Have you ever thrown on a bright red lipstick and instantly felt powerful? Or dabbed on some sparkly eyeshadow and felt your mood lift? If so, you’re no stranger to the idea of dopamine dressing, a concept that has been around since the mid-2010s. The term arises from dressing in ways that stimulate the brain’s release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.
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While the practice of choosing clothes for mood enhancement has likely been instinctual and part of human behaviour, the deliberate connection between fashion choices and their impact on mood, particularly through the lens of neuroscience, is a recent development – especially evident during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A model getting make up done in the backstage of Moschino Fall Winter 2024 Women Ready to Wear Fashion Show on February 2024 in Milan, Italy
Never underestimate the uplifting power of red lipstick.
Colours are friends who know how to cheer us up. They are the hues in our clothes and accessories that put a smile on our face, and add that spring to our step. Imagine applying that same feel-good philosophy to our makeup bag. Makeup is the perfect playground for this, and it’s amazing how a little colour and sparkle on our faces can turn our day around. And we can have all this fun without making big commitments. Today’s electric blue eyeliner doesn’t have to be tomorrow’s choice. You can switch it up as your mood changes.
The shades in Chanel's Ombre Essentielle collection feature eyeshadow colours for the bold-hearted.
Getting into dopamine makeup doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your entire makeup routine. It’s as simple as adding a pop of colour where you’d usually go neutral, or trying out a lipstick shade that’s been calling out to you from the shelf. These small tweaks can make a big difference in how you feel. It’s about finding those little moments of joy and confidence and wearing them right on your face.
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Always wanted to try a bold new eyeliner style? Go for it. Wondering if you can pull off that hot pink nail polish? You absolutely can. It’s all about playing with your makeup, seeing what makes you feel the best, and rolling with it. It’s a fabulous way to elevate your mood, boost your confidence, and showcase your unique style—all with a simple brush stroke.
A riot of colours for the Club Kid-inspired makeup at the Windowsen Fall/Winter 2024 show by Chinese designer Sensen Lii.
And the best part? Once you’ve successfully lifted your spirits, you can simply wash it all away at the end of the day. It’s the ultimate no-strings-attached approach to experimenting with your look and finding happiness in the little things, one day at a time.
This story first appeared in Harper's Bazaar Singapore.