Weird Feelings Towards Makeup

[CantAffordMAC]

Do any of you ever feel...wrong for loving makeup? Sometimes when i buy makeup online and the package comes, I get sooo happy, and then end up feeling kind of sad. I'm not sure if its because nobody is excited except for me..? Like I'll tell my boyfriend "Ooooh baby look, isn't this pretty? Do you like it????" And he's like "yeah its nice". Ummmm its more than nice, its MAKEUP! I end up feeling like I wish I had a twin sister or best friend who loved it just like I did, so someone could be excited with me.

Of course I can come on here and talk to you guys, but its not exactly the same. I don't have too many friends that are into makeup. It's like, sometimes I feel as though i should be worried about more important things than "wowthiseyeshadowisgorgeous" because everyone else is worried about real issues, like everyday problems. But I do worry about my problems all the time, I can be into makeup if I want!

Does anyone feel like this?? LoL. Its hard to explain but I always end up feeling like this. Like maybe I should find another hobby because nobody understands my obsession with makeup and I end up feeling like I have no life. I was shampooing a client today and she is 22 and she was telling me about how much she loves makeup and thats her thing, rather than shoes and purses and perfumes, she's more into makeup. And I'm like

I really think I better end up with a job in makeup. I talk about it 75% of the time. I would probably die if I ever worked at MAC and everybody did always talk about makeup. Am I all alone here?

[nunu]

I totaly feel like you!! None of my freinds or sisters are intrested in make up, so i come here and talk about it. No one really understands why i love make up and why do i only have a lot of MAC and not other brands!!

It feels a bit daunting at times that i can't talk to anyone about how much i love it and why this colour is soo much nicer than this and the pigmentation, colour pay off etc...No one understands why i have soo many shades of blue and why do i need shade sticks and why do i have soo many brushes!! LOL
It is also frusterating sometimes when they ask me why do i have to go buy mu and don't i have eough of it LOL..I just laugh and sometimes think i am crazy for loving MAC but thankfully i found this site and when i log on to it i don't feel like i am a crazy person!

I love make up it expresses me

[Hilly]

Ditto here too! I talk about it A LOT! My friend Haley (hrdruian here on Specktra) is my real life makeup friend. I got her into it. But prior to that, no one understood my obsession. They all thought it was lame-o

[liv]

Most of my friends don't get it at all, but my sister loves makeup like me. I just cleaned out my stash and she was like, "Don't toss them, let me go through it first!" and she took most of my eyeshadows that I either kept the dupes of for myself or just didn't use anymore. We love going to MAC and are planning on going to the Ulta/Sephora that just opened near me. She doesn't know how many packages I buy though...I get everything sent to me here at school!

I just met a girl in another dorm who loves MAC and was browsing on my friends computer through MAC and Sephora's websites, telling me which Pigments, eyeshadows, and brushes she has. Now I wanna peek through her stuff!

[nunu]

^^^ you are soo lucky to find someone who understands your love for make up!!

[mindlessgapgirl]

i am lucky enough to have two best friends who are also makeup artists (one is stjarna here on specktra) and they are the only ones who gets my weird love of colours that look almost the same but aren't quite! funny story about that one - a guy we knew couldn't understand how i understood her when she said her new eyeshadow was "red like the blue one", he called us crazy but i completely got it - its like comparing intensities or whatever, but he thought we were idiots and made fun of us for years because of that one...

[lainz]

i always end up feeling GUILTY for buying makeup...mainly because my bf starts saying "you don't need that bla bla bla you cant afford it bla bla bla"...so that always gets me sad. my parents understand that i love it because i'm good at what i do...so they support my addiction, especially because ive started doing makeup for weddings.

other than that, im all alone too

[sparklingmuse]

i totally understand...everytime i go to mac to pick something up. all i hear is groans from my bf as well. and when i get giddy and try to show him what i b ought that day, he groans and tells me what a waste it is. arghh...total kill joy!

[blazeno.8]

I'm so glad you made this post because I have felt what you guys have said and just not had anyone to talk to about it, but reading this makes me feel much better.

[Briar]

I have a lot of conflicting emotions about makeup, not that I let that stop me. Lol! Nearing 40 and being into bright colors I am a bit of an anomoly because us "older" ladies are supposed to age gracefully and look natural. Well, dammit, I like my eyeshadow to reflect my personality, and that's a bit on the loud side. I also feel a bit vain or conceited because I enjoy the way I look, and enjoy the comments I get from others here on my looks.

I try to balance myself and my attitude by not getting so wrapped up in making makup essential to my happiness. I like perfume oils too, and collect those by the boatload but its all just stuff, its not who I am.

