Over "coffee tawk" last weekend, several friends and I discussed little things we do to cheer ourselves up when feeling down. Interestingly, a common theme emerged: When women get down in the dumps, enhancing our appearance instantly lifts our spirits.
For example, one friend says putting on red lipstick cheers her up. Another says buying a new pair of shoes makes her giddy, while still another says getting a hip new 'do at the hair salon cures her blues. Obviously, these are temporary fixes for minor mood swings and not long-term treatments for deeply rooted problems, but it's amazing how little things can make us feel better.
Making Our Lives 'Prettier'
In her book Why I Wore Lipstick: To My Mastectomy, cancer survivor Geralyn Lucas writes that wearing lipstick during her treatment was a way to send a life-affirming message to herself and others even as she was facing death.
"Lipstick was about living," Lucas writes. "Lipstick was being hopeful and having a future. I think lipstick is the antithesis of all the things breast cancer patients go through, and to somehow reclaim it, to wear it on my terms, felt so crazy but also made perfect sense."
Impact on Self-Image
Recent scientific research also suggests that looking good makes you feel good. In a study of people with facial pigmented spots, a Japanese research team found that subjects whose facial pigments were successfully concealed with makeup experienced a measurable boost to their immune system versus those who did not wear concealing makeup.
Other notable examples are obese people who dramatically change their clothing styles, jobs and even romantic partners after losing large amounts of weight. It's as if looking better gave them the confidence and motivation to make positive changes in other areas of their lives. As superficial as that may sound, it's further proof that looks do matter, not only to how others perceive and receive us, but how we feel about and perceive ourselves.
We've all experienced how stress can wreak havoc on our nervous system, immune system and sleep patterns. And oftentimes, when we're stressed out, we look terrible. Conversely, scientists say that the "positive stress" induced by an improved self-image can boost an individual's overall health. Just as taking a walk outdoors on a beautiful sunny day can invigorate the body, wearing flattering makeup or soaking in a luxurious bath can improve the psyche. Caring for one's body contributes to personal stability and self-confidence, researchers say.
"The art of handling your self-image can take on a great deal of importance in the healthcare field," according to Professor Louis Dubertret of the Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris. Cosmetics specially developed for older people--not to rejuvenate them, but just allow them to remain attractive--have relevance for healthcare. We have all seen the correlation between self-neglect, depression, de-socialization, and loss of intellectual and emotional capacities in the elderly."
Look Good, Feel Better
The time we devote to taking care of our appearance can help enhance harmony between the body and the mind and improve self-image, researchers say. That's why hospital staffers emphasize washing and shaving as key to restoring a patient's good health. In fact, the British Red Cross has recently begun incorporating cosmetology and makeup in hospital care programs to help improve patients' physical well-being and self-esteem.
Similarly, "The Look Good, Feel Better" program that has been running in the U.S. for the past 10 years offers beauty-care treatment to chemotherapy patients. The boost in self-image that accompanies the attentive application of makeup has been found to have a powerful effect on accelerating recovery, scientists say. Why? Because looking good can help you feel good.
Samantha Chang is the executive editor of TheImproper.com, a lifestyle publication based in New York. Previously, Samantha was the associate editorial director at High Net Worth Inc. and assistant managing editor at Crain’s InvestmentNews.
A business and lifestyle journalist for 12 years, Samantha is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University Law School. She enjoys running, cycling and music.
» left by Joanne O. from Lancaster, Pa (271 days 9 hours ago.)
true, when i'm wearing baggy clothes and don't have my hair done i feel a little out of it Respond to this comment
» left by Arlene Pellicane from California (271 days 9 hours ago.)
Your writing is engaging and informative! Thanks for the comment on my article about Toddler Christmas Traditions. I enjoyed reading your bio and all your successes, from law school to news! Respond to this comment
» left by Samantha Chang(128) Samantha Chang (265 days 20 hours ago.)
Thanks Arlene! I really enjoy your articles a lot too--they're very informative (and I can use all the fitness tips I can get). Happy holidays!! -Samantha Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (270 days 22 hours ago.)
agreed; i definitely feel better after doing my hair and makeup Respond to this comment
» left by Dianne Lehmann(2,601) Dianne Lehmann (268 days 12 hours ago.)
Hi. I guess I wish it weren't true. That we could all be happy and healthy no matter our appearance. But I guess that as a society and individuals, we are just not quite enlightened enough yet. I have hope.
