Putting my face on

[Cadaverous Pallor]

This morning I was tooling around the net and somehow ended up on one of those sites with pics of celebrities sans makeup.

On the same page was an embedded video that the company Dove (you know, soap and lotion) made. It was part of a program by them to help young girls with body issues. It shows a model go from plain to makeuped and coiffed, then photoshopped and billboarded. The photoshop part was pretty shocking.

I read and looked and clicked and saw what must be the worst picture of Alicia Silverstone ever taken. These people have zits and puffy eyelids and sunspots and wrinkles. They look as bad as I ever have.

Under each picture was a taunting caption, calling Barbara Striesand a "borscht belt Bubbe", saying Rachel Hunter looked "hunted", etc. I know that a big reason people like looking at these pics is so they can hurl rotten cabbage at those (usually) shining faces they are so compellingly dedicated to and envious of. Calling Britney Spears UGLY seems like a good way to start one's day with a smile, I suppose.

But I found myself having a wholly different reaction to these pics and testaments to "natural beauty". After staring at comparison after comparison, pics taken within the same year but revealing what's underneath the foundation, I found myself thinking - damn, I gotta get me some makeup.

I mean hello - if these people look like crap when they get up, tie their hair out of their face and go buy groceries, then they're just like me. And if they're just like me, then I could totally look like them.

Ok, maybe I don't have professional artists to paint my face, but I don't really want to look flawless. Don't want to build expectations too high. But still, if I can look half as good as any of these chicks, then why not?

As a person who has no patience for putting my face on every morning....or, better yet, as a person who at many different points in my life have rejected all the trappings of societal female beauty requirements as unnatural and detrimental to women.....it's quite a shock to start thinking about visiting the Maybelline counter.

I guess it all leads up to here - the clothes that fit, the newer styles, the salon haircuts, the brand name shoes, the purse....eventually, the makeup can't be denied any longer.

But who'd have thought that a site meant to deride the need for the stuff would make me want to get some?

[mistyisjafo]

I can see why tho. There is a big difference between my non-made up face to my made up face. The reason we even wear makeup is to enhance our natural looks and to bring attention to our face. I know lots of girls who don't wear make up on a regular basis and just a little base, blush and mascara make all the difference in the world.

Perfect example, I watch "What Not To Wear" and many of the women on the show don't wear make up or don't want to wear a lot of it. The makeup artist just gives them some very simple makeup hints and BAM they look 100 X better!

More importantly, its all about looking natural.

[Not Afraid]

It's funny, because I seem to be heading in the opposite direction. I have been wearing less and less make-up and when I do wear it, it consists of the ever present lip coloring, mascara and sometimes a light dusting of powder. Sometimes I'll take the plunge and add blush or eye shadow or even the rare eyeliner, but it is such a rarity. But, I think a lot of this change has to do with what I do for a living. However, I STILL always wear clothes an accessories that match or make an "outifit".

The most important make up I wear is 30 sunscreen.

[blueerica]

I go back and forth. I don't tend to wear a lot of make up, though I do. I need to revisit what I've been using, as I've noticed that my skin and coloring have changed with time. I'm a proponent of using make up where you need it, and pretty much only when I need it. I use much less of it now, since I'm finally comfortable in my own skin, so I think the plan is to splurge on the good stuff, so when I use it - it'll look great.

[CoasterMatt]

I only wear enough makeup to scare the kiddies :evil:

[mistyisjafo]

I can go either way with make up. I either wear a full face or just blush & mascara. It really depends. I like to be made up for work but again, I like to look natural. Definately don't want to look like Marilyn Manson!

[Alex]

Do my pretty toes help?

Probably not.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Next MA I want to see them toes you keep talking about.

[Alex]

I find it hard to see how that would be incorporated into the game.

[€uroMeinke]

I find it hard to see how that would be incorporated into the game.

It would be a variation on the "Find Lani in a Chicken Hat" theme

[Not Afraid]

It would be a variation on the "Find Lani in a Chicken Hat" theme

Yes. What color are Alex's toes? The answer would have to be a significant of that particular quest.

[€uroMeinke]

Do they make glow in the dark nail polish?

[Not Afraid]

Do they make glow in the dark nail polish?

Why, yes they do!

http://www.stupid.com/Merchant2/graphics/products/glownail-new-1.jpg

[CoasterMatt]

Do they make glow in the dark nail polish?
Yes they do! (http://www.wonderglow.com/polish.html)

[Not Afraid]

Matt, you've been about 30 seconds behind me all day long! STOP following me! :)

[CoasterMatt]

:p

[Alex]

Too easy. They're only ever one of three different colors (green, blue, or purple).