[chocolategoddes]

I have highs and lows about makeup. Some times I'm like " oooh, I wanna go buy makeup and wear it!!!" then part of me feels kind off sad about makeup like, " oh I just spent 50 dollars on 3 eyeshadow. yay???" I almost feel guilty for liking it. I've noticed that I don't wear as much makeup as I used to. my friends are mostly guys so I don't really do much except mascara and lipgloss. And when I'm with my girls I still feel overdone. Its just weird because outside of Specktra I feel like my makeup obsession is wrong.

[nunu]

i'm adding that i hate it when i spend too much and it's only 3-4 products and think sometimes that i could've got a lot of clothes for that amount...but i don't let that stop me buying more make up!

[elegant-one]

When i look at how much make up i've purchased over the past 2 years...i think what if i would have saved all that money...yikes
But i LOVE it so much too!

Sometimes i think it helps distract us from everyday life a little....i don't golf, smoke crack or waste money & time on anything else...at least it makes me look better

[Beauty Mark]

I sometimes experience almost buyer's remorse. It is expensive and while it's somewhat of an investment, it's not like it can last you the way a piece of furniture will. Cosmetics eventually go bad.

[gigglegirl]

Cantaffordmac--you can see you are so not alone!

It hasn't been a full year yet since I've become interested, let alone obsessed with MAC and makeup! There's only one other person that I feel understands this (KimSwim!) but other than that--my mom rolls her eyes when I go to the MAC counter and I do feel a bit bad having packages sent to my house. Being a student, I don't have a whole heck of a lot of money, but by golly I've built my collection!! I have nearly 4-15 palettes full (keep in mind some are pressed pigments), over 12 full jars of pigments, etc. so all that money probably could have been spent better elsewhere--but I barely drink, don't have any other vices and I enjoy shopping and surfing this site for new colours and application techniques.

I have found that lately, I'm much more reserved with buying new e/s as I have so many I barely use. With new collections I'm doing a lot of side-by-side swatch comparisons and will pass on something I think is nearly dupe-able--only us obsessed would be able to discern the difference!!

I say do it if you love it, I'm sure I'll keep adding to my collection for fun. I think after you've built a suitable base collection, follow new collections and colours in moderation!! (lol I'm trying to tell myself this!)

[blazeno.8]

But I wonder what the source of this feeling is... finances can be one thing... people who don't share the interest are another. Of course some people have mentioned kill joys too, but still I think it's more than that.

[♥MiCHiE♥]

I don't feel buyers' remorse, but I totally understand the loneliness about wearing makeup, especially since my interest began at an older age. I only have 1 friend who also wears MU, but she's nowhere near as enthusiastic about it as I am. BUT.....what I don't care for are the "Did-You-Compliment-Me?" compliments. Kinda like, "What is going on with the eyes today!?!?........So, can you come over and do my eyes?" WTF!?!

[CantAffordMAC]

Wow. I didn't expect so many of you to feel the same way. Its comforting lol. Yet another time that I turn to specktra, and only the ladies on here understand me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by liv

Most of my friends don't get it at all, but my sister loves makeup like me. I just cleaned out my stash and she was like, "Don't toss them, let me go through it first!" and she took most of my eyeshadows that I either kept the dupes of for myself or just didn't use anymore. We love going to MAC and are planning on going to the Ulta/Sephora that just opened near me. She doesn't know how many packages I buy though...I get everything sent to me here at school!

Its funny because so does my sister. shes 11 years older than me, but she loves MAC a lot. We talk a lot about it but then we'll end up changing the subject (her choice not mine). She'll get like, into the conversation, but then its like she's over it. No fun there. We don't do makeup together, we only talk about it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lainz

i always end up feeling GUILTY for buying makeup...mainly because my bf starts saying "you don't need that bla bla bla you cant afford it bla bla bla"...so that always gets me sad. my parents understand that i love it because i'm good at what i do...so they support my addiction, especially because ive started doing makeup for weddings.

other than that, im all alone too

I'm the exact same way. Nobody thinks I need it or understands the obsession...but my mom just said the other day I should apply at MAC since I'm so into makeup (if only she knew how much practice I need lol). It feltkind of good knowing that she sees how much I love makeup. My boyfriend sees it too, and he wants me to be a MA, but he isn't interested in the makeup itself. And he cannot figure out how a MAC gift card is the best gift he can give.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparklingmuse

i totally understand...everytime i go to mac to pick something up. all i hear is groans from my bf as well. and when i get giddy and try to show him what i b ought that day, he groans and tells me what a waste it is. arghh...total kill joy!

Seriously...like we don't groan and tell them their video games are a waste. I hate that! My bf doesn't call it a waste but he doesn't see the point. I was swatching my fyrinnae shadows like 2 weeks ago while he was playing video games and he just looks at me and can't stop laughing. I'm sitting here asking him which color is his favorite and why and he is telling me I'm going to waste all the shadow on my arm. LOL

Quote:

Originally Posted by gigglegirl

Cantaffordmac--you can see you are so not alone!

