Why Makeup Makes You... Happier?

The University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU) did a study on why people buy and use cosmetics- and found that it is usually for emotional reasons.

Vanessa Apaolaza, who was a researcher and the lead author of the study, says, "Our emotions often dictate our decisions. In our buying behaviors, we make emotional decisions and justify them rationally. These emotions are in part learned and in part instinctive."

The study found that when women used products- whether they actually worked or not- it greatly improved their "sensation of well-being gained from... reducing feelings of worry and guilt."

One factor in why the women from the study found their self-esteem and confidence boosted was "through the perception of 'caring for oneself,'" and products marketed towards that idea helped strengthen those feelings after using them.

Another idea as to why such positive feelings resulted is the need to feel sexually attractive. From an evolutionary standpoint, femininity is the most desirable feature to the opposite sex in choosing a mate- so enhancing any feminine features, including the contrast of the face (see Why Makeup Makes You Prettier), and therefore the use of cosmetics (and push-up bras!) are hugely beneficial.

So while you don't have to spend a lot of money on high-end products to make you a more beautiful looking person, you should invest some time every day in making yourself feel pretty. Even if that means taking an extra five minutes for throwing on some mascara or lipgloss before you go out the door, or slathering on some yummy-smelling lotion before bedtime. You'll look great, and even better- you'll feel great!

(study info source: sciencedaily.com)