Oops, guess we can use that quest now.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I find it hard to see how that would be incorporated into the game.VAM.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

I saw Alicia S in person once and was shocked because she had terrible cystic acne. As bad or worse as I've had it at various times in my life. What a make-up artist and photoshop session can do for a face is creeeeeeeeeeeeepy.

And, if your a celebrity, fortunate. Though I remember reading an article where Sarah Michelle Gellar mentioned a fan approached her to say, "Wow, you look much better on TV." That's gotta suck donkey balls.

I hate putting myself together. I get really stressed out by having to dress up, coordinate jewelry, do my make-up and hair, etc. So I'm as minimal as possible. Jeans and sweaters on most days. Cover-up for some spot hiding.

I suppose I look better with mascara and lipstick and contact lenses, etc. but I feel on display when I go all out and not at all in a good way. I guess once in a while it's fun to do something extra but I couldn't do it all on a day to day basis. I honestly think women who do look fabulous. If I had a face and bod like Dita, I'm sure I'd want to revel in it. But mostly I don't want people to pay that much attention to me.

[Not Afraid]

Honey, if you looked like Dita, I'd have you move in with us! ;)

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Honey, if you looked like Dita, I'd have you move in with us! ;)

I would, too.

Heh!

You be naughty, NA.

[Prudence]

I feel more invisible without makeup. When I wear makeup, I worry that others will think I think I look better than I do, or that I think it's having any effect. So generally I go without so as not to call attention to myself.

[€uroMeinke]

My birthday-eve is getting better already...

[tracilicious]

I think makeup is fantastic. It's like a thong, you can view it as empowering or as a degradation of women. My ass looks better in one, so I wear it. My face looks better in makeup so I wear that too. I just feel more put together. If I don't have makeup on I feel like I'm frumpy.

[BarTopDancer]

Ok, this is an ancient thread that I found while looking for the video of "mom jeans" (the word jeans came up in here).

So, Jen, did you ever get make-up?

With the prompting of a friend I've been wearing more of it and wearing it more often. I'm also noticing a huge difference in how I look (to me) between my "work make-up" and my "going out make-up". It's the same make-up maybe a little heavier with a bit more blush and funky eye shadow. I'd do the same for my wor-make-up but I don't wake up in time.

Still in love with Bare Minerals - and I'm now hooked on their eye products.

[Morrigoon]

Yeah Jen, did you?

I know I go without makeup most days, and when I do put some on, it's basically eyeshadow and/or eyeliner, lipliner and lipstick. Which sounds like a lot, but basically it's eyes and lips.

Now, when I get really done up, it's eyeliner, eyshadow, lipliner, and lipstick.

... oh, and maybe one or two shades of blush and some powder (and the eyeshadow is much more involved - 3 shades instead of just one)

[MouseWife]

I am curious, too. :D

I, myself, rarely wear any make up. I don't have a lot of it {can't find most of it}. I generally use a compact. To even out the skin tone {I hope}. If I feel like it, I'll use blush. Always chapstick {it does add shine}.

That's it. I wish I could get back into the swing of using make up. I know that it does help me {people} look better.

Even adding a nice pair of earrings or wearing a ring or other piece of jewelry, something small can make a difference.

I do feel a bit unfinished without it but I also feel inconspicuous and I really enjoy that.

[blueerica]

I've learned to make friends with concealer. I do love Bare Minerals, but as hard as I have tried, it's no match for the darkness under my eyes. I do like using the big liquid foundation brush with a tiny bit of foundation for evening out other areas, since I don't need it all over. I've been using the mineral veil to set it all in place and keep it there without making it feel icky or heavy.

I'm curious what Jen did or didn't do with putting on her face.

[MickeyD]

I do love Bare Minerals, but as hard as I have tried, it's no match for the darkness under my eyes.

Have you tried the Bare Mineral Bisque powder? I only ask because, well, basically last week I ditched work early to go sit out at the pool and woke up the next morning with a slightly sunburned face. I ended up putting the Bisque over the sunburn, then I used the medium beige I normally do. Nobody could tell I was sunburned, I couldn't even see it. I know redness is different than darkness, but it might be worth a shot.

Personally, I'm at a point in my life where I never leave the house unless I'm at least wearing eyeliner, eyeshadow & lip gloss. Most days I wear Bare Minerals powder & mascara too. I've actually discovered that if I show up to work not wearing any makeup at all, everyone tells me I look sick, and I end up getting sent home. :evil: Seriously, it never fails.

[blueerica]

Nope, haven't tried the bisque. Would be worth a shot.

