Makeup Is Not a Chore, It’s Therapeutic

I grew up with a meticulous mother. From putting dishes in the right cabinet to straightening her hair every morning before going to work, she went about most tasks with order and perfection in mind. 

Her beauty routine was no exception. 

For the longest time, I didn’t understand why anyone would go such lengths just to be a little bit prettier. I couldn’t fathom why my mother made certain sacrifices just for her appearance. 

“It just makes me feel better.”

That was what my mother had to say when I finally asked why she would go through the trouble of applying makeup and straightening her hair every morning before going to work. I was in elementary school then, merely a kid that didn’t know a thing about beauty routines. I think at that moment I began to understand the reason behind her morning beauty ritual: it was for reasons beyond skin deep. 

As an adult, I now relate to my mother completely.

Now I spend an extra ten minutes nearly every morning applying a bit of foundation and blush before setting off to classes. I, like my mother, never skip moisturizer and sunscreen, and I always make sure to remove my makeup before bed, no matter how tired I am.

Why do I take the time to do these things? They’re time-consuming, cost money, and in the end, a mask covers the lower half of my face anyways. 

My answer to that is pretty similar to my mother’s.

In a world that fluctuates and moves at will with no regard to how I feel, my appearance is the one thing which I control completely. I can alter it – for the most part – at will and in whatever way I want. Every product I wear is a tool for building a shield that protects me from the outside, a place that is unforgiving, ruthless, and unsafe.

In times as unstable as these, a little concealer and some lip gloss can do wonders for your peace of mind.

That’s precisely why I love having a beauty routine. It’s the one moment of my day where I wholly and completely focus on myself and how I want to present myself. In the time I spend tapping on powder or drawing my winged liner, I don’t have to think about anything else but me. Nothing is more healing than putting my best face forward. 

While this may seem meticulous, it’s become an irreplaceable part of my life. 

De-stressing from the plethora of assignments, drama, and distractions all competing for my attention is no easy task. In a shoebox of a bedroom, turning “off” can be difficult when the thought of work is merely a few feet away. Instead of wallowing in worry, opt for a face mask. Painting you nails, applying lotion, doing facial massages – there’s no better way to clear your mind than thinking solely about you and you alone. 

The seemingly “meaningless” tasks of a routine can be powerful acts of self-care that provide much-needed comfort. And when you look your best, you feel your best – there’s nothing more beautiful than that. 

So buy that new face wash, try that serum you’ve been eyeing, or try a hair mask. Treat yourself through gifts of self-care.  

The boost to your appearance is merely an added benefit. 

• beauty
• makeup
• self care
• skincare