#MakeupMonday : My Art Therapy !

How Makeup Became Part of My Self-Care

Some people give me puzzled looks when I tell them makeup is part of my self care. There is something soothing about applying makeup. I love watching my face slowly transform. I love dabbling in new eye shadows colors, trying a new foundation.  If makeup is like art then applying it is my art therapy. I even get up early everyday to give myself time for this art therapy. I listen to music, or a sermon and take my time applying my makeup.

It wasn't always this way. Makeup used to feel like a chore. When I was a news reporter, applying makeup just felt like part of the job. Image consultants would come in once a year and critique everything from our hair, clothing choices, and makeup. They would come in and tell us how certain colors made us look washed out, and hand us these booklets explaining how to dress. I never got anything from those sessions. All I heard was everything I was doing wrong, and it further crushed my already fragile self esteem. The consultants would then apply makeup to our face, and say, "See do it like this."

That time the consultant did my makeup

They never showed us technique, or the power of using a primer to make the make up last. They never mentioned the power of setting spray or how to apply concealer. I can't tell you how much money in makeup I wasted because I was constantly reapplying.

Post Depression Makeup 

Interestingly enough makeup became a comfort as I was climbing out of the darkest depressive episode in my life. When I was finally able to look myself in the mirror I was horrified at what I saw. I had gained 100 pounds. I had three dark, brown spots on my face from scabs I would not let heal. I had deep, black circles under my eyes from insonmia, and sleepless nights. I began searching YouTube looking for ways to do basic makeup. I fell in love with Jaclyn Hill, Jackie Aina, MakeupShayla. They made applying makeup looks so fun, and free. I found join in searching for new deals, products, and ways to apply makeup. In the beginning, it was a way to hide the effects of my depression. Then it became a way to honor myself. A way to apply artisty to my face. Then I went to Ulta and met this amazing make up artist named Jasmine who took time showing me how to apply makeup. Who cared enough to raise a collection fund when she discovered I was homeless. Ulta has a close place in my heart because everything I visited Jasmine's she showed me how makeup could enhance my natural beauty. Read the blog I did about her and the other women of Ulta here.

So yea it's much more than foundation, lipstick, and gloss. It's my artistry. My self-care. A way to honor me. 

Here are some of my favorite looks from the past year!