[MouseWife]

I've actually discovered that if I show up to work not wearing any makeup at all, everyone tells me I look sick, and I end up getting sent home. :evil: Seriously, it never fails.

Ha ha. That used to happen to me in high school. It happened by accident the first time and after that I used it to my advantage. :evil:

[MickeyD]

Ha ha. That used to happen to me in high school. It happened by accident the first time and after that I used it to my advantage. :evil:

Yep, same here. :evil: Truthfully, I easily work 50+ hours a week, and if I wanted a day off, no one would question it. But there's something about being "sent home." It gives me the same feeling I used to get in High School when I'd ditch class. :evil:

[BarTopDancer]

I've learned to make friends with concealer. I do love Bare Minerals, but as hard as I have tried, it's no match for the darkness under my eyes.

Have you tried Benefit OrangeAid or LemonAid? One is for your complexion (I think OrangeAid because I use LemonAid).

Have you tried the Bare Mineral Bisque powder? I only ask because, well, basically last week I ditched work early to go sit out at the pool and woke up the next morning with a slightly sunburned face.

That reminds me. I need to start laying out or somehow acquire some skin color in the next 3 weeks. This transparent/red thing I have going on isn't working for me.

Yep, same here. :evil: Truthfully, I easily work 50+ hours a week, and if I wanted a day off, no one would question it. But there's something about being "sent home." It gives me the same feeling I used to get in High School when I'd ditch class. :evil:

And they put you in charge of kids??

Bare Minerals Get Started Eyes rocks. As does the weather everything eyeliner setting stuff and the Skin Rever-Upper lotion. I can wear eyeliner without looking like a raccoon.

[blueerica]

I looked up Orange Aid, and it's for on top of the eyes, not under the eyes. I might go to the counter and give it a try.

Though, I must say... just the concealer and mineral veil are doing pretty well as a combo, and is significantly less expensive. I'm going to check out MD's Bisque - it's intriguing me ATM.

[MickeyD]

And they put you in charge of kids??



Boggles the mind, doesn't it?

[MouseWife]

Yep, same here. :evil: Truthfully, I easily work 50+ hours a week, and if I wanted a day off, no one would question it. But there's something about being "sent home." It gives me the same feeling I used to get in High School when I'd ditch class. :evil:


Oh yes, a little more fun, a 'stolen moment' as it were. Guilt free, really. They've sent you home!! :evil:

This is funny because at work today I was telling a guest what a beautiful day it was and how I was going to have to think back to high school and how I would get sent home so I could get out and enjoy the day. :D

Derail...I just hit a spider that looked like one of those freakin' tree frogs! You know, with the funny knobby feet and stuff, transparent otherwise....I don't think I killed it!! {I heard it fall, though.} I am running away now! :eek:

[wendybeth]

It's never a good thing if you can actually hear a spider fall- they have to be fairly substantial to make noise on impact.:eek:

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Nope.

It's funny though - I just got a bunch of bday money and was thinking of shopping for some makeup pretty soon. Like maybe tomorrow, my Friday off.

Creepy how you resurrected this thread just in time.

[AllyOops!]

Aw, I love make-up! I'm a lipgloss junkie! :)

I must recommend the Bare Minerals night treatment. I don't sleep in it, I use it as my actual daily make-up! It is worth every penny. It has done wonders for my skin! Plus, imagine make-up your'e meant to sleep in (although I always wash my face before bed, it still makes me feel good that I actually have something on that is skin friendly)! It gives you flawless coverage and stays in place all day. It's the best invention ever. I'm HOOKED!

[BarTopDancer]

I looked up Orange Aid, and it's for on top of the eyes, not under the eyes. I might go to the counter and give it a try.

Though, I must say... just the concealer and mineral veil are doing pretty well as a combo, and is significantly less expensive. I'm going to check out MD's Bisque - it's intriguing me ATM.

I use it under the eyes too, under the foundation. The girl at Sephora recommended it for under the eyes when I had a set of luggage from not sleeping.

[BarTopDancer]

Nope.

It's funny though - I just got a bunch of bday money and was thinking of shopping for some makeup pretty soon. Like maybe tomorrow, my Friday off.

If you want to go with expensive stuff check out Sephora. They don't work under commission and I have found [for the most part] if you explain the look you are going for they will keep within that. They also have most of the department store brands.

Basic stuff - Cover Girl and Maybelline mascara and eye shadows are great. As is NYC. Honestly the only reason I now use Bare Minerals is because of my skin. I wore Cover Girl and Maybelline foundation for years. For the most part the rest of my make-up is from Target. Mascara has to be tossed every few months - no sense in spending $10 on it when $5 stuff works just as good (imho).

