[Standup2me]

I used to never leave the house without makeup
Full on, hair done, makeup, jewelry....then I stopped

Does it make us feel better, or is it something to hide behind?

[kaliope]

I know I feel really pretty when I take the time to get totally done up if I am going out somewhere. this is very rare though. maybe once or twice a year.

I don't feel so pretty without it, but I don't ever take the time to put it on.

[possum220]

I feel more self conscious when I wear make-up. However I rarely wear make-up these days. I just cant be bothered.

[Little Jay]

I wouldn't say it's something to hide behind for me, I just feel like I look ugly without makeup on - you can see my flaws like spots, redness or dark under-eyes. I'm not sure if I just got so used to my face with makeup that it now looks 'wrong' without it. The only time I don't wear it is at home! I wish I had the confidence / self esteem not to because it can wreak havoc with my skin.

[Standup2me]

Originally Posted by possum220

I feel more self conscious when I wear make-up. However I rarely wear make-up these days. I just cant be bothered.

I feel self conscience too.
I feel like people are staring at me

I don't wear make up, I fiddled around with it a bit as a teenager and in my early 20s, but never liked how it felt on my skin, felt like I had a mask on.

One change I have noticed over the last 18 months after a disastrous trial of Lithium, which I never should have agreed to, was I stopped having manicures, pedicures, eyebrow wax jobs, staying in the house more and more. I don't know if it an age thing, or my arthritic knees bothering me going up and down stairs, or something else, but I can not even be bothered shaving my legs anymore. I guess for me anyhow, I got to a certain age, am not married, so I've left some of those things behind.

[Fiona Alianor]

I never wear makeup. I used to wear eyeshadow and mascara when I was a teenager but stopped in my early 20s. I prefer to be natural. I don't dye my hair, either. It's mostly white now and I get a lot of compliments on it.

[Angelique67]

If I'm going anywhere I feel cheated if I don't do some makeup because I enjoy it and feel better with it. But otherwise, haven't worn any in months.

I think it can be both of those things depending...and I definitely go between the two! On the one hand, I like how makeup looks on me, it makes me feel pretty, I feel some confidence when I dress nicely and I think that is a positive. But, I also have insecurities around my looks and feel exposed when I'm not wearing makeup. I have been going out a bit more (close to home...groceries or just popping out to an appointment) without makeup and at first it was very anxiety-provoking! I am certain that I look different - more tired, redness, acne/scaring etc., but eventually I just let go of my concern for what someone else might think. I try to wear makeup to feel good about myself, not in response to not feeling good...if that makes sense.

[Just keep swimming]

I've never felt comfortable or "real" wearing make up. I'm a woman, but I always felt like I was in drag when I would wear makeup and a dress. It didn't feel right at all.

I feel really comfortable dressing like I'm going camping. But now that I've started feeling a little better about myself, some days (still pretty rarely) I'll wear some makeup to help the dark circles under my eyes look lighter and I'll put on some lipstick that looks almost the same color as my lips. I think the color is called "nude". I feel better when I do those two things, but some days it feels like it takes too much energy.

I have glaucoma and use eye drops that make the skin around my eyes look darker. But they also make it look a little like I'm wearing eye liner and they make my lashes really long and luxurious. So they have disadvantages, but also disadvantages. (Mostly, I'm hoping the drops will keep me from going blind any time too soon, but keeping up with always having to use so many different kinds and so many times a day is a real challenge for me. I guess that's another post. Sorry)

[Ravioli6]

I love it !

[GALAXYGAL]

I wear makeup everyday to work because I look better and feel happier when I wear it. On the weekends when I go shopping or anywhere I could really give a hoot who sees me without it besides my skin needs a break from the chemicals.

[PianogirlPlays]

I try to dress nicely everyday and wear a little make up. I think it helps me to feel better.

[Neurotic 2 the bone]

Originally Posted by looking_glass

On the one hand, I like how makeup looks on me, it makes me feel pretty, I feel some confidence when I dress nicely and I think that is a positive. But, I also have insecurities around my looks and feel exposed when I'm not wearing makeup. I have been going out a bit more (close to home...groceries or just popping out to an appointment) without makeup and at first it was very anxiety-provoking! I am certain that I look different - more tired, redness, acne/scaring etc., but eventually I just let go of my concern for what someone else might think. I try to wear makeup to feel good about myself, not in response to not feeling good...if that makes sense.

I bet you look beautiful with or without makeup