MAKEUP POST! If you’re not into makeup, I suggest moving on. 😉
Anybody who has met me, or has read my blog, you know that I love makeup. Absolutely passionate about it. For me, it’s a ritual—it’s a celebration, it’s an art form.
Even though we’re still in the summer drought that killed my garden (mostly), the tinge of autumn hit the air not long ago. I’m not the only one who caught the faint scent of it on the breeze—and while we have a month—maybe a bit more—to go before our blessed rains come in, I already feel myself gearing up for it. Every season I pick out new makeup palettes. I go through my makeup and clear it out, organize it, and decide what color palettes I want. I’ve picked two for this autumn—I might add a third, but for now, I have two.
First, I am going to answer a question I get a lot. People are always asking me how my lipstick stays in place without smearing, bleeding, etc..
The secret is very simple: I use lip lacquer. Lip lacquer is different than lipstick in that it has two sections: a bottom coat—the stain, which you let dry for a minute, then the top coat—the gloss, which makes it shiny. You can reapply the gloss as it wears off but, except for rare occasions, the stain won’t bleed off. You do need makeup remover to take it off. There are several brands. I used to use a M.A.C. version till they discontinued my color, and now I use one I like even better: Makeup Forever’s Aqua Rouge line.
I always start with foundation, eye shadow primer, etc:
MAC Studio Fix in #NC-15 (I have very pale skin)
I usually use MAC powder, but right now I’m using up some Illamasqua Powder (PF 120)
For blush, I use NARS Superorgasm
Eye shadow primer: Urban Decay
Lips: Makeup Forever: Aqua Rouge (my main color of choice is #9—Burgundy)
I apply foundation and eye shadow primer first.
Then, eye shadow on upper eye, eye liner, brow pencil, brow fixer, mascara primer and mascara.
Then, I use the under eye shadow, powder, add a little blush, and lastly—lips.
Eyeliner: Urban Decay 24/7 in Perversion
Eyebrow Fixer: Urban Decay
Mascara: Estee Lauder: More Than Mascara in Rich Black
Mascara Primer: I alternate-both Tarte and Estee Lauder make a good mascara primer
Here are the palettes I’m using this season:
Palette #1:
Over entire eyelid: Illamasqua: Sex (a very pale white)
Over lower lid: Nars: Lulu (a figgy purple)
In crease of eye: M.A.C.: Cranberry (a lighter burgundy)
On Brow: Urban Decay Eye Liner Pencil: 1999 (burgundy/brown)
Under the eye, after liner goes on: M.A.C.: Beauty Marked (a slightly sparkly deep purple)
Palette #2:
Over entire eyelid: M.A.C.: Mylar (an off white)
Over lower lid: M.A.C.: Fig 1 (a figgy purple)
In crease of eye: a blend of Urban Decay: Mildew (a glittery olive) and NARS: Night Porter (a darker green)
On brow: Urban Decay Eye Liner Pencil: Ransom (a darkish blue)
Under the eye, after liner goes on: Lancome: All Made Up (a rich darker blue)
So there are my two color palettes of the moment. While I love the Vice Palettes from Urban Decay, there’s something freeing about picking out precisely the colors you want to work together.
And for those who don’t believe that I…collect…makeup, here’s my collection (does not include perfumes, lotions, skin/hair care products):
So what’s on your vanity table?
I agree with you Diane, my allergies stopped me from wearing eye make-up too. I use mascara if I’m having a good allergy day and I never go out without foundation, powder, blush, and something on my lips. I love nail polish but haven’t found one that lasts longer than a day. That just means I have a lot of polish, though when my Mom comes to visit she usually goes home with a bottle 🙂
You’ll laugh at what I do with the eyeshadows and blushes I no longer wear… I use them on the faces of my cloth dolls. I make holiday dolls like pumpkin and snow head ladies, vamps, faeries, witches, elves, and more.
Billie, I have the same problem with nail polish. The longest I’ve ever had it last is 6 days, before it started peeling off. I try to throw out old makeup, but I’m stubborn.
Actually, I think your use for old eyeshadows and blushes is pretty clever!
WOW! You sure do collect makeup! And I thought I was bad! I bow to the Mistress of Makeup! I don’t use as much as I used to. My allergies flare up so unexpectedly that I end up rubbing my eyes, then using eye drops, and there goes the eye makeup. I do still like to use lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm (regular w/ SPF, and flavors). And my nail polish. When I feel like fooling with it. When I work out though, I don’t bother. It just gets sweat/wiped off. I think getting makeup on the towels at the gym is GROSS!
I just went to Ulta and got some new makeup and perfume in the continuation of celebrating my 3 Aug birthday. My color palette is winter, so I tend to wear jewel tones in clothes and makeup.
I like hearing about how people apply their makeup. I have been wearing makeup for years and you can always pick up tips from others.
I have dry eyes too which are an annoying tag a long with Rheumatoid arthritis. If I wear any eye make up I put it on right before I go out, so I’m not looking like a racoon or in pain from irritation. Almay eyeliner works well.
I wear no make up….used to do my eyes when I was young, always wore mascara, though, until I developed “dry eyes” so now, even mascara is out 🙁 “Dry eyes” are quite the reverse: sometimes they are very dry requiring eye drop, other times, they are running so much, one looks as if one is crying! Nuts!
Vanity Table? I don’t really wear make up much. Most of the time I go without it because I don’t feel that I need the time. But when I do, on things like special nights or job interviews, my make-up is minimal to usually eye shadow and lipstick. No matter what time of the year, all my colors are purples and blues. I’ve tried other colors, but it doesn’t work with my personality or skin tone. So yeah, I own one shade of lipstick and about four different shades of purple for eye shadow at this time.
Edit to my earlier comment: sorry, fixing something I wrote as I forgot to proofread what I wrote. I meant to put was that I normally don’t put on make up because I don’t want to take the time with it. So I don’t feel the need to make the time, I forgot to put the word make in there. Sorry.
As a red head with very pale skin I have always struggled to find colors that work. But, I am like a crow when it comes to eyeshadow:) I’m drawn to anything with shimmer and sparkle. I’m in my 40’s and find that the less is better approach is best. I wish I could do my eyes like you do Yasmine.
Oh I am a lover of all things makeup. Sadly I need to replenish my makeup because my daughter has gotten into doing makup tutorials on instagram. BUT at 11 she can contour like a professional! 😉
Le sigh!
I am not into makeup so much. I don’t wear it all the time, but when I do-I wear Bare Minerals. I like the light,silky feel of it. My mascara & eyeshadow are usually inexpensive Maybelline. (I try to save my money for books! Lol!)