Nothing screams 2019 more than knowing your “type” — giving reasoning to why you are the way you are.
I am a type 6, wing 5. Confused? This is my enneagram type. The enneagram — a test that defines our personality type — has nine types, which help break down different aspects of human behavior.
You can take an enneagram test (I chose the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator or RHETI), to discover your basic fears, motivations, levels of development, how you act in relationships and more. With 144 statement questions, RHETI makes you look into yourself to answer if/and/or questions. As you start the test, you will encounter simple questions like whether you are more romantic or pragmatic, show affection or maintain your distance, and avoid or take on confrontations? You will also encounter tougher situations like how you think others view you, why/when you avoid intimacy and how you find yourself in adverse situations. It even touches on FOMO.
And 144 statements later, you have your type.
Sarajane Case is a type 7, wing 8 with a social subtype. Enneagrams are her jam, so much so that she runs @enneagramandcoffee, which boasts over 330,000 followers.
“I created Enneagram & Coffee because I found myself bringing up the enneagram in every setting that I was in,” says Case. And based on follower count alone, it seems that people are really into this new form of self-description — move over Myers-Briggs.
It isn’t about changing yourself, it’s about holding awareness for what health looks like as you are.
While not technically new, the enneagram, which has roots allegedly tracing back to Greeks and Pythagorean mathematicians, is seeing an uptick in millennial and Gen Z fascination. Case credits this to society’s newfound desire for self-awareness, wellness and healthy relationships.
In fact, once you know your enneagram type, the opportunities are two-fold. You can figure out your strengths and also discover your weaknesses, or “blind spots,” as Case calls them. It essentially gives you a roadmap to life. By understanding yourself, you have the tools to interact with society in the best possible way.
And for beginners, Case says it is more than just that test. “This isn’t as simple as taking a test online and getting a cut and paste answer. This is a journey and it’s a journey that is so worth taking,” she says.
“For those who are just starting out — don’t rush the process of finding your type. Take the time to read and explore and consider how you have and do show up in the world. For those who have been studying for a while, be conscious of the desire to be something that you aren’t. You are worthwhile and needed exactly as you are. The Enneagram isn’t about changing yourself, it’s simply about holding awareness for what health looks like as you are,” Case adds.
But it does not have to be so serious. Just like Case found a way to bring the enneagram into her own life and have a little fun (right now, you can find Father’s Day gifts by type on her Instagram), we are bringing it to the beauty world.
Read on for the beauty product that matches best to your type.
Type 1, The Perfectionist
What to Buy: Mascara
Why: As the name suggests, this personality type leans strongly into your perfectionist side. A type one is rational, but also has extreme attention to detail. A swipe of mascara will define the face and give this type a sense of completeness.
Type 2, The Helper
What to Buy: Vitamin C Serum
Why: Like the star antioxidant, the helper has a caring personality. And while different, vitamin C will care for your face as you care for others — the helper deserves to treat themselves.
Type 3, The Achiever
What to Buy: Retinol
Why: Achievers are success-oriented and results-driven personalities. They place value on meeting their goals, which is why retinol is the perfect pairing. The anti-aging ingredient will show fast and lasting results, meeting any achiever’s expectations.
Type 4, The Individualist
What to Buy: Silk Pillowcase
Why: Type fours are categorized as more self-aware and sensitive than the other eight types. And for this reason, they can benefit from buying a silk pillowcase, known to help hair and aging skin. By gifting themselves beauty sleep, they are practicing self-care — necessary for this type.
Type 5, The Investigator
What to Buy: Skincare acid
Why: Fives are self-sufficient and competent — and they have the ability to tackle intense problems. So, they need a beauty product that will work for them, without putting up a fight. By going with a skincare acid (alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy), fives will be able to focus on what matters as their product of choice works its magic.
Type 6, The Loyalist
What to Buy: A quality hairdryer
Why: Sixes are a committed group. They are stable with themselves, but also experience self-doubt — trust is the most important quality to this type. So, they need to trust their tools, which is why a quality hair dryer, like a Dyson or Harry Josh, is the best beauty purchase for a six. They can rely on the tool to never give up on them.
Type 7, The Enthusiast
What to Buy: Eyeshadow palette in your power color
Why: Seven is going to be a bit more spontaneous than the other types. And as such, they need something fun and versatile to go with them. An eye palette gives them the ability to keep their options open as well as switch up their look.
Type 8, The Challenger
What to Buy: A red lipstick
Why: A challenger is confident and powerful, the perfect combo to pull off a dramatic red lip. It will be hard to overlook an eight as they rock their red lip, which is exactly what they want.
Type 9, The Peacemaker
What to Buy: Moisturizer
Why: Nines are easy-going and supportive. They work to help those around them, similar to your favorite moisturizer. The skincare product is not overpowering and helps to keep skin status quo, just like a type nine.
We only recommend products we have independently researched, tested, and loved. If you purchase a product found through our links, Sunday Edit may earn an affiliate commission.