Creepy how you resurrected this thread just in time.
I'm good like that :evil:

[alphabassettgrrl]

I have a lipstick fetish. I will tolerate wearing the rest of my makeup sometimes, just to justify lipstick.

And I love women wearing lipstick.

[Not Afraid]

I actually had to put make-up on today for the first time in a while. I had a photo shoot and I just couldn't do it without having some sort of definition on my eyes.

[MouseWife]

Lipstick~ oh yes. A friend of mine commented how nice it was that I always wore lipstick, even if we were going out for a walk.

I try to use shades that look natural but that make the lips look more lucious and full.

I need to purchase new eye make up. I can't find mine and I've been noticing a lot of really cool looks. I want one of my own. :D

[Not Afraid]

Lipstick is not make-up. It is a necessity.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

My big issue of the moment is a "freckle" that I've got on my forehead. I'm not quite Gorbachov yet but it's close. ;) I did see a doctor a while back and they told me it was nothing harmful. They prescribed a skin lightener for purely aesthetic purposes and it didn't seem to help. I've been wearing lotion with sunscreen in it every day since and that does mitigate it somewhat. It's gotten serious enough that I'm considering a daily foundation. Yeech.

I guess I really did just turn 30. :p

[MouseWife]

I guess I really did just turn 30. :p

Well...I am a couple of clicks past 40 so I understand.

I actually {and those of you who gag at 'The Titanic', forgive the reference} had a 'Rose' moment the another day. I was getting my sons shot record. In the packet that holds them all, I have some old cards. My old Navy I.D. is in there. I looked at that picture smiling back at me, eyes bright, smile big, and I thought 'My mind is the same but the reflection is so different....' {remember Rose when she picks up and then looks in to the mirror??? I had a total 'Rose' moment....}.

I also started flashing back to when I got that card. What a night. I can remember it like it was yesterday. Ask me about yesterday and it may not be as clear....:rolleyes:

[thecorndogwalker]

How do you make a lady?

[BarTopDancer]

I believe this (http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com/flat4.asp?id=6909) is the video CP was referring to in her original post. If you haven't seen it, watch it.

[Ponine]

I must recommend the Bare Minerals night treatment.

Hey Ally,
I've looked all over for this... and the gals at sephora didnt know what I was asking for. (SD Sephora)
Does this have another name, or can you find it online?

And while I'm posting....
I am horrible with makeup... esp lips, color and liner.
I cannot pick the right colors to save my life.

If anyone feels that they are good at it, and on other people, I would love a lesson.

[MouseWife]

The only rules I try to go by...

Lip liner: I never had much luck with the pencils. I use a brush instead. Don't go too dark to outline and, for me, I just use the color that I am using that day to avoid too much grief.

Colors: When I was younger, I loved the out there colors {oh, the 80's were such fun!} but today I do go for more subtle natural colors. I think you and I are similar in color, Ponine, and I wouldn't go for corals, or even reds anymore. I use an Avon color called 'Twig' and try to find colors similiar to that {a brownish color}. Colors that are too pink make me look like I am trying to wear make-up and I really like to look like I didn't try too hard.

I don't use foundation, too much trouble. I do use a sunscreen every day. After that dries, I use a pressed compact. Well, if you want to use foundation, ladies, isn't it best to use a sponge to apply it? And, don't forget, seasons change the colors that we need because our skin tones change.

I used to always use a black eyeliner but then I found a grey color and I think that is much more subtle and does the job without being so bold.

Well. That's all I have to offer. Oh, and I use a subtle plum/rose colored blush. With a nice big brush is best. If you want, you can 'set' your face when you are done with loose powder.

A problem I have now that I am older is that my skin is drier and I always have to recheck myself to see if I need more lotion after applying the makeup.

Oh, and I also use brown/black mascara as opposed to black.

that's all....

But wait, Ponine, you said you went to Sephora, did you try and have one of their make up consulations? I have wanted to get one done somewhere and see what I can do to mix things up.

[Ponine]

I have had makeup consultant after make up consultant.
I've done Mary Kay... I had the Bare M person.... the Nordstom clinique gal....


The problem is, I either have to buy everything they use, or I'm hosed.
Now, I did wonderful makeup in HS and college, but as you said, gotta love the 80's.
Any color was a go.
Stage makeup? All over it.... gloriously.

Real life? not so good.

I MUST use foundation, my skin has red splotches all over it, and is incredilby dry.
When I dont use make up people either think I have a sunburn, or that something is very very wrong. Or I get comments like... wow... you should see a dermatologist. No thanks.
Because of this, I dont really need to use blusher. I will never cover up the red.

