Why addiction to cosmetics is not cool

Sharon Isimbi, a communications officer at a Kigali-based organisation, is the kind of lady who doesn’t step out of the house without being full made-up. She is so obsessed with looking ‘just right’ that she wears her makeup to bed. Isimbi spends exorbitant amounts of money to buy a variety of cosmetics, something she has grown accustomed to. She has worn makeup since her secondary school and says it’s now part of her. Her dressing mirror cabinet looks like a cosmetic shop with all kinds of makeup. She is more or less psychologically addicted to beauty products. “I feel naked and incomplete without makeup, just like one feels without clothes on. I am so reliant on cosmetics that I just can’t leave the house without makeup. It just makes me feel dreadful and awkward,” says Isimbi. She adds that makeup adds glamour and makes a girl look dazzling. Even if it might seem like a lethal addiction to those who love to keep natural, to Isimbi, makeup addiction isn’t bad at all since it adds a touch of beauty to her life. Isimbi advises that every girl should move with a makeup kit in their handbags since it is handy all the time. Just like all other addictions, beauty products’ obsession comes with dire consequences. Sometimes, people become so dependent on the that they sometimes have to buy cosmetics on credit because they can’t do without them. In some cases, makeup addicts wear so much of it than one can hardly recognize them without the make-up. They look like two different people, with and without makeup. They become ashamed of their natural look and tend to keep it hidden under a cake of makeup all the time. Often one is deprived of the ability to appreciate their God-given beauty and also takes away self confidence Certain types of makeup may also cause one’s skin to react and as a result one might have to incur a visit to a dermatologists office in order to recover normal-looking skin. Make up isn’t in itself bad, however being addicted to it is. Everyone who feels the need wear makeup can do so, but it’s always wise to consult a beautician on which type of beauty products are compatible with skin type and complexion. Self prescription of makeup may instead give one a ghoulish look, making you look like you were dressed for Halloween. Next time you want to be happy with your makeup, talk to that beautician first and avoid addiction because you are still stunning without makeup. m.kaitesi@yahoo.com