Beyond Beauty: 5 Surprising Psychological Benefits of Makeup

Photo Credit: Mary Kay Intouch

“Wake up. Grab a brush and put a little makeup.” – System of a Down

Did you know makeup has been around since 10,000 BC? Whoa, right? Evidence even suggests that both women AND men used it back then! Somewhere along the way, society decided makeup was a “woman thing,” but today, we're here to talk about something bigger than gender norms or history.

Spoiler alert: Research shows makeup can have some serious psychological benefits—not just from wearing it but also from the ritual of putting it on. Pretty rad, huh?

Now, before you grab your contour palette, let me clarify:

• I’m not saying you need makeup to feel good.

• I’m not saying you’re only beautiful with makeup.

• And I’m definitely not saying makeup will fix all your mental health struggles.

What I am saying is that makeup has some cool brain-boosting perks. Let’s dive into 5 ways makeup can improve your mental health.

1. Makeup = A Fun and Creative Outlet

Think of makeup as art therapy... for your face! Your face is the canvas, the makeup is your paint, and your imagination takes the wheel. The creative process of applying makeup is like painting a masterpiece—but on a smaller, glowier scale.

How does this tie into mental health?
Art therapy is a legit form of clinical therapy. According to Psychology Today:

“Art therapy is founded on the belief that self-expression through artistic creation has therapeutic value for those seeking deeper understanding of themselves.”

Translation: Swiping on some bold lipstick or blending a killer smokey eye isn’t just fun—it’s a form of self-expression. You get to choose colors and styles based on your mood (or the mood you want to have). Whether you’re going for natural, dramatic, or full-on rockstar vibes, the process can soothe anxiety and boost confidence.

2. Daily Makeup Habits Can Calm Anxiety

Anxiety often comes from uncertainty—those endless “what-if” scenarios that leave your brain spiraling. (What if I take this job and my kids resent me? What if my boobs shrink if I lose weight? What if my cat scratches my son for pulling her tail?)

Enter makeup: a structured, step-by-step process that brings order to chaos. When applying makeup becomes part of your daily routine, it creates a sense of predictability and control. This kind of ritual helps ground your mind, easing those anxiety-fueled “what-ifs.”

3. Makeup = Self-Care

Short and sweet: Pampering yourself = self-care = self-love.

There’s a big difference between self-love and arrogance. (Side note: Ever notice how cocky people often have low self-esteem? But I digress.)

When you sit down to put on makeup, you’re taking time for you. Whether it’s perfecting your brows or nailing that winged liner, makeup can leave you glowing—literally and figuratively. That boost of confidence? It’s like a superpower you carry into the world.

4. Makeup Builds Connection

Here’s the tea: The beauty industry and social media can create unrealistic beauty standards. (Looking at you, Photoshop.) And yes, makeup tutorials can sometimes backfire if you forget that everyone’s face is shaped differently.

But here’s the good news: Makeup also has the power to connect people.
Autumn Whitefield-Madrano, author of Face Value: The Hidden Ways Beauty Shapes Women’s Lives, found that women love bonding over makeup. Talking about your favorite lipstick shade or sharing skincare tips can spark genuine conversations—and maybe even help you find your holy grail foundation.

Cosmetic camaraderie, anyone?

5. Makeup Might Help You Sleep Better (Wait, What?)

I saved the wildest one for last: Wearing makeup might actually improve your sleep.

A study published in Psychology Today suggests that the act of applying makeup—or even the chemical mixtures in it—could positively affect your brain, leading to better sleep.

Is more research needed? Absolutely. But if blending your eyeshadow could help you catch more Z’s, I say it’s worth a shot.

Final Thoughts

Makeup isn’t just about enhancing your features or following beauty trends—it’s a versatile tool that can nurture creativity, ease anxiety, foster connection, and even promote self-love. Whether it’s the ritual of applying it, the confidence boost it brings, or the bonds it helps create, makeup offers so much more than meets the eye.

So, the next time you pick up that brush or favorite lipstick, remember: you’re not just putting on makeup—you’re investing in yourself, one swipe at a time.

Watch the accompanying old ass video below from when I still had eyebrows

Originally posted 1/3/2019