I have found that lately, I'm much more reserved with buying new e/s as I have so many I barely use. With new collections I'm doing a lot of side-by-side swatch comparisons and will pass on something I think is nearly dupe-able--only us obsessed would be able to discern the difference!!

I say do it if you love it, I'm sure I'll keep adding to my collection for fun. I think after you've built a suitable base collection, follow new collections and colours in moderation!! (lol I'm trying to tell myself this!)

LoL I know. See thats the thing. I don't go crazy..I know that dark lipsticks aren't for me, so I won't buy them (even if Fafi is all over the tube). LoL i know my limit. I am still building my collection. Thats what I think people don't get--there are phases. First you gotta build the collection up with some must haves. Then you can focus on getting the must have LE items when certain collections come out. Then slowly, you can get some permanent makeup (you won't need all the colors or all of everything, just some)

And then you realize you have too much makeup and sell it on specktra. And begin all over again. lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazeno.8

But I wonder what the source of this feeling is... finances can be one thing... people who don't share the interest are another. Of course some people have mentioned kill joys too, but still I think it's more than that.

Interesting...I wonder too??

[liv]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CantAffordMAC

Wow. I didn't expect so many of you to feel the same way. Its comforting lol. Yet another time that I turn to specktra, and only the ladies on here understand me.


Its funny because so does my sister. shes 11 years older than me, but she loves MAC a lot. We talk a lot about it but then we'll end up changing the subject (her choice not mine). She'll get like, into the conversation, but then its like she's over it. No fun there. We don't do makeup together, we only talk about it.

My sister is about 6 years older than me, and we do eachother's makeup all the time! In fact, I'm proud to say I started her MAC love and obsession with eyeshadows (that's what I'm best at applying, she's better at blush and highlighter though). It's so fun to practice on eachother, You should ask your sis to do a girl's night in, or do eachother's makeup and go out to dinner or a movie. Who says it has to be a date for an excuse to get dolled up and look beautiful?

Also, my mom totally gets it and supports me. She maybe doesn't realize the magnitude of what I have (most recently, 2 full stila 8 pans palettes and 2 full 4-pan palettes, I got these on specktra, so that helps with the cost a bit), but she knows the value of good makeup (she's used EL for as long as I can remember, and doesn't have a problem spending $20 on a single blush or lipstick); plus, I'm not really into buying a bunch of purses or clothes anymore (my style has become so much more relaxed and laid back, I don't feel the need to buy the newest trends and try to make them work for me, so I channel that money into makeup/perfume). My mom said it best, even if you spent $5 a day on your beauty everyday, it would be worth it for how good it makes you feel. So I live by that. =]

[kimmy]

most of my friends are guys so they don't really get it...but i'll give the lot of them credit for at least feigning interest sometimes haha.

[athena123]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Briar

I have a lot of conflicting emotions about makeup, not that I let that stop me. Lol! Nearing 40 and being into bright colors I am a bit of an anomoly because us "older" ladies are supposed to age gracefully and look natural.

Good for you Briar and Pish posh on aging gracefully and going the neutral/natural route! I'm 42 YIKES going on 43 next month and while I've been wearing natural, subtle mineral makeup for the past couple of years, I only broke out of my subtle shell a couple months ago and discovered that bold eyeshadows are kind of like hats [I wear hats frequently] It takes a certain HATittude to wear a hat well, and the same attitude can apply to makeup as well.

My obsession for the past few years has been skincare. Now that I finally have a routine down pat, I'm definitely branching out into makeup. Very few of my friends and family understand how excited I get when I open up a package in the mail from one of my favorite skincare companies. Some even suggest I could spend my $$ elsewhere but it's my money to spend so I don't really give those criticisms too much credence. As long as I'm not sacrificing mortage payments, etc. to fund my skincare mania, it's not like I really have any other bad habits - well, other than smoking but let's face it - without at least one bad habit, we'd all be pretty boring!

I have gotten my sister in law and a couple of my nieces interested in mineral makeup. Now they, like myself, will never ever go back to the conventional stuff. Trying to get them on board with regular sunscreen applications now.

[lafemmenoir]

CAM:
Your post is what I struggle with daily. My interest began in my *gasp* preteen years. I do have a love hate and sometimes guilt. I will bust me arse to get to the store to make a purchase of something I saw swatched and spent all day at work on the comp looking at youtube, specktra, mua et al. Yes, I could put the money to something else, but what? I don't have an extravagant lifestyle, I've recently moved for a temporary assignment where I have no mates, and can't get in a serious romance. But, I don't do anything with it. I don't wear most of it, I guess I'm supplementing boredom, loneliness or something. I know why my makeup started early, I was bullied and teased alot but my mum loved to do her face so I learned and did her face, then it was a segway to make friends. Fast forward and I cannot pass a store without seeing makeup even in Walmart or a dollar store. I do put money toward savings I graduated university...I guess I'm bored....IDK, but don't feel bad for enjoying life, there is too much in life to bring you down. Watch the news for 24 hours and you'll be glad for makeup *hugs*

[j_absinthe]

I feel weird too, but for different reasons, the primary one being Western gender conventions. That and I always feel weird buying myself something that most consider a trifle.

