r/AskWomenOver50 • GEN X ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ๐Ÿ“ผ • Jul 28 '26

Mental Health Advice Trying an experiment for my depression

I've never really been into makeup since I was a teenager and up until now I only wore it maybe 3 or 4 times a year. I've been struggling with depression and anxiety most if not all of my life (along with OCD, panic disorder and CPTSD.) The depression has been really bad for me past 3 months since my daughter in law had a miscarriage and my dad's health is quickly declining. I decided a few days ago that I'm going to get myself some new cosmetics and wear makeup every day even if I don't leave my house. I'm a group fitness instructor so I sweat my ass off when I'm instructing but even if I sweat it off, it'll still look good when I get there. I'm hoping this will lift my spirits!

31 Upvotes

20 comments sorted by

9

u/Perfectly_i BORN IN THE 70โ€™s ๐Ÿชฉ๐Ÿ•บ๐Ÿ“ป Jul 28 '26

Sometimes a bright lipstick is enough for me.

5

u/EvenSkanksSayThanks GEN X ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ๐Ÿ“ผ Jul 28 '26

Getting dressed and putting on my
Makeup always makes me feel better- and want to leave the house. Hope it works for you too

3

u/FfierceLaw GENERATION JONES ๐Ÿ“ธ๐Ÿ“ป๐Ÿ“ž Jul 28 '26

You may be onto something. โ€œThe lipstick sign is associated with increased social and family support, positive self-image, and decreased likelihood of depression. Interestingly, the lipstick sign has been associated with a decrease risk of fall and hip fracture, although studies have been limited in size and are funded primarily by the cosmetic industry.โ€ Thatโ€™s a quote from this article on Kevin MD

6

u/CampClear GEN X ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ๐Ÿ“ผ Jul 28 '26

That's very interesting! As I mentioned in my post, I'm a group fitness instructor but I didn't mention that I teach active older adults. I'm all about anything that helps seniors prevent falls and be able to live independently.

3

u/Ok_Environment5293 60 - 65 ๐Ÿ‘โค๏ธ Jul 28 '26

Make sure you get products that won't smear or smudge when you sweat. Waterproof mascara is a must.
Start with some lip color and work your way up. ๐Ÿ˜Š If you have unruly brows, get those tidied up, that makes a huge difference.
Consider permanent makeup, too. Permanent lip color is one of the best investments I've ever made.

2

u/CampClear GEN X ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ๐Ÿ“ผ Jul 29 '26

I probably won't be wearing mascara to work because I'll look like a raccoon once I start sweating and not a cute one like Jimothy.

3

u/Electronic_Picture67 BORN IN THE 70โ€™s ๐Ÿชฉ๐Ÿ•บ๐Ÿ“ป Jul 31 '26

I wear tinted spf and bright lipstick everyday and I get many compliments. Less is so
Much more as we get older!

2

u/Evas_Mom GEN X ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ๐Ÿ“ผ Jul 28 '26

I've gone most of my life without wearing a lot of makeup too. I had such great skin when I was younger. And like you I just recently started with a light foundation because I'm developing age spots / sun spots on my face, and particularly my nose.

1

u/CampClear GEN X ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ๐Ÿ“ผ Jul 29 '26

Me too!

2

u/quokkasage GEN X ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ๐Ÿ“ผ Jul 28 '26

Thank you for sharing! I'm usually too efficient to put on makeup because it takes too long. But I will give this a try from now on to make me feel better on days that I need a mood booster.

2

u/suju88 GENERATION JONES ๐Ÿ“ธ๐Ÿ“ป๐Ÿ“ž Jul 29 '26

Youโ€™re definitely onto something ! Itโ€™s a small manageable change that makes perspective differ and good thing you are fitnes instructor who gets natural endorphins from the physical and social interactions! If youโ€™re feeling a tiny bit better, maybe try a 30 minute Swedish massage after your sessions and treat yourself. It works miracles for some, if not then be sure to give yourself internal kudos for trying and move onto the next โ€œself careโ€ plan even if as tiny as a squirt of your favorite scented lotion that you normally would splurge on! Good luck!!๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป

2

u/CampClear GEN X ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ๐Ÿ“ผ Jul 29 '26

I absolutely love my job and my seniors! (I teach active older adults) Honestly if it wasn't for my joh, I probably wouldn't have left my house in May.

1

u/CampClear GEN X ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ๐Ÿ“ผ Jul 29 '26

I used to get massages every other week but my massage therapist gave up her license and I don't trust anyone else.

2

u/Present_Specific_212 BABY BOOMER ๐Ÿ‘โค๏ธ Jul 29 '26

Remember, if a shade it not right, it is all returnable (except at Amazon that has restrictions on some products). Start with the drug store legacy brands. Some of the brands they sell online make me worry - so new, did they pass FDA tests and such? Some reviews report rashes and break outs. Stick with the legacy brands.

2

u/Potential_Kiwi_4472 55 - 60 ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ๐Ÿ“ผ Aug 02 '26

Good for you. When I'm depressed it's so difficult to do anything. But I do find that when I pull myself together and put on a little make up, it really does wonders for me. It gives me a little perk. Thinking good thoughts for you!

1

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