The Glamazon Immunity Theory

The Glamazon Immunity Theory: Make up, bad days and the emotional well-being glow up.

Can a perfectly winged liner help cure your hangover? Does that bold red lip have the power to banish the blues? Buckle up, while we discus the science of self-expression and the (almost) magical effect of makeup.

First things first: can a little makeup actually make you feel better when you're feeling under the weather?

Studies say YES! The act of applying makeup can be a form of self-care. A mindful ritual that shifts your focus from feeling bad, to creating something beautiful. Seeing yourself looking put-together can trigger the release of feel-good chemicals in your brain, leaving you feeling gorgeous and more upbeat. Think of it as getting a little pep talk n placebo from the mirror.

Is there any impact on mental health?

While makeup obviously cannot cure anything - with the exception of the appearance of dark circles. Research suggests it can offer some temporary relief from certain mental health symptoms. Here’s how it helps: Hiding self-doubt: Makeup can help decrease negative self-perception, boosting confidence and reducing anxiety. Additionally, studies show that wearing makeup can lead to increased social interaction, which can be crucial for combating low mood. Its looking good for my theory so far!

Now, let's talk performance enhancement. Can a fierce eyeshadow game make you feel more competent and help you ace that presentation? Again, science says: probably! One study even found that wearing makeup resulted in women achieving higher grades in an exam than those who engaged in different mood-boosting tasks prior to the test.

So, can makeup be a long-term solution for improving mental health?

This is where ‘makeup induced immunity’ kind of falls apart. While it’s true that it can offer temporary boosts and be a form of self-expression, relying on makeup for happiness is problematic. Addressing the root causes of any mental health struggles, addressing your self-esteem and working on truly loving yourself is the key to resilience when you’re up against your worse days.

In fact, newer research suggests that if the reason you are using makeup is feeling pressured by societal norms or hiding insecurities - then it can even have negative impact on your mood and self-esteem.

Let’s break down the insecurities:

Constant messaging: From media portrayals to societal expectations, women are bombarded with messages emphasizing their physical appearance as a key factor in their value and worth. This constant "gaze" can contribute to internalizing those messages and linking self-worth to attractiveness.

Objectification: When women are viewed primarily as objects of desire, their individual personalities, talents, and achievements are often undervalued or ignored. This can lead to feelings of being valued solely for their looks, creating a dangerous dependence on appearance for validation.