Why I Wear Makeup and Jewelry: How Caring About My Appearance Helps Me Feel Ready for the Day
- Santina Wheat
- Feb 16
- 4 min read
“Why are you wearing makeup? Why are you wearing jewelry?”
My youngest, my little fashionista, has been asking me this question lately. She loves makeup and jewelry herself, so her curiosity isn’t surprising. But her question has made me pause and reflect on why I’ve started paying more attention to my appearance again—and how it’s tied to my journey out of burnout.
Before the pandemic, I lived by the mantra, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” My mom modeled this for me growing up; no matter what the day held, she always put herself together. But during the pandemic, everything changed. Masks became the norm, scrubs became my daily uniform, and caring about my appearance felt unnecessary—and frankly, exhausting. Yet, as I emerged from burnout, I noticed a shift: I started to care about how I looked again—not for others, but for myself.
Pandemic Burnout and Letting Go of Appearance:
The pandemic hit healthcare hard, and like so many others, I found myself in survival mode. Long days, mounting stress, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty made it feel like there was no time—or point—to care about how I looked.
Scrubs became my everyday outfit, and wearing makeup or jewelry felt almost inappropriate in the midst of such a serious global crisis. Plus, with masks covering half our faces, makeup seemed like a waste of time. I wasn’t the only one who felt this way; many of my colleagues also let their personal style fall by the wayside. It was just one more thing we collectively gave up during those difficult months.
As my burnout deepened, my appearance became even less of a priority. I’d throw my hair into a messy bun and call it a day. I didn’t have the energy to care, and honestly, I didn’t see the point. But looking back now, I see how this small act of letting go reflected a much bigger issue: I wasn’t just neglecting my appearance; I was neglecting myself.
The Shift: Caring About Myself Again:
As I began to recover from burnout, something interesting happened: I started to care about my appearance again. It wasn’t a sudden change, but small actions like putting on mascara or choosing a pair of earrings made me feel more like myself. I was never someone who had to be dressed up everyday- but it was a shift in thinking about it again.
This shift wasn’t about vanity or worrying about what others thought—it was about how these small acts made me feel. When I took the time to get ready, I felt more put together, more confident, and more prepared to take on the day. It was almost as if these rituals were a way of telling myself, “You’re worth the effort.”
I also remembered the mantra I used to live by: “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” For me, this wasn’t just about career aspirations; it was about stepping into the version of myself I wanted to be—someone who felt balanced, purposeful, and joyful.
Interestingly, my youngest daughter’s curiosity about my makeup and jewelry reminded me of something else: the example I’m setting for her. By taking care of myself, I’m modeling the importance of self-respect and self-care. I don’t want her to think she has to meet a beauty ideal, but I want her to be comfortable in and proud of her appearance.
Why Appearance Matters (Even When It Shouldn’t):
Let’s be honest: we all know that appearance shouldn’t matter. Your worth isn’t tied to how you look, and the pressure to “look perfect” can be toxic. But here’s the nuance I’ve come to embrace: caring about my appearance isn’t about meeting societal standards—it’s about how I feel when I take the time to care for myself.
For me, wearing makeup or putting on jewelry is less about aesthetics and more about mindset. It’s a small, tangible way of signaling to myself that I’m ready to face whatever the day brings. It’s like putting on armor—not to hide, but to prepare.
These rituals also serve as a reminder that I’ve moved past the days of complete burnout. Back then, I didn’t have the energy to care about anything beyond the bare minimum. Now, I see these moments of self-care as markers of progress.
Ultimately, this isn’t about everyone needing makeup or jewelry to feel ready. It’s about finding the small things that make you feel confident, balanced, and prepared—whether that’s a favorite outfit, a workout, or even just a moment of mindfulness.
Closing Thoughts and a Question for You:
So, why do I wear makeup and jewelry? Because it helps me feel ready to face the day—not for anyone else, but for me. It’s a small act of self-care that reminds me of my resilience and my worth.
If you’re navigating burnout or just trying to reclaim a sense of balance, I encourage you to find your own version of this. What small rituals make you feel confident and prepared? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear them.
Remember: self-care doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. Sometimes, it’s the smallest acts that make the biggest difference.
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