I’m the girl who takes far too long to get ready and is always over-done for the occasion. I have far more makeup brushes than any female needs and I still don’t think I have enough. I would tell you that Sephora and Ulta steal my money but, really, I am begging them to take it. I act bothered when people ask for help getting ready, but I secretly love it. I spend countless hours each week watching YouTube videos on how to perfect my winged eyeliner and obsessively looking for the hottest new lip colors. I eagerly wait each week for my favorite beauty vloggers to post their latest tutorials. I am addicted to makeup and online makeup tutorials, and I don’t care who knows it.

I know not everybody shares or even understands my love for eye-shadows and illuminators, I’m content not following the trend on this one. (No, I’m not referring to makeup trends, I follow all of those).

My addiction started small, but it didn’t start pretty. I can remember first experimenting with makeup in the seventh grade. In an attempt to pull off an “effortless” bronzed glow, I purchased a liquid foundation way too many shades darker than my natural skin tone. With a brand new makeup sponge, I (generously) applied the foundation all over my face, taking particular care not to blend any product onto my neck. However, I thought my too-tan mask of makeup looked perfect.

I think it’s safe to say my skill and judgement have come a long way since then, but my desire for new products and for watching professionals work their makeup magic has only grown. My addiction really took off once I started making my own money, and continued even when I had spent it all. I’m sure you can guess where most of it went. Despite the dwindling figure in my bank account, new makeup makes me feel like a million bucks.

More than the initial thrill of purchasing new false eyelashes and lip liners, I ogle the organization of my collection. I can contour and I’m modest. Who knew? There is almost no better feeling than bringing your new babies home, busting open the packaging and putting them in their new home.

Despite the other perks that come with a certifiable addiction to all things makeup, the way I feel after applying $30 worth of makeup to my face before I go out for a casual dinner is priceless. I think the root of my addiction to makeup is the way I feel when my pout is perfectly pink and the wings of my eyeliner are even.

I consider myself unstoppable with a blending brush and I owe my best days to my Urban Decay Naked Palette, (and all the people who love me despite the hours I’ve forced many of them to spend waiting for me to get ready). To many, my addiction is frivolous and unnecessary, but I think it’s just a (pretty) part of me.

To all my fellow makeup lovers, “May your foundation match your neck, concealer be without creases and winged eyeliner be sharp enough to kill.”