m pretty much new to this. I’m wishing to be a pro by sophomore year, haha. Wow, that was long. O_O
Aww, an early adopting lipgloss addict 😀
It’s so great that Barbie Loves MAC introduced you to the world of addiction!
Well my big sister is a MAC make-up artist and helped me get a job as a make-up artist for Bobbi Brown. I seriously didn’t wear a dash of make-up until I started working. I always had loads, and loads, of make-up but I always used it on my friends but never on myself. Thanks to my big sister giving me almost all of her MAC gratis and getting gratis from Bobbi Brown, I had more make-up then I can handle.
Haha. Can I be your friend? I’m just kidding, but you’re pretty lucky, I say!
Aww!! What a nice sister you have, Josie 🙂
Wonderful big advestisements of beauty companies such as Dior,Chanel,Ysl,Guerlain, ArtDeco and so on.
i tried many times to replicate those looks,and i got better and better 😀
Beauty advertisements always look so lovely!
I have always been a makeup junkie. I bought my first Caboodle makeup case when I was in third grade. My mom let me go to Rite Aid (back then I think it was still Thrifty) and pick out little Sarah Micheals rose soaps, lip smackers, travel size Naturistics shampoo and conditioner (remember that company?, nail polish, and some other little odds and ends. By the time I was 12, I was using concealer, lip gloss, and mascara. Lucky for me, my mom was always really cool about letting me wear makeup and never really restricted me. The only thing she actually didn’t allow was eyeliner. I wasn’t allowed to wear it until high school. I always loved makeup but was more of a drugstore makeup kind of girl (Cover Girl, Revlon, Maybelline, etc.) I barely bought my first MAC eyeshadow about three years ago at the age of 23 and I’ve been hooked ever since!!! I have been trying to get my hands on as much MAC as my budget will allow…as well as a few other brands such as Dior, Smashbox, etc. I rarely buy drugstore products anymore. Once you go MAC, you never go back!
Awww! I love your story, Kandice 🙂 LOL, I remember Thrifty, too, or at least before it was Rite Aid.
I have always been into beauty but what turned me into a full blown addict is when my ex went away to the military. I was bored and needed something to focus my attention on. That’s how it all started. I do go through phases where I’m like eh I have everything then when something new comes out I’m like ahhh must have
That’s a reason I haven’t heard before, but it’s great that it gives you something else to focus on!
This is kind of a personal story, but…I’ve been into make-up since my 20s, but I got REALLY passionate about it as a hobby in 2001 after I broke up with my ex-boyfriend, who wouldn’t let me buy ANYTHING and shot my self-esteem into the toilet. After we broke up, I exploded…bought things I’d always wanted and discovered MAC. Their artists showed me that I am pretty and made me feel confident again. Since then…I’ve been addicted to make-up and MAC especially 🙂
Aw, what a wonderful story!
So inspiring, Shefali. It’s amazing what makeup can do for your self esteem, isn’t it? I’m so glad you know how beautiful you can be!
My parents are musicians, and my mom would get dolled up in her stage makeup and go out to a gig at night. I didn’t really understand where she was going when I was young, but I knew that my mom had this other glamorous life and she looked like a movie star when she went out. I would play with her makeup sometimes, much to her chagrin. To be perfectly honest though, I didn’t really start collecting makeup until I began pocketing trial size products from the nearby Wal- Mart when I was like 11. Kind of pathetic, really, but I had lots of stuff to play with. I’m just lucky I never got caught. I wonder what happened to my old caboodles… I need to buy a train case now, but if I could I’d just use one of them.
I feel you on the controlling ex, Shefali- I had one too, but he was a little different. As long as I looked like he wanted me to, I could wear makeup- but only because he liked showing me off to his friends. That’s why when we broke up I chopped all my hair off and dyed it green.
Thanks Erin! That’s so funny that you dyed your hair…I have naturally dark, dark brown hair (almost black) and my ex wanted me to be BLONDE. I actually did it…and as soon as we broke up, I went right back to pitch black hair. Never went back.
Hey Erin! I think I remember you telling me a story like this before. It’s so great that you made a connection with your mom over that and just got into it! Ohh, I love those trial size products!
Good to hear that you guys have gotten rid of those boys!
