Let me start by clarifying that I’m not competing in a quarantine beauty pageant. My daily attire consists of the same pair of leggings worn multiple days in a row—switching between my top two favorites as laundry day approaches. I’ve prolonged the intervals between hair washes, convincing myself I’m saving shampoo or allowing my hair to rejuvenate with its natural oils. My excuses are as varied as my outfits. But makeup? That’s a daily ritual.
Sure, there are days when I need to present myself—whether it’s Zoom meetings with clients or leading virtual Pilates classes, all aimed at restoring a slice of normalcy in these unprecedented times. Yet, even on days devoid of any obligations, my eyeliner is meticulously applied (or as close to perfect as I can manage).
At times, this routine feels vain, almost frivolous. With a global pandemic unfolding—healthcare professionals donning full protective gear to care for patients who are suffering alone—I find myself applying mascara and eyeliner every morning. For what? To go nowhere and meet no one in person.
However, this isn’t the first time I’ve prioritized makeup during significant life events. I vividly recall three poignant moments from my late husband’s funeral. The instant I felt an overwhelming void, the moment I walked behind the casket with my two small children, and the moment before all that, when I stood before the mirror at dawn, lining my swollen eyes with liquid eyeliner.
Perhaps my steadfast makeup routine is merely a reflection of my vanity. Maybe I’m like the character in a horror film, too absorbed in her own reflection to notice the chaos around her. Yet, I’d like to think there’s more to it.
Personal Expression and Routine
Many women have their reasons for wearing makeup during quarantine. Firstly, it’s important to note that makeup is not solely for others; it’s a personal expression. I’m not donning makeup to impress the neighbor I wave at from a distance while collecting the mail (though that wave can brighten my isolated day). Dr. Ava Wells, a clinical psychologist, suggests that wearing makeup can establish a clear division between workdays and weekends. In a time when those boundaries blur, any form of differentiation is beneficial. However, I find myself putting on makeup even on weekends, so this doesn’t fully explain my motivation.
Dr. Marcus Jennings, a psychologist at City View Hospital, also mentions that applying makeup can provide a sense of control during tumultuous times. The idea that I can manage even something as minor as the length of my eyelashes brings a sense of calmness.
The Meditative Quality of Makeup
There’s also a meditative quality to the act of applying makeup, which I hadn’t considered until reading Dr. Wells’ insights. She points out that channeling our focus into a single activity—using our hands—can be deeply fulfilling. Engaging in the makeup application process allows me to escape the worry of the outside world, if only for a moment.
For me, the reasons for wearing makeup extend beyond the above. I wear it for the same reason I chose to apply it on the day of my husband’s funeral. I distinctly remember painting my eyes with black eyeliner, thinking how absurd the act seemed. But I also felt that if I had makeup on, I might suppress the tears, as if crying would signify weakness. I wanted to present a composed version of myself, as though perfectly applied eyeliner could mask the profound grief I felt. Looking in the mirror afterward, I recognized a familiar face amidst the chaos, a reminder of my resilience.
Finding Comfort in Routine
I wear makeup during quarantine not to fool anyone (hello, neighbor!), nor to disguise the emotional toll of the pandemic, but rather to ensure that when I glance in the mirror, I see someone I know—a woman who remains present and steadfast, even in the midst of uncertainty. In a world transformed by a pandemic, this small act offers me a semblance of comfort.
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Summary
In a time of uncertainty, wearing makeup has become a personal ritual for many, including myself. While it may seem superficial, it offers a sense of control, normalcy, and self-recognition amid a chaotic world. Whether for work or personal comfort, the act of applying makeup can provide a grounding experience in these tumultuous times.
Keyphrase: wearing makeup during quarantine
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