I currently use the Bare Minerals. I am used to liquid foundation and with a sponge. But if my skin is flaking it makes it look worse.

But colors... wow.... I am horrible. I have a purple eyeliner that the clinique rep used on me, and I havent strayed except for black every once in a while.

but lipstick... I wont even pretend to know.
I pick a color that resembles x, put it on, it doesnt resemble it, its the other side of the color wheel.
its always too dark, too pink, or too orange. I do use the lip pencil, and I'm okay with that, again, color.

I do use the black mascara, brown on me would be a mistake.

[Prudence]

If I'm going somewhere that merits the application of foundation, I use a brush. I think it works much better than a sponge.

[Ponine]

In my case, I agree. Bare minerals doesnt work well with a sponge. ;)

[Not Afraid]

I've been all about Benefit for the "fixes" lately. They make great stuff that helps with any problem areas. I also like their mascara. Lipstick (which is my staple) is always Mac.

[AllyOops!]

Here is the product I was referring to in my earlier post (I just couldn't remember the name!)

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P136024&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5737

I use this in place of foundation, and I don't think I'll ever go back! I used to use the Bare Escentuals mineral make-up, however, when they were out of my shade, the sales girl at Planet Beauty recommended the Bare Escentuals Rare Minerals Night Treatment. She told me it could be used during the day as well, and from the first application, I was HOOKED. I find the coverage is just wonderful. It applies flawlessly, it's silkier & it's healthy for my skin! It's worth every penny, and I can't imagine using anything else!

I currently want make-up from the Barbie Loves M.A.C. collection! A powder compact that has a pink silhoutte of classic Barbie on it? Pink sparkly lipgloss in the shade "Malibu Barbie"? I'm all over & about that! :) Now if Hello Kitty would love M.A.C., my life would be complete...;)

[Morrigoon]

My big issue of the moment is a "freckle" that I've got on my forehead. I'm not quite Gorbachov yet but it's close. ;) I did see a doctor a while back and they told me it was nothing harmful. They prescribed a skin lightener for purely aesthetic purposes and it didn't seem to help. I've been wearing lotion with sunscreen in it every day since and that does mitigate it somewhat. It's gotten serious enough that I'm considering a daily foundation. Yeech.

I guess I really did just turn 30. :p

Can't they laser it?

[blueerica]

I am, thanks to EH1812, hooked onto the mini Japonesque eyelash curler (http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2853769/0%7E2377897%7E2383939%7E2384229?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2384229&P=1). I must get one soon! I'd use it even without mascara. It curls perfectly, and not once was there a pinch! I'd get the big professional one (http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2853771/0%7E2377897%7E2383939%7E2384229?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2384229&P=1) at the same price, but I'm not into bulky tools for on-the-go.

Funny thing, Sephora has the same exact thing, but under the Sephora Brand (http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P12343&categoryId=C8620&shouldPaginate=true), and it's more pricey than the Japonesque at Nordstrom's.

[AllyOops!]

Blueerica's post totally made me think of mascara. Has anybody here tried Blinc Kiss Me mascara? I'm hooked on the stuff!

Instead of just coating your lashes like normal mascara, it supposedly creates tiny "tubes" that wrap around & adhere to your eyelashes. While they look nothing like "tubes" to me, the stuff is wonderful. As for removal? Just a little bit of water and the "tubes" slide right of of your lashes leaving no smears behind.

Fiber Wig mascara is supposed to be the same exact thing, and I'm dying to try it. I think it gives more volume then Kiss Me's version, if I'm not mistaken.

And I really want Fusion Beauty's airbrush tanning gun. However, I'm not making anybody airbrush my backside so that I may faux glow! Could you imagine that request? "Can you please come over? I'm standing here, nude, and I need you to shoot me on my backside with my glow gun." :(

[Not Afraid]

My big issue of the moment is a "freckle" that I've got on my forehead. I'm not quite Gorbachov yet but it's close. ;) I did see a doctor a while back and they told me it was nothing harmful. They prescribed a skin lightener for purely aesthetic purposes and it didn't seem to help. I've been wearing lotion with sunscreen in it every day since and that does mitigate it somewhat. It's gotten serious enough that I'm considering a daily foundation. Yeech.

I guess I really did just turn 30. :p

I used to get those when I was on the pill. It's a fairly common side effect for some.

[katiesue]

I also used to get this from the pill. Execpt mine would darken between my upper lip and nose creating a moustache effect. Not pretty.

[MouseWife]

That eyelash curler looks interesting. Does it take a bit to figure out how to use it? LOL I've only used the old metal ones and yes, thanks for the reminder of the pinch. That hurts so much!

