Putting Effort in Physical Appearance

Trying to title this was difficult. I'm not sure how to sum up what I want to talk about in one snazzy little line, so I'm just going to jump right in. 

For many years, I did not like make-up. 

It felt like a waste of time, and I never felt like I was doing it right.

I had a very minimal make-up routine...and still felt like it sucked. I even went without make-up for a little while as kind of an experiment to see if anyone noticed or how I felt.

I tried using just BB cream. I tried using just powder. I never really gave up on mascara though- I feel as though I look sleepy if my lashes are in their natural state.

My feelings have changed lately. 

Rather than feeling like make-up is something I have to do, I've actually wanted to put forth an effort.

I've been trying to pinpoint what prompted this change...and I can't really put my finger on it.

Maybe it's something to do with having a baby...but "because of the baby" feels like a cop-out. Lots of people use that "excuse" for everything (because you can...seriously, such a good excuse).

All I know is- I've wanted to put some effort into my appearance lately.

And I'm enjoying it. 

Game-changer: using BB cream and then foundation.

It actually lasts all day when I do this, y'all.

Also, making sure to wash my face morning and night. SOMETIMES I GET TIRED AND DON'T WANNA. But I'm doing it anyway. Before I always thought my face broke out due to make-up...turns out you just need to take care of your skin in general. Who knew?

I'm also using whitening mouthwash. And wearing earrings on a regular basis.*

For years, it hurt to wear earrings. They would get red and irritated starting around hour 4. Thanks to Pinterest, I now clean with rubbing alcohol and use Vaseline and I can wear them ALL DAY. 

I think it has something to do with the need to practice self-care.*

Ugh, what an annoying Millennial statement. 

There's been a lot of...not good stuff going on lately- both personally and as a nation.

Well that's not accurate- personally it's not so much that there's a lot of bad stuff, just more that we've been super busy. I don't have the time to fold my laundry or make a great dinner...so taking a minute to do my mouthwash or 10 minutes to do my make-up gives me some semblance of control and being cared for.

However insignificant or shallow it may seem to be, I'm making myself and my appearance a priority for 15 minutes a day. 

That can make a world of difference in my personal mindset.

And maybe it's not important to really figure out why. 

Maybe all that matters is that I'm having fun and doing what I want and feeling good about myself.

What are your thoughts when it comes to make-up/jewelry/physical appearance? 
Have they changed over the years?

2 comments

  1. I can pull myself out of a slump by putting real clothes and makeup on. I don't think there's anything weird about that at all. Or if I'm feeling like a bum, it's kind of a signal to myself that we're getting up and when this is done, we're doing something! And Ryan's really good about telling me I'm pretty when I'm not wearing any and that my makeup looks good when I do have it on, so I never feel pressured to wear it, but it definitely can be a pick me up. And lately my "self care" has consisted of isolating myself in bed with books and terribly unhealthy food, sooo... I think makeup and hygiene is probably a better way to go about it. :P Glad you've got something to help you feel better!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I definitely believe that there is something about your appearance making a difference in your day. I can tell a difference in how I feel on days that I lounge around in pjs and no bra all day vs when I get up and shower and "get ready", even if I just sit at home and do nothing.

    I usually only wear make up when I'm meeting people for the first time or I want to impress someone. I think this is mostly because, while I like the way eye makeup looks, I tend to forget it's there then I'll accidentally rub my eye and disaster happens.

    Either way, you do you! :)

    ReplyDelete