So, this probably isn’t going to win me any extra credit points with cosmetic companies round the globe, but that’s the chance you take when spreading the good word. For years and years, basically since I was permitted to play in the makeup aisle at the drugstore, I’ve been fascinated with makeup. I’ve gone through the phases of cake face, glitter shadow, frosted lips, and all the other makeup calamities that are a woman’s rite of passage. We are taught and then it is pounded into our pretty little heads that makeup is the key to fixing any flaw and without it, we are just plain Janes not glamorous goddesses. And while I do enjoy playing around and experimenting with different lotions and potions (that’s half the fun, afterall), it recently came to my attention that I’ve been wasting a lot of money and time fudging with my face.
On one particularly hilarious evening in, a friend saw a photograph in a frame on my (alphabetized) bookshelf from when I was living in LA and said, “Wow! You look like a real whore! So much makeup! And so blonde!” I wanted to be insulted, but he was right. I looked like a different person, a Barbie. It’s not that I looked bad, per se, but by doing “so much” to look good, I ended up looking just like everyone else.
When I met a girlfriend out one evening haven’t having had time to spruce myself up, she informed me that I’d never looked prettier. I was confused at first and wondered how many cocktails in she was already, but I started toning down my look and received the same compliments about my fresh face. And while I won’t reveal my actual age (today), most people’s guesses include me still being a co-ed. Funny thing is you know how we wear makeup as pre-teens to look older? Well, it works, doesn’t it? So when we actually are of legal drinking age, we probably don’t want to look any older, right?
Here’s a little secret I’m going to let you in on: less is, in fact, more. In my old(er) age, I’ve toned down the bright white highlights (aka, I haven’t colored my hair in over a year), and given up all the extra beauty products. My hairdresser leaving the US is probably the best thing that’s ever happened to my tresses. I actually know what color my natural hair is and it’s never been healthier. Turns out the shade I was given suits my skin tone (without heaps of self tanner and sun), which only brings out the blue eyes that are luckily and thankfully God given. It’s like I’d been fighting against mother nature all these years and finally gave in. My best guy friend is somewhere smirking to himself saying, “Told you so.” Speaking of which: another bonus, guys who are actually of value (as in you may actually want to hub them up), prefer a woman with a natural face. They don’t wanna worry about washing oompa loompa off their sheets or holding their breath in fear of what may wake next to them.
So, what’s the key to a clean polished fresh face? Other than starting with a serious skincare routine (your dermis is the most crucial part of the look), here it is in four steps (five when I’m feeling fancy):
1. Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Under Make-up Primer, Bronze, $27, 2. Benefit Benetint, $29, 3. Anastasia Brow Wiz in Ash Blonde, $20, 4. Benefit They’re Real! Mascara, $23, 5. Smashbox Limitless Eyeliner in Golden Ivy, $19
So, who’s hiding out under there?
xx,
WhyDid
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There comes a time in everyone’s life where we may need to tighten the the ol’ metaphorial belt. It becomes a tough judgement call between a bottle of Whispering Angel on the rooftop of Soho House or that fancy facial serum. Decisions, decisions… When it comes to my beauty routine, I’m not one who likes to skimp on the essentials, however, when push comes to shove, there are a few luxury items that I’ve been able to swap out for their drugstore counterparts without sacrificing my standards. Below are a few products that I literally use on a daily basis and their pricier companions that I’ve had to trade in for the time being… and truth be told, I may not even switch back when my ship comes in.
1. Kerastase Resistance Bain De Force Shampoo, $39, Resistance Climant Anti-Usure Conditioner, $41, Masque Force Architecte, $61, 2. L’Oreal Total Repair 5 Shampoo, $4.99, Total Repair 5 Conditioner, $4.99, Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm, $6.99, 3. Murad Active Radiance Serum, $89, Murad Essential-C Cleanser, $36, 4. Avalon Organics Vitamin C Vitality Facial Serum, $24.95, Avalon Organics Vitamin C Hydrating Cleansing Milk, $10.95, 5. Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Body Lotion, $48, 6. Eucerin Intensive Repair Very Dry Skin Lotion, $11.49