I was on YouTube! I was just browsing the videos that were in the DIY, looking for a face scrub to make because I wanted to do one, for some reason. Mind you, I am 21 and have never worn makeup before, except for foundation and mascara. I was going through those and I came across a video from Xsparkage on face care. From that moment on I was hooked. I made my first MAC purchase of about $150.00 just trying out something of everything basically. Then I just couldnt stop! I’ve only starting buying MAC for about the last 6 months, and have about 60 shadows,about 30
Fullsized pigments! I am having so much fun! My boyfriend absolutely hates it! He said I spend way to much money and I dont need 10 blues. Okay I am rambling now.
My boyfriend hates how much makeup I have, too, mind you it is considerably smaller than your collection. I’ve been focusing a lot on collecting high quality brushes for a while alongside the bit of makeup here and there, so that limits the makeup intake. He claims I’m beautiful anyway and that I definitely don’t need any more makeup. I disagree! 😀
Hey Jen! Forget those silly boys, they have their toys, too 😉 We can play with ours!
I always tell my boyfriend, “We’re not married, I can spend my money however I want!”
It started with acne. I was one of those poor unfortunate souls who exploded in acne at age 9. Peers were none too kind and I had female role models who taught me that spending money on yourself (especially on frivolous things like makeup) was shameful. My makeup addiction started during my quest to find a foundation to hide the acne. When I looked at myself I felt I didn’t have to hide my face in shame. It was a liberating experience that helped me realize that I was an entity of beauty and worth. The foundation didn’t make me any more beautiful. It was more of a catalyst that ushered in a paradigm shift. Now I’m a makeup addict because I loooooove playing with different colours and textures. And it doesn’t help that my boyfriend encourages me to get “just one more eyeshadow.” Hee.
Oh, wow! How very traumatic, Tekoa 🙁 I’m glad that you’ve found your way though!
And you’re lucky to have such a supportive (and enabling!) boyfriend 🙂
My first account of makeup was when I was around 2-3 years old..I was playing with my aunt’s makeup and perfume case and I smeared it all over myself, including the bathroom.
I’ve never used much makeup during jr high except for lipgloss. When I really got into makeup was when I bought my first MAC pigments lot on ebay.
Wow!! You were exposed early on 🙂
I was always interested in makeup, especially since my mom wouldn’t let me buy any until I was in like middle school. I was always excited when my aunt would use her makeup on me as a little kid. But my true addiction didn’t start until this past year. I moved to San Diego for law school and now live literally down the street from a MAC store. After buying two eye shadows there, I found the mac_cosmetics community on LJ which really closed the deal and I have had a full blown addiction since then. It’s really bad; right now I’m plotting my Spring Break trip back home to Orlando around going to the Pro store and the CCO there. And the comic book store but that’s an entirely different addiction haha.
Oh man Christine, down the road from MAC? I have to get the train to London to get mine, how does your payslip survive?
My mom wouldn’t let me buy it until I was 16! Can you believe it?
Wow, right down the street 😉
My best friend started getting into MAC in like 01 and I remember not having any idea how I was supposed to wear Sketch. But I really liked her pot concealer, and that’s how I got into MAC specifically.
I love that you remember *exactly* what got you into MAC! I wish I did, LOL.
I actually disliked make-up until this year. I mean, the only thing I ever wore was black eyeliner and that seemed like a big deal for me. But last year, I remember for my semi-formal – I wanted a gold eyeshadow but couldn’t find any I liked after going to various drugstores and then Sephora. Finally I stepped into MAC for the first time and it’s like the heavens opened up lol! I was just astounded by how many products and colors there were. I purchased my first item, Golden Lemon pigment. After I started visiting beauty blogs and learned so many new tips & combinations that my love for make-up grew. In a period of 3 months, I have purchased a train case and my collection of make-up has grown so extensively. I love it but my wallet cries each time I go to the mall.
Wow, that’s crazy, Rachel! What made you dislike makeup?
I didn’t get into make up until I was 17 and went to college. My high school was really conservative so girls weren’t allowed to wear any and my mum hates make up so I got no inspiration there!! There were so many girls at college into make up I started buying the odd bits to try out at home and got completely hooked :o)
I didn’t get into it like I am now until college, too!
you!! i was never this into makeup until i stumbled on your site and because completely enamored with mac!! i didn’t own ANY mac before i found this site. i’m totally in love with you for showing me the light, christine!! lol
Awww!! That makes me a huge enabler, lol! 🙂
Definitely reading all these beauty blogs has turned me into an addict. hehe I love reading everyone’s reviews and wanting to try new things. It’s my stress reliever.
OMG it’s SUCH a stress reliever for me too!
I’ll third that opinion!
I know, right?! The MAC Cosmetics LJ community did me in.
