Let me be clear: I’m not attempting to compete in a quarantine makeover challenge. I often find myself wearing the same leggings for days, alternating between my favorite two pairs as laundry day approaches. My hair washing schedule has extended significantly, and I convince myself it’s all about conserving shampoo and conditioner or letting my hair rejuvenate with natural oils. I like to mix up my excuses. But one thing remains constant: I apply makeup every single day.
Sure, there are occasions when I need to look presentable. I’m still working remotely—connecting with clients over Zoom and leading virtual Pilates classes in hopes of restoring a sense of normalcy during these chaotic times. Yet, even on days devoid of teaching, my eyeliner is flawlessly winged (or at least as close as I can get).
It might seem vain or superficial, especially amid a global pandemic where healthcare workers are risking their lives to help those in need and essential workers navigate daily fears. Still, each morning, I find myself swiping on mascara and lining my eyes with eyeliner—often for no one but myself.
This isn’t the first time I’ve prioritized makeup in a situation where it seems unimportant. I distinctly remember three poignant moments from the day of my late husband’s funeral: the instant I felt the weight of despair, the moment I stood behind his casket with my young children beside me, and the time before all this, when I stood before dawn at my bathroom mirror, applying liquid eyeliner to my swollen eyes.
Perhaps my unwavering makeup routine stems from an endless well of vanity, akin to characters in horror films who fix their lipstick oblivious to the chaos around them. Yet I prefer to think there’s more to it.
Numerous reasons circulate as to why some women choose to wear makeup during quarantine. Firstly, makeup has never been solely for others. I’m not applying it to impress my neighbor, whom I might see while retrieving the mail (though a friendly wave can brighten my socially distanced day).
Dr. Lila Grant, a clinical psychologist, suggests that wearing makeup can help delineate between work and personal time, especially during isolation when days blend together. However, I wear makeup on weekends as well, so that’s not my primary motivator, even if it makes sense.
Moreover, Dr. Simon Keller, a psychologist at Riverbend Hospital, notes that putting on makeup can create a sense of control in an uncontrollable world. The ability to manage something as small as the length of my eyelashes provides comfort.
There’s also a meditative quality to applying makeup that I hadn’t considered until reading Dr. Grant’s insights. Directing our focus and hands to something that nourishes our self-esteem can be incredibly soothing. While I blend and brush, I’m momentarily free from scrolling through my phone or worrying about impending disasters.
For me, I wear makeup for all of the reasons mentioned above, plus one more. I put it on for the same reason I did at my husband’s funeral. I vividly recall the moment I applied eyeliner, recognizing how trivial it seemed. Yet, I felt that if I looked put together, perhaps I wouldn’t cry—foolishly equating tears with weakness. I didn’t want anyone to see how shattered I felt, as if a perfectly crafted wing and a touch of blush could conceal my pain. Looking in the mirror after applying my makeup, I saw a familiar face amidst an unfamiliar world.
I wear makeup during quarantine not for my neighbor (though, hey there!) or because I wish to deceive anyone into thinking I’m unaffected by the turmoil outside. Instead, it’s about maintaining a connection to my identity—seeing a face I recognize amidst the chaos. As the world shifts around us, this small act brings an essential sense of familiarity and comfort.
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Summary
Wearing makeup during quarantine serves as a personal ritual for many, offering a sense of control and comfort in uncertain times. It becomes a way to connect with one’s identity and maintain familiarity amid chaos.