We turned to the internet to investigate how two years of lockdown has changed our perception of ourselves, and our relationship to the outside world. Here’s our interpretation of your feedback on how your relationship toward beauty and makeup has changed in a world of Zoom meetings and N95 masks.
I’m used to my bare face
I’m finally used to my own face. Two years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined leaving the house without my eyebrows on, or a bit of blush to “look alive”. That’s not the case anymore.
No longer do I look in the mirror and see things to pluck, squeeze, modify, or enhance. Instead, I’ve reached a point of body neutrality. It was uncomfortable at first, but now I’m so used to seeing my own face that I feel like a clown when I wear it!
I save so much time
The amount of effort I was putting into my appearance everyday was time and effort that I could be putting into other things. It’s so refreshing to have one less thing to think about – life is busy enough, thankyouverymuch.
And it’s not just the application – taking off makeup every requires effort, too. The nights where I can just splash my face, slap on moisturizer and get back in to bed, are the most relaxing.
I save so much money, too
There was a time when I hoarded makeup, and had a collection so big that it took up two three-tier storage baskets. But owning a collection that large just doesn’t make sense for my life anymore. Considering that I wear makeup maybe a few times a month now, I might as well use up what I already have.
Makeup goes bad every two years, and sometimes even sooner than that. Again, why would I spend money if I already have a robust collection? I appreciate what I have more, especially since it’s now reserved for special occasions.
Other people stopped wearing it
Social pressure is real. I recently moved from a large city to a significantly smaller one, and the vibe here is very “sweatshirts and Lululemon”. I felt really weird being the only one wearing bright red lipstick and a full set of eyelashes to dinner, so I stopped, and it was so freeing! Nowadays, my look consists of Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm and mascara. I blend in, and can focus on my friendships.
I like to take naps
Since becoming a new mom, I take what precious little time I have to nap very seriously. When wearing a full face of makeup, I’m constantly worried about mascara getting in my eyes, or blush rubbing off on my pillows and mashing into my pores. It’s the best kind of freedom.
The makeup industry is kinda evil
The big elephant in the room that no one wants to discuss is that the makeup industry, at its centre, is kinda, sorta evil. At the end of the day, it’s a money-making business, and companies like L’Oreal and Revlon want you to spend more and more acquiring products and chasing after an ever-changing beauty ideal. Do we really need it to feel good about ourselves?
The fact that makeup makes you “feel good” is really underscored by the fact that you feel bad when you take it off. No thanks!