It’s a common problem when you have a chronic illness: how to divide up your energy. And it’s hard to decide if it’s worth taking on anything new 
that isn’t completely necessary.
Of course, there’s no way to make a consistent plan. What we need to do varies from one day to the next, and how much energy we have varies too. That’s why it felt indulgent to me to add something new to my routine.
Getting dressed is tiring. Showering first is even more tiring. But choosing to add makeup? That just seems unnecessarily burdensome. Why bother?
Still, more and more lately I’ve wanted to try wearing some eye makeup, and this week I finally took the plunge. A friend helped me figure out what to buy, and finally, 20 years after most of my female peers, I learned how to put on eyeliner.
As a teenager I had no interest in makeup. As a 20-something it seemed like an unnecessary waste of time, energy, and money. In my early 30s it felt like too much of a bother. I started to get curious about it just as my health got worse and I simply couldn’t be bothered. Now I’m feeling better, but still, is it worth the effort?
So far, putting on eyeliner is pretty easy. Taking it off is more of an issue, because by the end of the day I’m tired and I don’t want to have to stand at the sink to wash it off. Still, I’m going to keep trying it a bit longer. Tomorrow I’ll even try adding eye shadow!
I may give this up in a week, a month, or a year. I might feel overwhelmed. It might not work out for any of a dozen reasons. Still, at the moment I’m glad I’m trying.
Wearing makeup is a small thing. To some women it’s a non-negotiable. To others it’s silly. For me, it’s just something I want to try, and I don’t want my illness to stop me. We’ll see how that goes…..
Chronic Rants 
Makeup is fun! 🙂
I hope so!
Eye makeup is an easy way to make yourself look better when your eyes are tired… I hardly ever wear makeup anymore, but if I do, it’ll be some mineral powder and some mascara. Shop bought coconut oil on a cotton ball works a treat to remove it fast too 🙂
Great how-to-get-it-off tip, CJ – thanks for that!
Agreed, CR – “makeup” has seemed like ‘more hassle than it’s worth’ for a while, for me, too. Partly because I have cheap colors, partly because my mirror isn’t easy to use, or well lighted, partly because I don’t really ‘know what I’m doing’ so I have to re-invent the wheel to get the effect I have in mind, every time (see also, Cheap Colors).
Buon Fortuna on this seemingly ‘small change’, my Friend!
And Happy Day-After-Christmas to all!
It’s small things that work to help you feel better! I personally don’t think anyone should need to wear makeup and the last 6 months I hardly have. I’ve taken a sort of pleasure in ‘just being as I am’ but some like to and that should be ok too.
I guess I’ve taken that approach for the last 20 years or so. I did the “just as I am” thing from my teens until last week. We’ll see how long this makeup thing lasts 🙂
Thanks Karen! I’ve been using YouTube to figure out what to do. I won’t pretend that my execution matches the videos, but it’s a start…..
Thanks CJ. I’ve been using coconut oil so far. I’ve found that putting on the makeup is ok, but I hate taking it off – by then I’m tired and don’t want to deal with it. But hopefully I’ll get used to that 🙂
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I know exactly what you mean. Shall I wash my hair or not is a good question of mine. I have a easy make up routine from when I taught. Rub primer of tinted primer or tinted moisturizer on face.(makes you look healthier) Use a nude/light-brown eye-shadow on most of eye. Thick chubby eye pencil in purple and mascara and tinted lipbalm. I have face wipes and lay in bed and take makeup off.
Lets say yay for makeup! Hope your foot has improved,
Hugs xx
Thanks Lorna! The foot is much better. Hopefully in a few more weeks it will be almost normal. I love the idea of taking off makeup while laying in bed – nicely done 🙂