No Go Zone…Please.
I don’t know if it’s just me or not, but I seem to be a magnet for those hypothetical conundrums pertaining to whether or not you should tell someone (other than your bestest friend in the whole entire universe) that their makeup is horrid, that they’ve got racing stripes for blush, or that circa 80’s style lip liner is passé. I am posting this to say…Nope, no way, absolutely not, don’t go there, don’t even think about it, and step away from the temptation. Seriously. Yes, we have all thought it at one time or another and may have even mumbled it a little louder than we should have under our breath, but under no circumstances should it go any further than that. Let it be our little secret. Unless you are 210% sure that the zany makeup wearer will not be offended because you can let them know via an update that is said in such a nice way that you may have even convinced yourself that their offense is not that bad and gently slip in an alternative that is not only the way to go, but so awesome and smooth as silk, that they feel they, in fact, thought of it first. *takes a breath* In other words…Life’s too short. Serve them up a great compliment instead, that is sure to make them smile, and… just let it ride.
Befreckled Beauty.
A gorgeous beauty photograph graced the inbox of my computer this morning and was the inspiration for this post. I don’t think I can legally show it without permission, so I will do my best to describe it. Makeup aside, the photograph was an exquisite headshot of a woman with alabaster skin and the most divine pale violet coloured eyes that resembled precious Iolites. The woman in the photo also had the most glorious freckles setting gracefully along her brow, bridge of her nose and upper cheek bones. What captured my immediate attention, besides the colour of her eyes *faints*, was the gorgeous vulnerabilities of her inherent natural beauty on show by allowing her freckles to be seen. I adore the fact that they have gone with the option of allowing them to peek through the skillfully applied makeup. By permitting her freckles to exist in the photograph, it was a wonderful acknowledgment of the depth of her beauty. I only wish many more of our befreckled beauties would embrace the sheer loveliness of their presence.
Like White On Rice…
Do you want your eyeshadow to stick on like white on rice? This tip aught to do the trick: Apply cream eyeshadow, eye paint, or gel eyeliner to your lids first, then apply a corresponding powder eyeshadow or pigment on top to set. Ta Da! Eyeshadow that’s set to last the duration. No, your not having déjà vu. I have, indeed, alluded to this little number before, but since it’s so nice, I thought I’d mention it twice. Just think of this encore pearl as a gentle reminder of yet another way to get even more gorgeous!
You Are Entering A Makeup Fascism Free Zone.
Do you ever feel a bit brow beaten by the dictum often put forth by many of my fellow pundits of beauty, stating that a red lip must always be accompanied by a nude eye? I do. I must confess. The funny thing about it is, as I do know a bit about beauty and only adhere to a few of the conventions of the day, I am starting to feel this catch cry is getting a bit fanatical. The purpose of this post is really just to say, “Whoa, Nelly!” Save that right-wing business for your eyeliner.
You can wear a signature red lip with a dark eye. Feel free to smoke up your lids, like it’s nobody’s business. Heck, even add a bit of ultra finely milled glitter to those lovely lids if the feeling strikes. Go for it! The only two things you might like to be cognizant of (and only if you feel like it) is, if you’re going to rock a bold red lip, ensure that your makeup application is immaculate and well blended…everywhere. That really is the key to wearing what you want, how you want. Wearing makeup is all about making the most of your beauty and feeling fabulous!
*Gloves off ladies*
If it makes you feel good, wear it. It’s as simple as that.
Glittery Gorgeousness!
This photo was taken backstage at the last A/W show for Anna Molinari. Yes, a divine M.A.C. created eye that just epitomizes why I love glitter so. To me, this is a super sultry look that means business. Totally free of any fairy princess cuteness (not that that’s a bad thing) …just pure unadulterated shimmering smolder. I am pretty sure this look is easily recreate-able with just a wash of a metallic muted jade or spring green shadow, a liberal application of M.A.C. Reflects in Reflects Red, and lashings of mascara. C’est Tout! It’s nearly criminal how simply fabulous this eye is.
Another Great Beauty Question.
As emailed to Beauty Marked!…
I seem to be plagued with persistent under eye circles. They are not bags per se, but just dark shadows. I have used under eye concealer before, but they just seem too heavy and crease. What would you suggest I do? I want to disappear these circles, but I can’t seem to find a good concealer that will cover my circles, but not crease and highlight the fine lines under my eyes. I am a Malaysian-Indian woman and I would love to wear make-up, but I just can’t seem to get it right. Any ideas?
Ah, those blessed under eye circles. So many women I know have just thrown in the towel and have forgone all makeup out of that very frustration. I suppose it can look a bit funny with immaculate makeup on, elsewhere, and those pesky circles beaming out at you. I certainly can understand your predicament.
There are a few tips that may help in your situation. Firstly, try mixing a small dab of eye cream in with your concealer and apply the mixture to the under eye area and around the entire eye area using a concealer brush. The eye cream will act as it does to hydrate the eye area and plump up those fine lines with the added benefit, when mixed with concealer, of giving coverage to the area and subtly masking dark circles. With your under eye circles concealed, your total makeup look will appear flawless.
Another thing to keep in mind too, when buying concealer, is that if you are a yellow under toned person, as many woman of Indian heritage are, you might like to stick with concealers that are also yellow based. It is often suggested that one purchase a concealer a few shades lighter than your facial colouring, but, as a woman of colour, I would suggest that you go only one shade lighter, not a few.
Lastly, a very light dusting of a non talc based powder to the area may help to set the concealer. Don’t be afraid to use a different powder on specific areas of your face, as required. An example of a non talc based product is Jurlique Silk Dust for starters. Visit Jurlique for more info. This product is talc free and is based on corn and rice starch. Not only do these type products help your concealer stay put, but will absorb much of the excess oil on your face, when used on problem areas like the T zone. Also fixing your makeup with a fine misting of water works a treat to set all of your good work too.
Always feel free to contact me at Beauty Marked! or post a comment here for more beauty tips specific to your colouring and beauty needs. Yes, that does go for all of you lovely lasses, as well. It would be a pleasure!
Saturday Morning Sampler.
I’m thinking of a Saturday Morning Sampler as a bit like a beautiful box of assorted chocolates, whose individual true selves aren’t revealed until you’ve taken a bite. So I’m going to treat today as a cosmetic sampler day. I am going to grab a few makeup items that I never used before or used only once and wasn’t too sure of and give them another go. My aim is, hopefully, to lessen the amount of real estate occupied by barely used or neglected items and see if I can reinvent them. Surely, I can spare a little love for them, right? It might be all they need. Just a wee challenge, but I think I’m up to it. Why not join me?
