Let me be clear: I’m not aiming to excel in any quarantine self-improvement challenge. My wardrobe often consists of the same cozy leggings for too many consecutive days, alternating between my two favorite pairs as laundry day approaches. I’ve also extended the time between hair washes, convincing myself it’s a way to save on shampoo or allow my hair to rejuvenate with its natural oils. I enjoy switching up my rationalizations. But when it comes to makeup? That’s a daily ritual for me.
Sure, there are days when I need to look presentable for work, whether I’m connecting with clients over Zoom or conducting virtual Pilates classes to provide a semblance of normalcy during these unusual times. Yet, even on days without scheduled appointments, I still achieve that perfectly winged eyeliner (or at least what I consider a decent attempt).
It may seem vain. It might feel incredibly superficial to care about makeup when a global pandemic is wreaking havoc—healthcare workers are donning hazmat gear to care for those suffering alone, while essential workers head to their jobs with fear hanging over them. But every morning, I find myself applying mascara and lining my eyes, even when I’m sitting at home, isolated.
This isn’t the first time I’ve prioritized my makeup routine in times of emotional upheaval. I vividly recall three moments from the day of my late husband’s funeral: the instant when the world felt devoid of air, the moment I walked behind the casket with our young children, and, remarkably, the moment I stood before the bathroom mirror at dawn, applying liquid eyeliner to my swollen eyes.
Perhaps my commitment to makeup stems from sheer vanity. Maybe I’m like that character in horror flicks, more focused on her lipstick than the chaos around her. I’d like to think my motivations are deeper.
Several insights explain why women might wear makeup during quarantine. First and foremost, makeup has never truly been about impressing others. I’m not putting on makeup to look good for my neighbor, whom I might wave to from a distance while picking up the mail (although those brief interactions can be highlights in a day of solitude).
Samantha Greene, a clinical psychologist, suggests that makeup can help create a boundary between work and personal time, particularly when those spaces become indistinguishable during isolation. However, I find myself putting on makeup even on weekends, so this isn’t my primary reason, though it certainly makes sense.
Dr. Marcus Lee, a psychologist at a prominent hospital, pointed out that makeup can provide a sense of control in an uncontrollable world. Yes, I find comfort knowing I can manage even the minutiae, like the length of my eyelashes.
Additionally, applying makeup can be meditative. Dr. Greene notes that focusing our attention on one task, like using our hands to beautify ourselves, can be quite grounding. When I’m engaged in the act of makeup application, I’m not obsessively checking my phone or worrying about what catastrophe might come next.
For me, the reasons I wear makeup during quarantine encompass all of the above, plus one more. I wear it for the same reason I did on the day of my husband’s funeral. I remember clearly the moment I applied that black eyeliner and felt how trivial the act was. Yet I also thought that perhaps if I had makeup on, I might not cry, as if shedding tears would signify weakness. I didn’t want anyone to see how shattered I felt, as if a well-defined eyeliner and a hint of blush could conceal my pain. In that fleeting moment, I looked in the mirror and saw a familiar face—a woman who hadn’t vanished into the backdrop of a surreal reality.
I wear makeup during quarantine not for anyone else, but for myself. In a world that feels unrecognizable, it’s essential for me to look in the mirror and see someone I know—a steadfast presence amidst all the uncertainty.
As the pandemic reshapes everything we once understood, there’s solace in that familiarity. For more insights on this topic, check out this article on home insemination or visit Intracervical Insemination, an authority on the subject. Additionally, this resource on genetics and IVF is invaluable for anyone navigating these changes.
Summary
This article discusses the reasons for wearing makeup during quarantine, emphasizing personal empowerment, a sense of control, and the importance of maintaining a familiar self-image amidst chaos.