A Day in the Life of a Makeup Artist with ADHD and Mental Health Struggles
The life of a makeup artist can seem glamorous from the outside—surrounded by beauty, creativity, and endless palettes of color. However, for those working in the industry while struggling with mental health challenges and ADHD, the day-to-day can feel like an overwhelming balancing act. This blog offers a glimpse into the experiences of a makeup artist we have spoken to, who faces these challenges, explores the unique struggles of working in the beauty industry, and provides tips on how to support them in both personal and professional settings.
Morning: The Battle to Get Started
For a makeup artist with ADHD, mornings often start with a mental tug-of-war. Getting out of bed can feel like climbing a mountain, especially if mental health conditions like depression or anxiety are also in play. Executive function, which refers to the brain’s ability to plan, focus, and manage time, can be severely impacted by ADHD, making even small tasks—like organizing makeup kits—seem monumental.
It’s not uncommon for these artists to be running late or feel rushed in the mornings, not due to lack of dedication, but because their brain is fighting through a fog of distraction and emotional overwhelm. The mind may race with thoughts of tasks left unfinished, paired with anxiety about the pressure of the day ahead.
How to support:
- Check-in without being demanding. Offer help if they need it but avoid criticism if they’re late or seem disorganized.
- Encourage them to break tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid overwhelming them with everything at once.
Midday: The Chaos of a Busy Work Environment
Makeup artists are often required to work in fast-paced environments—backstage at theatres, on the set of photoshoots or film jobs, or in busy salons—where chaos is the norm. For someone with ADHD, this overstimulating environment can exacerbate symptoms like forgetfulness, distractibility, or trouble prioritizing tasks.
Imagine trying to focus on blending the perfect eyeshadow while your mind is bombarded with noise, conversation, and constant movement. It’s not just about concentration, though—ADHD and mental health challenges can also heighten emotional sensitivity, leading to feelings of frustration or self-doubt when things don’t go smoothly.
On a bad mental health day, intrusive thoughts or feelings of inadequacy may bubble to the surface. Anxiety about SA or Designer interactions, fear of criticism, or perfectionism can contribute to emotional exhaustion.
How to support:
- Be patient. Understand that their mind may be scattered, not because they don’t care, but because they’re managing a lot internally.
- Offer positive feedback when deserved, but be mindful of overly critical remarks. A small misstep for them may feel like a big failure due to their mental state.
- Give them space to take breaks if needed. Stepping away from a chaotic environment for a few minutes can help them regain focus.
Afternoon: The Midday Crash and Sensory Overload
After a few hours of work, the mental energy needed to stay focused, creative, and SA-centred may start to wear thin. This midday slump is often felt intensely by makeup artists with ADHD and mental health struggles. ADHD brains, in particular, tend to experience exhaustion after periods of intense focus, which can make the artist feel drained, irritable, or even anxious.
Sensory overload is another real struggle. As makeup artists, we're constantly exposed to bright lights, smells from products, and noise from clients or colleagues. On a day when mental health is already fragile, these external factors can trigger heightened anxiety or emotional dysregulation.
How to support:
- Encourage sensory breaks if possible. A few minutes of quiet, dim light, or even just a calming scent can help.
- Watch for signs of exhaustion, such as zoning out, irritability, or physical restlessness. Offer support without making them feel like they’re not keeping up.
- If you notice sensory overload, suggest they take a breather or offer to help with a portion of their workload if that’s possible.
End of the Day: Reflecting on the Struggles
By the end of a workday, a makeup artist who has been battling ADHD and mental health challenges may feel mentally and emotionally drained. Even if the day was objectively successful, they might struggle with feelings of inadequacy or anxiety about how well they performed. Many with ADHD tend to hyperfocus on negative experiences or interactions, making them feel as though they didn’t do enough, even when they worked hard all day.
These feelings can follow them home, leading to difficulty winding down or fully relaxing, perpetuating a cycle of stress and emotional turmoil. For artists balancing mental health struggles like depression or anxiety, this time of day may also bring isolation or feelings of burnout.
How to support:
- Offer affirmation and highlight their strengths. Positive reinforcement can help counter the inner critic that often comes with ADHD and mental health challenges.
- Gently suggest ways to unwind—whether that’s through a hobby, mindfulness, or even encouraging them to talk about their day.
- Offer to check in later to see how they’re doing emotionally. A simple “how are you feeling?” can go a long way in making them feel supported.
How to Notice When They're Struggling
People with ADHD and mental health conditions often mask their struggles to avoid feeling like a burden. However, there are subtle signs that they might be experiencing a difficult time:
- Increased irritability or mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating or forgetting small things
- Emotional sensitivity to feedback or minor setbacks
- Avoidance of social interaction or work-related tasks
- Fatigue or disinterest in their usual creative process
How to Reassure and Speak
When supporting a makeup artist who is struggling with ADHD or mental health:
- Use positive, non-judgmental language. Avoid saying things like “Why can’t you focus?” Instead, ask how you can help make things easier.
- Be mindful of tone. A soft, understanding tone can make them feel safer and less pressured.
- Encourage self-care. Remind them that breaks, rest, and mental health care are part of maintaining their creative energy.
- Listen. Sometimes, they may just need someone to listen without offering solutions.
Conclusion: Navigating a Challenging but Beautiful Industry
Makeup artists are creative, passionate individuals, but those with ADHD and mental health struggles face unique challenges in an industry that often demands constant energy, focus, and perfection. Understanding their daily struggles and learning how to support them can make a huge difference in their well-being and performance. It’s crucial to be patient, offer positive reinforcement, and recognize the signs of when they may need extra support. Together, we can create a more compassionate and understanding industry, where every artist feels valued and capable, no matter what struggles they’re facing internally.