The power of makeup goes beyond skin deep
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A swipe of liner.
A wash of lipstick.
A flick of mascara.
Hugo Abad / Getty Images
For some, makeup is just makeup.
Depressionhas a way of numbing our senses and emotions.
That said, it may help manage the symptoms.
Heres how:
Sense of Control
Depression and anxiety often come with asense of helplessness.
Mikki Lee Elembaby, a Manhattan-based clinical psychologist.
This, in turn, can boost ourself-worthand self-esteem,Amodio explains.
Creative Expression
“Creativityallows for emotional release without words,” says Boucher.
“This could help make interactions seem less scary and more enjoyable,” says Dr. Elembaby.
This is why “living in the present moment is really hard when you feel depressed.
Having a positive outlook may be even harder,” saysCeleste Simmons, PhD, a San Diego-based psychologist.
A makeup routine can help with both by acting as a form of ‘behavioral activation.’
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment and becoming more self-aware without judgment.
“The slow, measured, repetitive steps of applying makeup encourage present-moment awareness,” says Boucher.
The slow, measured, repetitive steps of applying makeup encourage present-moment awareness.
A makeup routine can help you do just that, she adds.
And to that, I raise my beauty blender.
2024;14(3):777. doi:10.1007/s13555-024-01128-w
Tran A, Rosales R, Copes L.Paint a better mood?
Effects of makeup use on youtube beauty influencers self-esteem.
2020;10(2):2158244020933591. doi:10.1177/2158244020933591
