Lifestyle And Beauty: Are You Addicted To Makeup?

You go to a makeup party and buy some overpriced products "just to help out a friend," but you feel a little thrill when you purchase them. Maybe you like to get makeovers at the cosmetic counters in department stores, and then feel compelled to buy the products the makeup artists use on you. Maybe you go in a drug store meaning to buy only one item, but end up cruising the makeup aisle and leaving the store with that one item plus an armload of must-have cosmetics. You pore over the makeup advertisements in fashion magazines, reading the credit lines to see which specific colors are used on the models so you can go and buy the products to achieve the exact same looks.

In addition to hoarding makeup and studying the latest trends, a makeup addict is someone who cannot leave home without being perfectly made up. For instance, if you will not allow anyone to see you without your makeup on--not even your husband or significant other--then you have a problem. If you go to bed wearing makeup so your husband or significant other can't see your natural face, then you have a problem. If you are afraid to show people what you look like without your makeup on, then you have a problem. If the makeup artist at the cosmetic counter knows you by name because you spend so much time there that it has become your home away from home, then you have a problem.

Makeup addicts are extreme: they have to have the latest and greatest products. Perhaps they even spend exorbitant amounts of money on what they buy. They don't just have one drawerful of makeup; they have many drawers or makeup cases full. Makeup addicts won't necessarily admit they have a problem. Just like with any other drug, the makeup addict gets a high, either from that perfectly made-up face, or the hunt for that one special product. Eventually, to achieve that high, they will need to buy more products or spend more time grooming themselves.

Often, they can't control their behavior, such as the amount of time spent shopping and/or grooming. Maybe the addict's personality changes as well. In addition, they will have to face the consequences of their addiction. Examples of consequences include: going into debt due to buying too many products on credit; spending too much time shopping or grooming to the detriment of their familial, work or other obligations; or feeling empty inside when the latest and greatest product doesn't live up to expectations.

Compulsion, loss of control, personality changes and facing unpleasant consequences are all signs of addiction. Even something as seemingly innocent as makeup and/or grooming can become a drug if improperly used.

Do you recognize yourself? If so, then it's definitely time to clean out those drawers and toss those old jars of paints, powders and perfumes, and get some help.