Ally, the mascaras you describe sound totally cool. Please let us know if you try them, alright?

About the sponge/brush~ you can use a brush on liquid make up? Wow, that is an interesting concept. Seriously like painting your face.

Something that needs to be remembered, since sunscreen is a part of everyones daily program~ don't forget your hands. If you are driving {or maybe if you are just out in the sun a lot} your hands get a lot of sun. I spent many years being mom taxi and I didn't ever think of it. Just did it. Now my hands show it. My sister wears gloves when she drives, those pretty long ones? We tease her but I also give her kudos for remembering to do it every time she drives. Does anyone put sunscreen on their ears? I used to remember to do it for my kids but forgot about myself.

[BarTopDancer]

Since my two skin tones are transparent and lobster I am a sunscreen junkie.

I use Neutrogena spray sunscreen like it is going out of style. On my face I use Oil of Olay lotion with SPF 15 and the Bare Minerals also has sunblock in it. I forget my ears but my hair is usually down.

A few weeks ago we were down in Crystal Cove. Had lunch in the sun and I turned red. And then a little brown. So there is hope that I can get beyond the two tones this year.

[alphabassettgrrl]

That Dove ad was really interesting. They can do some amazing things with the computer. I saw a site once that was showing all the things they could do for your models to "fix" their "flaws".

And I agree- every girl should feel beautiful just as she is.

Sunscreen? Absolutely. Face, neck, hands, ears. Fifteen usually but higher if I know I'll be in the sun longer. My hands are starting to look like old lady hands; I wasn't always so good about the sunscreen.

[MouseWife]

My hands are starting to look like old lady hands; I wasn't always so good about the sunscreen.

Yeah, when I looked at my hands one day I sort of freaked out. They had always looked the same; pudgy little girl hands. The same hands I'd looked at all of my life.

And then they were my mothers hands. :eek:

I remember sitting in her room watching her put on all of her creams, Ponds being one and then some cream, Esoterica? for the brown spots.

Now this has me thinking, the nails. When do nails start to look 'old'? What can be done for this????? {those of you who know what I am talking about, well, you know what I mean...}

My feet seem to look alright....for a hobbit....;)

And yes, we all need to feel that we are beautiful because it isn't all just what people see. When I had put on weight, some people told me that my husband was going to leave me because I didn't look like I had, sort of like I bait and switched. I was so very insulted. Didn't he marry me, for my qualities, not me for what I looked like? How sad and shallow. {oh, and he didn't leave me, I guess it was my qualities...and definitely cooking not being one...}

[Prudence]

About the sponge/brush~ you can use a brush on liquid make up? Wow, that is an interesting concept. Seriously like painting your face.


Yes! Not everyone likes it. My mom tried it and hated it, so she gave me her brush. I *love* it. I think it goes on more smoothly or more sheer or something than with the sponge.

[Ponine]

Hands I have absolutely NO issue with.
For some reason I am very good to my hands, its my face that I have issues with.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

A girlfriend of mine and I wandered over to the Clinique counter last weekend to pick her up some of her fav moisturizer. I decided to let the lady in the lab coat have at me with concealer and foundation. She tapped my forehead for ages. When I looked in the mirror I looked...the same. In fact, I thought I looked worse. Same contrast between normal and freckle skin, but paler all over. Lame.

There was also this great moment where I explained the freckle and she said "like sunspots, right?" Yes, like sunspots, a word so heavily laden with baggage that it makes me cringe, but yeah. Then she point-blank asks "how old are you?" and when I promply (and honestly) reply, she says "you sure don't look it." Right. I believe that you mean that, really I do, after you made sure to label the two-inch wide thing on my forehead a sunspot. :rolleyes: I guess I should be thankful she didn't call it an age spot.

Anyway, I'd have to go darker to really conceal my Old Age Spot. I'd have to look tan every day. I'm obviously not going to do that.

[Not Afraid]

Anyway, I'd have to go darker to really conceal my Old Age Spot. I'd have to look tan every day. I'm obviously not going to do that.

Did you see my comment about it being caused by the pill?

[BarTopDancer]

A girlfriend of mine and I wandered over to the Clinique counter last weekend to pick her up some of her fav moisturizer. I decided to let the lady in the lab coat have at me with concealer and foundation. She tapped my forehead for ages. When I looked in the mirror I looked...the same. In fact, I thought I looked worse. Same contrast between normal and freckle skin, but paler all over. Lame.

