Time, it seems, has a trick up its sleeve. While the clock ticks steadily forward, our perception of time is surprisingly elastic. Moments packed with novelty feel vivid and expansive, while routine-filled days blur into indistinct memories. This is because the brain pays closer attention to new experiences, recording rich details and building vibrant memories. Familiarity, however, dulls our sense of wonder and compresses our perception of time.
This phenomenon becomes especially relevant when we think about how we approach beauty and self-expression. As children, we delighted in discovery—dipping into our mothers’ makeup drawers or marveling at colors and textures for hours. But as adults, caught in the demands of life, we often rush through our routines, losing the magic of these small rituals.
What if we approached beauty as an opportunity to slow time?
Makeup as a Portal to Mindfulness
Makeup and beauty routines offer a unique chance to break free from monotony. Experimenting with a bold new lipstick, trying a fresh technique, or simply savoring the process of applying foundation can anchor us in the present moment. Neuroscience suggests that these moments of novelty trigger the brain’s learning centers, making the experience feel both vivid and rewarding.
Switching up your routine—whether by introducing a new shade, a different brush stroke, or even a ritual like massaging your moisturizer—can transform an everyday activity into a rich, sensory experience. Each choice becomes an act of mindfulness, engaging the senses and giving your brain new stimuli to savor.
If your perception of time depends on attention to detail and novelty, how might you reinfuse your life—and beauty routine—with fresh moments of discovery? Could the simple act of slowing down and exploring the textures, colors, and artistry of makeup help you see the world (and yourself) with renewed clarity?