For the most part, I don't use makeup as a pick-me-up. I prefer to *do* something that will benefit my husband and myself in some way; even if it is just cleaning the kitchen. I do, however, put on makeup whenever I go out. I like to put my best "foot" forward and look my best. I believe I look better with a little makeup (and I mean a little) than without it.
When I first looked at your article on the front page, I thought it would be a fluff piece. But it isn't and I am glad that I read it. It is very well written and presents the facts in an interesting manner. Respond to this comment
» left by Samantha Chang(128) Samantha Chang (265 days 20 hours ago.)
Hi Dianne, thanks for your insightful comment. I agree with you--it's good to put up some makeup sometimes and groom oneself, but it's just as impt. to "beautify" our inner selves as well. Thanks for bringing up an excellent point! Happy holidays, Samantha Respond to this comment
» left by susan thom from nj (267 days 16 hours ago.)
hi samantha,
i have experienced everything you wrote about. i suffer from depression and crohn's, and during the times i was suffering, i look at my pictures, and don't want to recognize that that person is me! when i am happy and assertive and strong willed, i look a hundred times better. being aware of this, i have managed to stay somewhat on track while going through a divorce. when i stay in my comfy fleece or flannel pajamas all day, i feel good, but when i get dressed, do my hair, and put a little make up on, i feel mahvelous!
thanks for a good article, and happy holidays,
best regards,
sue thom Respond to this comment
» left by Samantha Chang(128) Samantha Chang (267 days 16 hours ago.)
Hi Susan, thank you for your thoughtful and honest comments.
Sorry to hear about your recent problems, but I admire you for your proactive approach to managing it. You sound like a very strong-willed person, and I'm sure your positive attitude will help you overcome and thrive in the face of any struggles you might be facing.
We all experience sadness and disappointment, but remember: Our greatest glory comes not in never falling, but in rising each time we do. In this sense, you're my inspiration.
» left by Robert Melaccio, Sr.(4,435) Robert Melaccio, Sr. (266 days 17 hours ago.)
Yes, looking good is important but not when vanity takes over. For the haves of this world it is everything. Yes, just like the rich and famous, a lift here a lift there, botox here botox there. For the average person with a family they don't have enoough money for the cheap shampoo, second hand clothes and outdated garments much less making the exterior look good. Yes, without disrespect toward you for the most part society today is really all about the me and not us. Best wishes, Respond to this comment
» left by Samantha Chang(128) Samantha Chang (265 days 21 hours ago.)
I totally agree with you, Robert. It's definitely true that we all should focus more on the interior than the exterior.
Making an effort to look your best isn't so much about trying to look like a supermodel or spending lots of money on expensive clothes/cosmetics, but moreso about trying to put your best foot forward. Also, you can look good w/o spending a ton of money; that's for sure. Thanks for your comment! Cheers, Samantha Respond to this comment
» left by April Lorier(5,165) April Lorier (265 days 14 hours ago.)
Oh, Samantha! You crack me up with your "coffee tawk". I have a friend from New York, and I just LOVE hearing that "aw" sound. Of course, I tease my friend incessantly...ask her when she's going to learn to speak English! I tease her the most when I hear her "er" sound at the end of "idea".
But about your article. You are right on! Can't tell you the number of times my friend was over to do my hair when I was recovering from breast cancer. She knew it was the ONE thing that always boosts my morale! She gave me just what I needed: a reason to get out of bed. Had to show off the new hairdo!
Thanks, Samantha, for bringing this issue forefront. It's applicable, especially to women (I think) who are going through catastrophe. Now let's see... who loves to have their nails done? hmmm Respond to this comment
» left by Samantha Chang(128) Samantha Chang (265 days 10 hours ago.)
Hi April, it's true--Linda Richman (of SNL's kawfee tawk fame) lives!
But seriously, congrats to beating cancer. You're my hero. Not only for looking the big C in the eye and surviving, but for obviously thriving and spreading a message of inspiration to everyone around you (like you do through your writings on this site).
I've gone through my share of catastrophes too, and sometimes it helps to do something "lightheated" and fun to forget the problems by getting your hair or nails done. Getting a massage really helps too. They're a little pricey but are great for the occasional splurge. It's fun being a girl sometimes :) Thanks for your note and happy holidays to you! --S.
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