A happy existence requires good mental health. Embracing your emotional, psychological, and social well-being can impact how you feel, think, and live. Mental health is important since it affects every aspect of your life, and your relationships and self-worth are no exception.

There are a handful of ways to take care of your mental health. You can take long walks, read a self-help book, or stick to a well-being routine.

But did you know, that another accessible and instant way that you can add to your mental health routine is applying makeup? It’s an excellent way to establish a secure atmosphere. It can be used as a type of art therapy, enabling self-expression and allowing you to reclaim control over your life.

Applying cosmetics gives you complete control over what you do at that moment and how you do it, which can be liberating. There are other ways that cosmetics can help with well-being. Continue reading to discover more about its benefits to your mental health.

How Can Makeup Promote Emotional and Physical Well-Being

People often use makeup to respond to cultural and social norms. However, a commonly overlooked aspect is what it can do for the mind. Here are four ways makeup can help in promoting mental health.

1. Boosts self-confidence

Doing your makeup may help you feel more confident about the image you show to the world, which can help you prepare for different activities. Looking beautiful makes most people feel better. For instance, it may be difficult to get out of bed if you are experiencing a depressive episode, but showering and applying cosmetics can help in the rehabilitation process.

Makeup also enables you to overcome your physical flaws and shortcomings. Similarly, it fosters a healthy feeling of self and well-being when worn as a form of self-expression.

2. A reminder of the normal

You may have avoided wearing cosmetics during the first two years of the global health crisis. After all, it has no use when you’re not attending any social gatherings. However, you might have resumed wearing makeup when things have slightly improved. Its application may have gradually become a part of your everyday routine.

Wearing cosmetics for most people has become a link to normality in the middle of the pandemic, and the process of applying makeup may be soothing for many individuals. Putting on a bright lip color might be the first step toward feeling like your pre-pandemic self again.

3. Alleviates anxiety

Applying makeup provides a little break from your daily schedule. Perhaps, since great skin can improve your makeup look, you go through the motions of your skincare routine. Or you may also carefully place your brushes and bottles on the bathroom counter before starting. You can even listen to a podcast in the background while blending and brushing over your face in a steady, deliberate pattern.

Perhaps, it can serve as your quiet time when you permit yourself to focus only on the subject.

While the future is uncertain, one thing is for sure: cosmetics. After years of applying makeup, you now know which items to use and how to apply them. Someone suffering from anxiety may find it comforting to have at least one consistency in their daily routine.

4. Improves body image

Body image is a subjective assessment of one’s physical appearance. A good body image implies that you are confident in your appearance and in charge of your self-worth. It’s not about size, clear skin, or weight, but how you perceive yourself regardless of society’s standards.

However, some people are readily influenced by other people’s opinions on their looks, leading them to criticize themselves and compare their body image to that of superstars. As a result, women who look up to celebrities often rely on their self-worth to comply with popular unrealistic beauty standards, jeopardizing their physical and emotional health.

On the outer layer, wearing makeup lessens the vulnerability of women to developing a negative body image because it helps enhance their appearance. Looking at it on a skin-deep level, makeup can alter perspectives and bring confidence. This positively affects one’s career, accomplishments, and opportunities.

The Bottomline

Throughout history, people have used cosmetics for a variety of purposes. Both men and women use makeup to improve their looks, just as they did in the past. On the other hand, makeup is also being used as a tool for healing and rehabilitation in today’s high-anxiety world.

The involvement in the ritual of putting cosmetics in your social setting may be soothing and self-esteem promoting. It instills confidence and has relaxing properties.

However, keep in mind that although cosmetics are beneficial, it is also important to maintain healthy lifestyle and habits. Taking care of your skin and body is vital for your emotional and physical well-being. If you are experiencing any mental health issues, it’s best to get professional treatment.

Author Bio:

Pia is a content marketing manager of Maybelline, a global cosmetic brand offering innovative, affordable, and effortless cosmetics for every woman. With years of experience, she manages Maybelline’s marketing content from creation down to its production. For Pia, being able to create content that helps empower women is a dream come true.  She likes to spend her free time reading books, visiting art galleries, and watching feel-good movies.