Who buys makeup during a pandemic?… Apparently, I do.

As the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 goes into its 4th month of lockdowns, social distancing, and mask wearing, you would think that makeup would be the last thing anyone would buy.

Makeup in the time of COVID…

During this pandemic, we are all being asked to wear masks over our mouth and nose to help stem the spread of the novel coronavirus when ever we leave our homes.

It’s the smart thing to do, it’s the respectful thing to do, and it has become necessary.

What has become seemingly unnecessary is makeup.

If you’re not working, or you are working from home because of COVID-19, why bother putting on a full face of makeup? Most of us mainly seem to put on makeup when we know we’re going to be around people outside of our households.

If you have to wear a mask that covers most of your face, why bother putting on makeup? The makeup is just going to rub off your face and gunk up your mask.

I know that’s been my reasoning for not wearing makeup the past 3 months. If you know me, even a little, you know I love my makeup.

Before the pandemic I would wear makeup most days of the week. If I wasn’t going to leave the house, I wouldn’t bother. Otherwise, I usually ended up going pretty glam most days.

These days, I mostly tend to look at my makeup collection and sigh longingly…

So if you’re not wearing makeup, why are you still buying it?

I am still buying makeup because it makes me happy. I’m trying not to buy too much new stuff, but picking up a new lipstick, eyeshadow palette, or foundation from the grocery store beauty aisle gives me a little bit of happiness in a time of fear and uncertainty.

Sometimes I will come home from work (yes, I’m still working at the office), or get up on the weekend and put on a full face of makeup just because. For me, putting on makeup is like a meditation. The act of putting on makeup gives me a sense of normalcy, if only for a little while.

Do you ever post your pandemic makeup looks?

While I probably should post photos of the looks I create, I haven’t. There’s a possibility I may, but for now those looks are for me. They are a gift to myself, to remind myself that things won’t always be like this. Things will eventually get better.

I try to remember that in the grand scheme of things, makeup doesn’t matter. A lot of the things we hold dear don’t really matter. It’s how we act towards each other and the things we do to help others in these times that really matter.

In the mean time, wear your mask, wash your hands, and keep practicing social distance. Do what you can to keep your spirits up, and hang in there. We will get through this.

How has your relationship with makeup changed since the pandemic began? Do you also buy/put on makeup just because? Do you have a self-care ritual that you use to help you feel more normal? I’d love to chat about it in the comments below!