There was also this great moment where I explained the freckle and she said "like sunspots, right?" Yes, like sunspots, a word so heavily laden with baggage that it makes me cringe, but yeah. Then she point-blank asks "how old are you?" and when I promply (and honestly) reply, she says "you sure don't look it." Right. I believe that you mean that, really I do, after you made sure to label the two-inch wide thing on my forehead a sunspot. :rolleyes: I guess I should be thankful she didn't call it an age spot.

Anyway, I'd have to go darker to really conceal my Old Age Spot. I'd have to look tan every day. I'm obviously not going to do that.

Hit up Sephora (I'll go with you if you want ;) ) and try out some of their stuff. The other nice thing about them is they have testers galore and make-up remover. So you can play and experiment to your hearts content. I'm sure there is a solution to cover that spot without looking tan every day. You just haven't found it yet.

[blueerica]

That eyelash curler looks interesting. Does it take a bit to figure out how to use it? LOL I've only used the old metal ones and yes, thanks for the reminder of the pinch. That hurts so much!

It took a few tries to get right, but once I was shown how to do it properly, I was sold. Never had such attractive lashes with no pinch, no "had to do it a few times to get it to have a curl instead of a kink that makes them just go up. My lashes aren't lush, nor are they long. If mine looked this much better afterward, I wonder what someone would look like if they did have some decent lashes of their own.

About the sponge/brush~ you can use a brush on liquid make up? Wow, that is an interesting concept. Seriously like painting your face.



I love my brush. What I like is that I use hardly any foundation. A little goes a long way with the brush, and it really helps things look natural and not over done.

[Ponine]

I love my brush. What I like is that I use hardly any foundation. A little goes a long way with the brush, and it really helps things look natural and not over done.

Okay, I bought the lash curler, and the moisterizer that Ally reccomended via amazon.

Now... about this brush thing....
where did y'all learn this technique?

Obviously I misunderstood at first, and am now very interested.

[blueerica]

I didn't really learn it, hehe... I just started doing it. Just a tiny bit at the end of my brush (this is pretty much my foundation brush (http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P12289&categoryId=S4600&shouldPaginate=true)), and I just apply it to where I need it. I ascribe to the "less is more" school of thought with foundation, so once those areas are "evened out," I take the brush with no foundation and sort of "cross-hatch" the rest of my face, so that I don't end up with any make-up lines.

I also like to clean my brush about once a week. I'm probably doing it wrong, but I use the same stuff I use to wash my face to clean it.

[blueerica]

I want to get the curler. I just need to order it online, I think. :)

[Ponine]

I didn't really learn it, hehe... I just started doing it. Just a tiny bit at the end of my brush
I also like to clean my brush about once a week. I'm probably doing it wrong, but I use the same stuff I use to wash my face to clean it.


Nah, when I bought my bare minerals, they told me that the face wash in the kit was great for cleaning the brushes.
Sounds like a great theroy to me.

And I may just need to get a brush.
Damn this whole money thing.... I want more to buy silly stuff!!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Did you see my comment about it being caused by the pill?Yeah, I did. I've still got that (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showthread.php?t=5260) in the back of my mind. I'll admit to being stymied in that department, out of pure indecision. Just now I did a little searching and yeah, you guys are right, the pill can cause blotches, and the blotches are often permanent. Ah, well, I guess that's how the ball bounces.

Hit up Sephora (I'll go with you if you want ;) ) and try out some of their stuff. The other nice thing about them is they have testers galore and make-up remover. So you can play and experiment to your hearts content. I'm sure there is a solution to cover that spot without looking tan every day. You just haven't found it yet.You're probably right.

I swear, in the end, laziness is my worst enemy.

[MouseWife]

Damn this whole money thing.... I want more to buy silly stuff!!

LOL Yes, I agree. I need more money, too. Last night I went and picked up things {on my mad money budget} and am going to play with it tomorrow {I guess...} I was a bit embarrassed buying so much crap. I felt like it was an act of desperation or something. Like alphabassettgrrl said, we should all feel pretty and really, we don't need to go overboard. But, do what we feel is right for us.

I looked at colors and while some looked pretty interesting, I knew I wouldn't use them.

I am very intrigued with that curler, I don't have spectacular lashes, either, and the basic kind is, well, too basic. Blah.

The foundation/brush deal~ do you put a small amount on your palm and then dab the brush? On the link you gave, it suggested after brushing using the sponge to smooth it out. I am thinking of those old white sponges but what about those newer brown actual sponge looking type?

CP, hopefully if it is from the pill a change will eliminate your problem. If not, I have heard of a line of skin care that really helps with that. I haven't used it, I need it, but it is pricey. Let me know and I can find info on it.

[Ponine]

Like alphabassettgrrl said, we should all feel pretty and really, we don't need to go overboard. But, do what we feel is right for us.


