I made a collage about my experience with Maquillaphobia. I didn't want to put it in the tag since it could be stressful to others with the same phobia who aren't expecting to see images of makeup.
If anyone is interested in viewing it, the link to the post is here: https://preparingfortheworst.tumblr.com/post/647027450853867520/i-was-always-afraid-of-makeup-as-a-kid-because-of
The following text is copied from the collage post:
Maquillaphobia. I was always afraid of makeup as a kid because of the textures and smells. They appeared to be made of scary substances that would feel greasy, goopy, and sticky to the touch.
For the most part, I got over the worst of my fear a few years ago at the age of 18. I don't think I would ever be able to wear makeup, the texture would be too horrible. However, nowadays I can do things like walk into a bathroom where there is makeup on the counter without feeling lightheaded or sick, or even thinking about it much. Essentially, I can handle seeing it or being around it without feeling sick.
Yet, while making this, my heart still raced, I felt lightheaded and ill, and my breathing was shallow, just like it was as a kid when I tried to avoid breathing in the smells of it. I guess I still carry some part of that fear with me.
(Just in case, this is not a statement about people wearing or not wearing makeup.)
