The more things change the more they stay the same. This picture of me was from my modeling days back in the early 1990's.
I've had lots more life experiences since then and maybe (ok, definitely) a few more fine lines but I still love makeup as much as I did back then. Makeup has been my jam as far back as I can remember. When I was 8 years old I participated in my first review at my dancing school and the thing that I was the MOST excited about was getting to wear makeup! I have always seen applying makeup as an art and an opportunity to create something beautiful. It is therapeutic for me. It gets my creative juices and thoughts flowing. I actually have a note opened on my phone when I am applying makeup where I jot down thoughts, ideas, prayers, or to-do’s. It is one of the most productive parts of my day. It makes me feel energized, positive, motivated, and put together.
People have varying opinions on the topic. Some think that you’re trying to cover something up or that you don’t think you are “pretty” enough without it. And maybe that is true for some people. I don’t wear makeup for others. I wear it for myself. It’s about how it makes me feel more than how it makes me look. Even during the pandemic and lockdowns I wore makeup. Like I said, I enjoy the process and it energizes me. There is no right or wrong here. I say do what makes YOU feel beautiful, confident, and energized!
Even after 35 years of applying makeup I am still learning new things and finding new favorites. Some things with eye makeup that I have struggled with are blending, developing creases in the eye shadow, smudging, and it wearing off. I have tried many different primers and they fixed some of the issues but none of them fixed all of the issues. Until now.
My favorite Makeup Artist, Nicole Fae, did my hair + makeup for a photoshoot a couple of months ago. At the end of the day, every hair was in place and my makeup was still fresh! I had to know what she used. Nicole Fae Primetime Primer for eyes + lips is now a MUST HAVE in my arsenal. It creates a flawless, blended smokey eye with little effort. No creases, no smudging, and no wearing off. I also purchased her Bare It All Eye Shadow Palette. These shadows are so velvety smooth, easily blend-able, and provide highly pigmented and rich color. Another favorite!
Whether you wear a little makeup, a lot of makeup, or no makeup at all the most beautiful thing you can wear is a smile!
“You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you” - Song of Songs 4:7
“I believe all women are pretty without makeup – but with the right makeup can be pretty powerful.” – Bobbi Brown
“I wear makeup because it’s fun; it’s like painting on my face.” – Zendaya
“Whether I’m wearing lots of makeup or no makeup, I’m always the same person inside.” – Lady Gaga
oooh, can’t wait to try the primer. I’m obsessed with shadow primer for liquid shadows.
When people say 'you can't,' often it reflects their limitations, not yours. Similarly, the notion that women who wear makeup are insecure is a misconception. In reality, those who choose not to wear makeup might be the ones facing insecurities. Embracing makeup is an enjoyable form of self-expression. Here's a pro tip: try doing your makeup at the end of the day before washing your face consistently for a month – you'll see the transformative confidence it brings.
You always look fabulous to me. One of the highlights on a Bag Of Donuts gig is when we're in the back of the bus all applying our "face-paint". Yeah, dudes shy away from calling it "make-up", but the process and camaraderie that goes on is a fantastic process.