Stop Masking: The Lipstick Guy’s Guide to Real Wellness

Let’s be real.

Most wellness talk is about surface-level fixes. Face masks, bubble baths, a fancy planner you don’t use.

I call it masking.

Because you’re not solving the problem. You’re hiding it.

If you’re tired of pretending you’re fine when you’re not, you’re in the right place. This guide is for anyone who wants to stop covering up stress, burnout, and bad habits—and actually start healing.

What Does “Masking” Mean?

Masking is anything you do to hide from what needs real work.

It’s buying another self-help book you won’t read.
It’s telling people “I’m fine” when you’re falling apart.
It’s hitting the gym to punish yourself instead of caring for yourself.
It’s skipping meals but drinking coffee all day.
It’s buying lipstick hoping you’ll feel better without dealing with why you don’t.

Sound familiar?

We’ve all done it.

Why Masking Is So Common

Because it’s easy.

It’s faster to slap on something shiny than to deal with the ugly parts.
It’s less scary to distract yourself than to sit with your feelings.
It’s simpler to buy a solution than to build a habit.

And let’s be honest—the wellness industry sells you masking.

They don’t care if you actually get better.

I do.

5 Signs You’re Masking Instead of Healing

1. You say “I’m fine” when you’re not.
   You don’t want people to see you struggle.

2. You keep “treating yourself” instead of caring for yourself.
   Self-care shouldn’t make you broke or leave you empty.

3. You avoid the hard conversations.
   With others—and with yourself.

4. You numb out with food, shopping, scrolling, or drinking.
   You’re not relaxing. You’re hiding.

5. You never ask for help.
   Because you think you’re supposed to handle it alone.

Why You Need to Stop Masking

Because it’s not working.

Your stress is still there.
Your burnout is getting worse.
Your habits aren’t changing.
Your confidence isn’t growing.

Masking doesn’t heal you. It delays you.

If you want real wellness, you have to get honest.

How to Stop Masking: My Real Talk Guide

1. Name What You’re Hiding

Be brutally honest.

What are you avoiding?
What are you afraid of people seeing?
What feelings are you numbing?

Write it down. Say it out loud. Admit it to yourself.

2. Learn Your Triggers

What sets you off?
What makes you want to hide, lie, or check out?
Recognize the pattern so you can interrupt it.

3. Replace the Habit

You can’t just stop masking. You have to do something else instead.

Meditate instead of scrolling.
Talk to a friend instead of bottling it up.
Move your body out of love, not punishment.

4. Be Uncomfortable on Purpose

Healing isn’t supposed to feel good all the time.

You have to sit with discomfort.
You have to have hard conversations.
You have to admit your own role in the problem.

It’s not punishment. It’s growth.

5. Build Real Accountability

You can’t do this alone.

Tell someone what you’re working on.
Ask for support.
Get coaching.
Create reminders.
Set boundaries.

Don’t rely on willpower alone. Build systems that help you stay honest.

My Promise to You

I’m not going to sell you an easy answer.

I won’t tell you that buying my lipstick will fix your life.

But I will tell you that you deserve to feel good.

You deserve to look in the mirror and see someone real. Someone strong.

You deserve beauty that works as hard as you do.

You deserve wellness that doesn’t quit when you sweat.

Stop masking. Start transforming.

If you’re ready to do the work, stick around. I’m here to help you do it.

Want more real talk?

Follow me. Read more on the blog. Or check out Gym Ready Lips—the sweat-proof lipstick for people who refuse to quit.