I ease my guilt though by taking it as an investment. I figure that if I'm going to strive to be a makeup artist, then I need to get my hands on products and use them.

[SquirrelQueen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Briar

I have a lot of conflicting emotions about makeup, not that I let that stop me. Lol! Nearing 40 and being into bright colors I am a bit of an anomoly because us "older" ladies are supposed to age gracefully and look natural. Well, dammit, I like my eyeshadow to reflect my personality, and that's a bit on the loud side. I also feel a bit vain or conceited because I enjoy the way I look, and enjoy the comments I get from others here on my looks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by athena123

Good for you Briar and Pish posh on aging gracefully and going the neutral/natural route! I'm 42 YIKES going on 43 next month and while I've been wearing natural, subtle mineral makeup for the past couple of years, I only broke out of my subtle shell a couple months ago and discovered that bold eyeshadows are kind of like hats [I wear hats frequently] It takes a certain HATittude to wear a hat well, and the same attitude can apply to makeup as well.

ITA! I'm also in my forties and get so tired of someone else's rules. I do makeup for me because it gives me a boost and it's a little dollop of creativity in my everyday life. It's a way to feel in touch with my femininity. And yes, it's just plain fun. If you're *ahem* over a certain age but still feel comfortable wearing bold colors and can carry them off, why not?

I had a friend who got very weird on me over makeup. She was a minimalist---she was very conservative, very religious and very frugal---but she liked my makeup. So, when we'd go shopping, we'd check out the displays at Target and the Clinique counter at the local department store. But she'd never buy. She liked lipgloss, so for one Christmas, I got her some Lancome Juicy Tubes in subtle colors I thought she'd like. She never wore them. Another year I got her some palettes from Sephora---can't remember the company but they had pulp novel themes like "Mancatcher". The colors were great and the packaging was a hoot! She got upset with me because she thought the pulp novel theme was "obscene". Unreal.

And of course she'd criticize me for my makeup and clothes. I tend to go for soft, subtle colors---they suit my complexion as well as my personal style. But she'd tell me I was wearing too much eye makeup, especially to church, when I was wearing only mascara and a neutral wash of shadow. (Actually, the culture of that particular church was that once women were married---or hit their thirties---they didn't wear much makeup---if any---and they wore dowdy, shapeless dresses and skirts. I did not fit in there very well.)

I really should have gotten her some NARS Orgasm. She would have DIED!

My ex-husband was a control freak who objected to my wearing makeup. If I was wearing lipgloss, he'd refuse to kiss me because of all the "toxins". He was a jerk. When we got divorced, one of the things I did to reclaim myself was to start wearing makeup again---it was nice to reclaim that part of me that had been put down for so long and to enjoy my femininity again. I got remarried last year and my DH is fine with my makeup. A couple of months ago we were in the Twin Cities and he drove out of his way so that I could to to the MAC store in the uptown area. He also doesn't mind if I want to go to Sephora, the MAC store or any of the counters at the Mall of America. The only problem is that he's color blind so he can't appreciate some of the colors of the makeup I wear. I wish I could freak him out by whipping out some Springbean to put on my lips but he wouldn't know that it was green. Still, he never hesitates to kiss me, no matter what I have on my lips, and he especially likes the vanilla lipglasses and the watermelon tendertones.

When I think about people like my former friend and ex-husband, I want to scream, "IT'S JUST MAKEUP! GET OVER IT!" You know, I think it's far healthier to wear the makeup you enjoy---the way you enjoy wearing it---than it is to get all bent out of shape over what other people are doing.

[ginger9]

I also don't have any friends that are into make-up, in fact I would say they are anti-makeup. To be honest, they're in their 30s and really don't look good with no makeup on. I used to feel a bit odd and a tiny bit sad that I don't have any friends to share my interest in makeup. There used to be a time when I wondered if I was shallow or vain for having "way more" makeup than a person could need or use.

Eventually I reached an understanding that it's okay to love makeup because I am more than just my makeup. Just because I like to wear makeup doesn't mean I am shallow compared to my bare faced friends. I am super girly but also insightful and worldly. I'm bothered by many people's perception that one must put aside their appearances to show that they care about current events of the world or somehow it makes them more serious and deep. I think that's stereotyping.

What it comes down to is do what makes you happy. If makeup makes me happy why should I deprive myself of it? It's a very healthy interest actually -completely harmless and safe.