Makeup for the Soul

“Beauty is power, and makeup is something that really enhances that; it’s a woman’s secret.”

– Charlotte Tilbury

I remember the day like it was just yesterday, March 1998. I was sent to help out in the Clinique cosmetics department because someone called out sick. I was very nervous because prior to that day I never wore makeup and that department seemed very intimidating to me. Nonetheless, I followed the order and I went.

When I got there the Beauty Advisor was applying a lady’s makeup so I observed. I watched as the lady transformed. Her flaws were color corrected and then covered with concealer and foundation. Her cheeks became plump with a touch of pink blush and her face became thinner with the use of contour powder. Her eyes opened up and became full of life with the addition of eyeshadows, eyeliner, and two coats of mascara. The look was finished with lipstick, setting powder, and a touch of highlight on the cheekbones for definition. This lady was beautiful!

The Beauty Advisor gave her a mirror and I watched this lady sat up in the chair, straightened her shoulder, smiled back at the person in the mirror, and told the beauty advisor “ill take it all”. What just happened to this lady? She was transformed. She was more confident. She was happy. She became powerful! I knew without a doubt that for the rest of my life, I wanted to be able to impact lives like that. Because I saw it happened with makeup, I naturally thought that was the way to make that kind of impact so I spent the last twenty three years in the beauty industry. Makeup became my tool.

“That’s one of the things I love about makeup. You can change your whole attitude by just doing your eyeliner or lipstick differently.”

– Beyonce

Over the years, makeup has taken me into the presence of some pretty powerful women. Over the years I have heard many stories, seen many tears, given many hugs, listened to many stories of pain. Over the years, I have suffered much pain in silence, and no amount of makeup could cover the pain in my soul. Over the years I’ve questioned, is there any makeup for the soul? What do you do when your heart is scarred and needs color correcting? What do you do when no amount of mascara can diminish the pain in your eyes? What do you do when no amount of contour can make the hurt smaller? What do you do when you become voiceless by the pain and you’ve lost your power? WHAT DO YOU DO?

I’ve searched for answers silently. The emotional pain of the soul is not visible as a physical scar therefore it’s most times left untreated. I pursued studies in counseling Psychology trying to find answers for my own pain and a way to help others with their unseen pain. You see, makeup is instant and for those days when you really need to look your best, makeup can be your best friend. But my hunger for helping with the soul grew stronger.

“When our emotional health is in a bad state, so is our level of self-esteem. We have to slow down and deal with what is troubling us so that we can enjoy the simple joy of being happy and at peace with ourselves.”

― Jess C. Scott

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. “Some wounds never show, not even in the mirror, until we see them in the expressions on the faces of people we love.” ― Cameron Jace

Mental health issues are common. Recent statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Health show 1 out of every 5 adults lives with a mental health condition, while 1 in 25 adults lives with a serious mental health condition. “Emotional scars run deeper than the Nile and often lie lurking behind a smile.” ― Khang Kijarro Nguyen. Therapy/Counselling can help improve symptoms of many mental health conditions. Therapy teaches people skills to address symptoms on their own. These skills last after therapy ends, and symptoms may continue to improve, making it less likely people will need further treatment.

Makeup for the soul is getting help!

Counseling and therapy can benefit people struggling with emotional difficulties, life challenges, and mental health concerns. Take back your life. Take back your self-confidence. Take back your strength. Take back your power. Speak with a counselor today.

If you or someone you know is in need of counseling, please reach out to us. We are here to help. Click this link to learn more and to get started.

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