Homage to Makeup: The First

I had to subtitle this post “The First” because makeup has basically been part of my daily life for nearly 20 years, and I can’t imagine that I will only write about it once. Even wearing a “minimalist” or “natural” look can require a fair amount of product, not because I need to change or camouflage my face, but because it’s fun and I love to experiment and create new looks. For instance, my current “natural” routine has evolved from what it was a year ago, or even a month ago. And if I am in a rush, and just do a two-minute powder, blush, mascara, bronzer out the door combo, I reach for a different blush, or different bronzer etc depending on my mood. I know that the makeup industry often gets a bad rap for promoting impossible standards and feeding on insecurities, and there definitely is an ugly side of the beauty industry, but there are many ways to enjoy makeup without falling victim to false advertising, or hating what you see in the mirror every day. I think coming of age in the 90s, reading Sassy Magazine, and swapping Manic Panic Vampire Red eye shadow with my friends taught me a lot about having fun with makeup and clothes. In Making Faces, Kevyn Aucoin writes about eschewing “rigid beauty thoughts.” He tells his readers to avoid “beauty bullies,” and strict beauty rules or guidelines like being a “Winter” or a “Summer,” and he encourages “the process of mixing ideas, ignoring those that don’t apply, and using those that do as a springboard for your own creativity.” It’s been a long time since I wore Vampire Red eye shadow, but I still think I have just as much fun with my makeup now as I did then.

I’ve made some great makeup purchases lately. After much coveting and in the spirit of not wearing red eye shadow and embracing the new, I finally purchased the Urban Decay “Naked 2” eye shadow palette. It’s the cool-toned version of their original neutral palette “Naked” and it’s like taupe heaven.

Urban Decay “Naked 2″ is one of my favorite new makeup acquisitions

Taupe heaven, and unlike most palettes, the brush it comes with is decent quality

My favorite colors are “Tease,” “Verve,” and “Busted”

I used “Tease” on the whole lid, “Verve” on the inner lid, and “Busted” in the crease and on the outer lid to create depth

I also used a combination of “Busted” and “Blackout” as a liner

The mascara is Urban Decay “Skyscraper” with the updated rubber brush. It’s still tapered like the original, but I think the old brush worked better and I am disappointed that it’s no longer available.

I’m also wearing two of my other favorite recent purchases, MAC “Whole Lotta Love” Pro Longwear Blush, a light blue pink from their Office Hours Collection for Fall 2012, and Tarte Amazonian Clay Mineral Bronzer in Park Ave Princess.

Tarte “Park Ave Princess” is a great bronzer and I love the faux leather packaging

I hear the matte version of “Park Ave Princess” is amazing. This is the original and has a subtle gold shimmer.

MAC “Whole Lotta Love” Pro Longwear Blush

I used the “Whole Lotta Love” on the apples of the cheeks and “Park Ave Princess” as contour. The “Park Ave Princess” is a cool-toned bronzer and works well for contour on fair skin. I really want to try the matte version and I will probably cave in and buy it soon. The “Whole Lotta Love” has a velvety matte finish and it does last all day. I am a sucker for bright blushes. When applied correctly, a bright sheer blush gives a pretty and natural looking rosy flush.

Tarte “Park Ave Princess” and MAC “Whole Lotta Love” is my latest cheek combo

MAC “Whole Lotta Love” applied with a light hand for a natural flush

I added some lipstick and heavier contour for more of a “night” look

I am writing this wearing only powder and blush by the way. I look a little washed out without my eyebrow pencil or any eye makeup, but all I did today, besides writing this, was go to the doctor’s office. This weekend I am going to see No Doubt! Time to start planning my outfit and makeup!

♥♥♥ Alice Marie Lolita ♥♥♥

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