Here's a WALL OF TEXT.

I've loved makeup and "collecting" for my entire life.. lip smackers and gel pens anybody? But I only really got into it about 4 years ago when I was going through a period of depression. I was finishing my undergraduate degree and dealing with crippling anxiety about finishing, getting into grad school, loans if I didn't, MY LIFE; I had recently gotten my first long term bf (still together! woop woop) and we'd been together for a year or so so I was becoming comfortable; I lived in a place that has a very gloomy, dark, eternal winter (5 months minimum). All of this combined and I was sleeping a ton, having a hard time functioning (besides school, I rocked that out of the park, but it took up all of my energy and motivation in my depressed state), and gaining weight. I had always been athletic (track & cross country) since middle school and suddenly creeping towards ill health was horrifying to me.

I discovered the world of makeup and it was a great mechanism of coping for me. It made me feel pretty while I was actually feeling depressed, anxious, and fat. It made me put time into myself. I think I'm a more organized person because of it, it's something I spend time organizing and cleaning every day and that bleeds over into how I live my life. I am absolutely passionate about it and I love doing it every day.

I ended up finishing well, getting into grad school, moving across the country, and dropping the 30-40 lbs I'd gained over the few years. I've left that gloomy life behind me (of course I still get anxiety but I'm better at coping with it) and all that's left is a fabulous, full face of makeup every. damn. day :D