The key there... we should all feel pretty.
Should and lack of confidence do not go hand in hand.

[Not Afraid]

My skin discoloration went away with a change in the pill.

[BarTopDancer]

I am so in love with my new mascara. It is Unstoppable by Maybellene. $5 at Target.

And since the Pill has become a topic here - I have had no discoloration after 11 years on the pill. I also have zero cramps. YAY! CP - your spot may be because of the Pill, it may not be because of the Pill. But it's there and you want to cover it and that you shall do when you decide to do something. ;)

[Prudence]

I just dab my foundation brush around the top of the bottle. I also wash it after each use. It seems to use less than either sponge or fingers, and doesn't get all gloppy in whatever area I touch first.

[Not Afraid]

And since the Pill has become a topic here - I have had no discoloration after 11 years on the pill. I also have zero cramps. YAY! CP - your spot may be because of the Pill, it may not be because of the Pill. But it's there and you want to cover it and that you shall do when you decide to do something. ;)

It is called Melasma. It is pretty normal for women with darker toned skin and not as common in lighter skin tones (which is probably why you haven't had any occurance and why Jen has). It is caused by estrogen and progesterone hormones present in the pill and is also very common occurrence in pregnancy when hormone levels are elevated. It usually occurs in areas of the skin that are exposed to sun a great deal and where the skin is more fragile. It usually fades over time when the hormone levels return to normal. There's tons of info out there about it.

[katiesue]

My skin discoloration went away with a change in the pill.

Mine did too. And mine would darken with any kind of sun exposure, even with sunscreen.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Thanks for the info on melasma....I'm going to look into it some more.

In the meantime: Aughhh!!! (http://www.eatliver.com/makeup/#null)

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Thanks for the info on melasma....I'm going to look into it some more.

In the meantime: Aughhh!!! (http://www.eatliver.com/makeup/#null)

That is truly amazing.

[katiesue]

Wow - those are amazing.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Am I alone in being aggravated at the idea that EVERYONE could be absolutely stunning - if they had the time and money? Money can't buy everything, but apparently, it can buy you physical beauty. (No guarantees on being smart or kindhearted, but visual beauty, damn.)

[Not Afraid]

I don't think it even takes that much time or money to be absolutely stunning. It's all about priorities.

[Gemini Cricket]

Also, think about how pretty Oprah is on the cover of every single "O" Magazine. But without the makeup... yikes! That's from many years of too much makeup. So maybe no makeup is the way to keep looking young.

I don't know, I only use makeup doing theatre stuff and if I can get away with it I don't use it at all. I get claustrophobic wearing makeup...

[Not Afraid]

Actually, the right make-up can keep you from aging by protecting you for damaging sunlight.

[Kevy Baby]

Ya know why women wear makeup and perfume?

Cuz they're ugly and they stink.

[Prudence]

I don't think that everyone could be stunning (by contemporary standards) with makeup. There has to be something there to work with. Surgery and makeup, though, yes. But how much of that is due to redefined standards of beauty? When everyone starts doing it, it's expected. If no one followed suit, would we still think the "after" photos were beautiful? Or would they look freakishly unnatural?

[blueerica]

I'm also looking at the pictures and they look photoshopped, still.... it's delicately done, but something's not entirely right with it all. Not to mention the make up they had to use on some was pretty thick, and it showed (to me). I'm always sad when someone covers up their freckles. I wish I had more. I just have a couple by my left eye.

[Not Afraid]

The women who are attractive in their "before" pics look completely overdone in their after pics. But, the women who really need some help, look amazing.

[MouseWife]

Ya know why women wear makeup and perfume?

Cuz they're ugly and they stink.

That is funny you say that. My s-i-l had said that before, that she thought women who wore perfume {or at least that everyone could smell} did so because they were hiding some smell. :blush:

I don't want to look overdone. I was a little worried last night when someone was telling my sis and I we looked good for our ages...my sis is about 54....I don't know if I want to know how old I look.

I feel like a 12 year old geek. :D

I am just working on staying alive.

[Matterhorn Fan]

So maybe no makeup is the way to keep looking young.I can totally buy into that.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Nah, my mom never wore makeup, and she had people thinking she was a senior when she was 45. I'd vouch for her stress levels, as well as her chain smoking, as real culprits in her aging. Not dying your hair makes a big difference too...

[blueerica]

What helps you look young is taking care of sun damage, moisturizing, etc - and as NA pointed out make up today, in many cases, is beneficial.

I actually need to go shopping for makeup, but I just can't seem to drag my ass out to go get anything good...

[alphabassettgrrl]

Good skin = drinking lots of water and using sunblock and moisturizing.