Makeup can be more than just a tool for enhancing beauty—it can also serve as a form of self-care and a way to regain control during challenging times. For many people, applying makeup becomes a calming ritual, akin to self-soothing behaviors like journaling or meditation. The act of putting on makeup allows individuals to focus on the present moment, offering a distraction from anxiety or stress and providing a sense of accomplishment in even the smallest task.
In times of trauma or emotional distress, makeup can act as armor, a way to present strength or normalcy to the outside world even when things feel chaotic internally. Just as some people find comfort in their morning coffee routine, others find it in the precision of their eyeliner or the smoothness of a foundation brush.
By managing one’s outer appearance, makeup can give individuals a sense of agency over their identity, even when life feels uncontrollable. The process of choosing colors, blending, and perfecting a look offers a brief moment of control and creativity—one small thing that can be made beautiful in a day filled with uncertainty.
How has your relationship with makeup changed as your emotional landscape has evolved over time?
