Fashion
How Makeup Helps my Self Esteem
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I remember my first makeup set like it was a first kiss–white, creamy eyeliner from New York Color; bright purple mascara from my all-time favorite store, Limited Too; and silver Wet & Wild lipstick. It was the height of “Clueless” mania, and my main goal was to look like I was from “The Valley,” despite being in rural Wisconsin.
I had always been fascinated with makeup and the application–I pored over past issues of YM and Seventeen that I got from older babysitters. As I entered middle school, my tastes evolved and I transitioned to Maybelline Full & Soft mascara and matte Cover Girl powder. My mom, a Great Lash devotee, allowed me to wear pretty much whatever I wanted and felt that it allowed me to express myself. By the time I was in high school, I had a Caboodle full of bright lip glosses, purple eye shadow (hey, it was the early 2000s) and fun nail polish.
Now, my makeup routine is pretty natural. I like to put on some liquid eyeliner or a bright lip on special nights, but for the most part, it’s tame. I’ve graduated from my high school makeup and now obsess over Bare Minerals, Benefit and Tarte. I’m a frequenter of my local Sephora, like most 26-year-olds.
I do wear makeup daily and made a few emergency trips to CVS when I forget to put on mascara to grab a trusty tube of Full & Soft.
A made-up face makes me feel bold, confident, and, more importantly, polished. I feel like I conquered the first part of the day and now I’m ready for anything. Bring it.
And, like Natasha Scripture mentioned in her recent New York Times article, “with red lips, I often feel like I can rule the world.”
What product do you use that makes you feel your best? Tell us in the comments!
One time, I was speaking at a university and forgot to put on mascara. No one would have noticed, but it was really affecting my anxiety. It's interesting how my confidence was correlated with the length of my eyelashes. Vain? Yes. But a few swipes of mascara later and I felt on top of the world... is that such a bad thing?
For work I stick to the basics - concealer, powder, blush. But to boost my confidence for an event or social gathering I like a bright red lipstick like Heat Wave by Nars.
I get really stressed out when I forget to wear makeup, I feel like I'm not fully put together, even if I'm wearing an awesome outfit! Pretty much the only time I don't wear it is to the gym. I don't go overboard, just foundation, concealer and mascara but I feel like it has a huge effect on my mood!
I agree with Carly (see above) about mascara! I stick to basics in the office or anywhere actually. That's eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, mascara, blush, and lipstick (if I want to look more made up).