Feeling beautiful: Women turn to makeup, beauty products to stay positive during pandemic

NEW YORK — As 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic continue to put a damper on things, women are turning to their makeup routines to feel a sense of control and comfort. A survey asking 2,000 American women about how they’re staying positive and confident during the pandemic finds 51 percent admit wearing makeup and changing their looks up helps them to cope with current affairs.

The results show that millennial women overwhelmingly utilize this coping mechanism, at 63 percent. Meanwhile, their Gen X counterparts are closely behind at 54 percent. This sense of control has a direct impact on respondents’ moods as well: 36 percent say they’re in better spirits after mixing up their looks.

Covid Beauty SurveyConducted by OnePoll on behalf of Neutrogena Makeup, the survey finds feeling grounded during this uncertain time also has a ripple effect. Forty-six percent of respondents  have felt an instant boost in confidence, and 28 percent feel more productive at home when they put on a little makeup.

And as nearly half (49%) of women have abandoned their old routines since entering quarantine, millennial and Gen X respondents are using this time to create new looks for themselves to pass the time,  at 55 percent and 53 percent respectively.

Gen Z and baby boomer respondents are the least likely to toss their old routines, however, at 29 percent and 39 percent. The survey found that most Gen Z women (58%), however, miss getting ready every morning the most. These women are also the most likely to utilize their time in quarantine to learn new techniques, however, at 33 percent compared to just 22 percent of their Gen X counterparts.

Wearing makeup even when not necessary provides sense of normalcy

The top times women still opt to wear a little makeup include while running essential errands, working from home and attending their online classes. Just over a third of women polled also say they like to wear makeup just lounging around the house. Despite wearing masks and other protective facial coverings, 41 percent of women still like to get ready to hang out with friends (while maintaining social distancing of course).

Thirty-seven percent of women, perhaps unsurprisingly, still prefer to wear makeup when supporting local outdoor restaurants and having a drink outside (29%).

Covid Beauty Survey“It’s important to look for makeup that works for your everyday needs and keeps your skin healthy by nourishing and protecting it at the same time; products with sunscreen and additional vitamins and antioxidants are always great options,” shares celebrity makeup artist and Neutrogena partner, Neil Scibelli.

The survey also asked respondents to look to the future and anticipate what will be on trend entering 2021, and hopefully, leaving quarantine as well. Forty-five percent of women predict  the top 2021 trend will be more natural makeup looks. That’s closely followed by a rise in highlighting their eyes due to wearing masks and protective facial coverings.

“Natural-looking or no-makeup makeup is one of the most universally flattering looks and can really bring out the beauty of your skin and features,” added Scibelli. “Makeup can allow you to not only look but also feel radiant and empowered to present your best possible self, regardless of the challenges we face from day to day.”

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