An Exploration of Makeup

I think naturally as humans we are drawn to transformation through color, painting, makeup, even tanning. We associate color with beauty, and it happens very young, watching insects change color, watching leaves change tone.

Of course, we would seek to mimic or mirror our own.

My first reflection on makeup was watching my mother wear her signature shade of purple lipstick in the 1980's, it was different, it was bold, no one else wore that shade, it was her bravery showing. That may be my earliest resonance with my mother was her bravery.

Then in Disney world I longed so badly for the Tinkerbell makeup collection that I wandered away from family and got lost in attempt of grand larceny to obtain that collection. Then were the days in high school where my two girlfriends and I spent hours in front of the mirror together trying on looks and helping define our best colors.

As a young adult I wore makeup as a shield of perfectionism, how could I possibly expose my bare face for even an errand? How could I let anyone see me undone?

Meanwhile my most beautiful co-worker was slathering over acne with foundation, giving her a constant struggle between recovery and concealment that words of motivation or wisdom from me could override.

Now I observe women 30 years younger than me aging their skin quality to older than me and going broke to do it.

I worked in service, so I was running around with food sometimes 12 hours a day, that is a lot of grease exposure, not great for the skin, and no one wants to see broken out skin, or heavily makeup'd skin serving them food. Well, I don't, and I also didn't want gross skin.

Here is a breakdown:

You need a cleanser, I have rotated a few and you will to, my skin loves salicylic acid so I will use a cleanser with that, and then always witch hazel after cleansing, and if needed a spot treatment and moisturizer. I don't use special eye creams, if your moisturizer or cream can't do your eyes too you should not be using it on your face period. To remove makeup, use either baby oil or coconut oil, this will remove easily and also create a hydrating barrier. I have done this since childhood to remove heavy dance performance makeup.

Now that we have our skin taken care of let's talk about what is really needed for makeup, and yes, we do NEED some, and the rest is fun.

Concealer, this is a staple in any kit and routine and is more useable than we realize. This is for undereye, spot, and even out. If using a liquid can be added to moisturizer as a light base.

Powder, a skin matching powder for setting, oil, and evening out.

A blush eyeshadow combo, this can be product, but it is one color, you can use on cheeks, eyelids, as blush, highlight, if using a cream can be for lips as well. This mimics the natural facial pigment.

An eyeliner, a properly applied natural shade eyeliner can replace mascara, define the eyes and also use to color in brows.

A lipstick, a slightly bolder shade than the natural lip so that it can be blended down or built up.

That is, it, a mascara next if afforded and available. Anything else is an extra bonus to be worked with, but we need to know the base routine. You should pick your products based off skin type, ingredients and price point for your uniqueness.

Beauty is a stable of our being; we should not be ruining our nature to increase it.