I agree with so many of these stories! This is a great idea for a post, Christine. But I’ll be honest and brave and say that I got into makeup in my teens because I have such horrible skin. I’ve always had skin where the least little blemish will make flakes around it, so most foundations were out from the get-go. Then I had to find and try multiple mineral foundations (I believe I tried 5 before I found one that didn’t break me out – Everyday Minerals). Then…I think I went into the eye makeup category because at the time I felt like my eyes were the only unblemished part of my face. LOL. And then it exploded. Having skin sensitive to acne and a vitamin E allergy in the past year has made me a true consumer who buys and returns stuff *all* the time. 😀
Hey Nora! My skin issues are a primary reason why I’m so thankful for foundation, so don’t feel like you’re alone!
I was about 14 when I picked up my first eyeshadow/eyeliner and lipgloss but that was all I owned. I got more stuff when I worked for a department store and I had to walk past all the pretty beauty counters to my clothes section…how can a girl resist when you have a discount too? Unfortunately I don’t have a discount anymore which sucks. However…it’s probably been within the last 6 months or so when I took proper notice, even more so when Fafi (who I have adored for so long) inspired the latest MAC colour story. Youtube, specktra all adds to the mix and now I’m a bit of an addict! There’s no going back now 🙂
Ha, I know, right? I worked at Macy’s for a hot minute, and I was buying lots of MAC because I got a lil’ discount on it.
Oooh, I’ve just recalled a random memory from this post! I have to add that I must always have been interested in make up because I recall rumaging through my mom’s make up case when I was little! Slapping on Clinique lipstick and blue lancome eyeshadow on my face 😀 haha.
Awww, how adorable, Winnie 😀
I had a make-up guru friend in high school. We’d always go to the mall and get our make-up done. She once told me, “people don’t notice labels on your clothes, and they won’t remember your shoes, but you only have one face, and it will ALWAYS be your first impression AND what everyone remembers about you, so make it pretty and take care of it”! Those words are what I live by. 🙂
I started collecting True Colors eye shadows as a freshman in high school when a relative took me to the mall and bought me one as a gift. Then I discovered MAC and Chanel. Now I’m so passionate about make-up – all kinds!! I am a true collector, and I love it all! And this site is fuel for my fire! LOVE IT!
Oh wow, lucky you to have your own makeup wiz with you at all times 🙂
Obvoiusly,without any doubt,,
Its just u ”Christine”;D!!
Luv,
Zzainy..
Aww, I’m flattered, Zainy!
I got into make-up (started with lipgloss) when I was 13ish. I thought it was a ‘cool’ thing to have lipgloss so I begged my mum for it. My mum used to think it was cool to apply hot pink blush on me, LOL
Aww, how cute of your mom 🙂
I don’t know, I just love makeup!
lol, hey, that’s all that matters 🙂
I have just recently started to be obsessive about makeup. the last 3 months alone I have spent maybe $300! Since I have acne scarring and slight acne I’m always on a mission to have flawless skin.
Goodness, Vicki! You are well on your way to becoming an addict!
I was a tomboy and thought make up was a waste of time…until I turned thirteen and I started noticing that some people actually looked good or even better with some make up on – and I had seriously oily skin when I was a teenager. I tried it out little by little and was a complete addict by the time I was fifteen. Never looked back since!
I know all about being a tomboy! I was one til maybe 15 or 16!
I have loved makeup since I was around 9 or so. My dad used to be in operas so he always had stage makeup, and my mom always had a drawer full of Clinique and Cover Girl lipsticks and shadows. I didn’t really get into it until I was 17 or 18 and I went to college. I was inspired by classic movie stars and I started using the Max Factor Pan-Stik foundation. I didn’t get into MAC until maybe a year and a half ago, though. Before that I’d been into Urban Decay and Benefit, but the real reason for my switch to MAC was I couldn’t find a good foundation that matched my skin tone. And I love how MAC presents new collections–they’re always doing something exciting and I find it alluring.
Wow! That’s so great, and impressive, that your dad used to be in operas. So you found a good foundation through MAC?
Christine, it was really your blog which got me hooked on eye-shadows and blush, and then it was Specktra.net which gave me some more inspirations! But whenever I start my make-up, I always remember the terms you use for the eyes (part of lids etc) and how you always use a bit of dark e/s on the outer crease to make your eyes look deep. So thank you Christine for showing me how creative I can be, despite my limited collection.
Aww! Like I said, I’m so flattered to be your enabler 😉 I’m happy to have helped!