Makeup & Me: Navigating the World of Beauty with ADHD

Living with ADHD is like riding a rollercoaster through a whirlwind. Every day brings its own set of challenges and sometimes, even the simplest tasks—like putting on makeup—can feel like scaling Mount Everest.

Being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, I never truly grasped the extent to which makeup had become a shield for me. It wasn't until later on that I realized it was a significant factor in my feelings of insecurity and vulnerability when I wasn't wearing it. Desperately seeking acceptance and fearing standing out because of my quirks, I concealed myself behind layers of makeup, hoping it would mask how alienated I felt inside. Makeup had the added bonus of attracting romantic interest which I (wrongly) thought would alleviate the pain from my cripplingly low self-esteem.

Now, I'm on a journey of unlearning these habits and realising that my self-worth isn't defined by my appearance. It's a challenging process but: I am more than just how I look and so are you. I don’t think this means we have to abandon makeup. I still like makeup and it’s a positive addition to my life but if you find some elements of makeup stressful – you’re not alone!

Let's face it, ADHD can throw some serious curveballs into our makeup routines

· Focus: Sitting still for a detailed application feels like an eternity when our minds are buzzing with new ideas and techniques.

· Organization: Our makeup collections can easily turn into chaotic battlegrounds, making finding the right shade of eyeshadow feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

· Time Blindness: Hours can slip by unnoticed as we get lost in the makeup application process.

· Impulsivity: The allure of new makeup trends and products can be irresistible, leading to overflowing makeup drawers and crying bank accounts.

Here are my hacks to simplify your makeup routine and make it more manageable

· Keep it Simple: You want multitasking products and minimalist routines. Decide your makeup aims and prioritise accordingly.

· High Maintenance to Lower Maintenance: Consider options like laminating or dying brows and lashes, or using semi-permanent lip liner to feel put together with less makeup on busy days.

· Declutter and Organize: Clear organizers and categorizing makeup by type can save time and frustration.

· Embrace Multitasking: Apply makeup while meditating or listening to a podcast to stay focused.

· Find the Fun: Experiment with different colours and techniques, but remember, it's about self-expression, not perfection.

· Set Spending Boundaries: Before splurging on a new makeup product, take a moment to consider if it's truly necessary.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey.

There's a whole community of people with ADHD navigating the world of makeup, in fact many of us thrive in this department due to our boldness and creativity. Together, we can support each other and embrace our uniqueness.