The truth about makeup addiction and how to survive it
You don’t need to completely stop using makeup, but try to reduce the amount of makeup you hoard, and control the time you spend applying it.
FATIHAH PIRDAUS24 Jan 2025 01:00pm

Psychologs Magazine published a study which revealed some of the signs to look out for. These include a strong drive to buy and accumulate an excessive amount of makeup and spending an excessive amount of time and money on beauty items.
Research by Havard Health revealed that "with addiction, the object or activity becomes increasingly more important while previously important activities become less important".
Addiction revolves around the intricate battle between giving in to impulses and resisting them. When this conflict leads to distress affecting health, family, work, and other daily activities, it may indicate the presence of addiction.
According to US-based addiction treatment centre Fort Behavioral Health, there are several stages of recovery that can be applied to those suffering from makeup addiction.
STAGE 1: ABSTINENCE
The most important part of the recovery process is to take the first step. This means avoiding seeking out or purchasing new makeup and beauty products, and deciding to use up the products that you already own.
The key element of this stage is to deal with the cravings. You don’t need to completely stop using makeup, but try to reduce the amount of makeup you hoard, and control the time you spend applying it.
STAGE 2: REPAIR
The leading objective in this stage is to repair the mental and emotional damage caused by your addiction to makeup. This can include:
- Going into debt as you spend beyond your means in order to keep up with the latest products and trends.
- Encouraging deceptive behaviour as your compulsive shopping tendencies lead you to conceal your "undesirable actions" from family and close friends.
- The inability to think critically as you struggle to distinguish between good and bad decisions. For instance, purchasing items you don’t like or need simply because they come from a particular brand.
- Feelings of stress and self-hate as you feel unable to leave the house without a full face of makeup.
STAGE 3: GROWTH
In this stage, it is important that you concentrate on decreasing your vulnerability stemming from your makeup addiction. During this period, you will need to confront issues or past traumas that may have contributed to the addiction.
Finding a therapist with whom you feel at ease is crucial for your recovery. The therapist will offer tailored treatment based on various factors, including the severity of your addiction and any other influences affecting it.
STAGE 4: RELAPSE AWARENESS
According to the National Institutes of Health, three of the most prevalent strategies for preventing relapse are therapy and skill-building, medication, and monitoring. This activity outlines the interventions used to assist individuals in recovering from addiction.
You may occasionally revert to old habits, but it is important that you can recognise the slip and return to the previous stages of recovery.
BREAKING FREE FROM ADDICTION
Makeup addiction, though frequently overlooked, can profoundly affect an individual’s life, much like more widely recognised forms of addiction. Embracing the stages of recovery — abstinence, repair, growth, and relapse awareness — can empower you to reflect on their relationship with makeup and cultivate healthier habits.
By recognising the signs of addiction and reaching out for support from loved ones and professionals, you can embark on a transformative recovery journey.
Want to find out if you might have an addiction to makeup? Take our quiz, and learn what signs to watch out for. Click here to find out!
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