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If you had asked me two years ago if I would shop at Sephora or start watching make up tutorials with keen interest, I would have scoffed – “right”… well…here we are.
I have been on maternity leave since last July and I think there was an identity moment where I felt like I was “just a mom” – you know, touched out, haven’t showered in days, sweaty, stinky, new stretch marks behind my knees? (wtf) Leaky boobs that I didn’t own, saggy midriff, new grey hairs in my mop pony tail at the top of my head…you get the point. I was just in a funk and my confidence was taking a dive regardless of how many times you hear you’re sexy from your partner. “Oh, you think this spit up on my 5 day worn shirt is sexy? Cool story bro.” I needed a pick me up; I could feel myself slipping away.
I happened upon a video on Facebook of this gorgeous brunette with perfect brows and lips, applying this super creative eye shadow look. Hm, let’s check this out. Down the rabbit hole I fell. I joined some makeup groups and started watching those famous makeup YouTubers. I’m creative; I can do that, right? I decided after a week of obsessing that my makeup stash needed an overhaul, I made a large purchase online and excitedly waited to ‘play’.
The learning curve was steep, my friend. Contouring, baking, not making your eyebrows look like a rocket ship launching off your forehead…I mean, this was an art. I didn’t realize fake eyelashes had a left and right eye way to go on and only realized this once the glue was on my eyelid. How do people slide on dark liquid lipstick in one fluid motion? How did that perfect wing take you 3 seconds? I jumped in the deep end of the pool.
Something else I realized along the way is that these famous makeup gurus are young with porcelain skin – they don’t have fine lines and maturing skin. As I really analyzed my face in the fancy light of my new vanity I heard my mom’s stark voice in my head; “I told you so”. Skin care is something I maybe should have dabbled with a bit more in my 20’s. I realized and saw why it was so important to moisturize and exfoliate (especially your lips). I should have listened when my mom told me not to rub my eyes. I should have probably reapplied more sunscreen and not lay out in the sun like a little sun goddess. I had to take this information and find what worked best for my skin/type and face in general.
I am absolutely still learning but I wanted to share some of my as of late looks. I am currently dabbling more with lipsticks and loving it. There’s just something about gorgeous lips with a great lipstick. I really want to try a navy blue or a dark purple, so I’m working on the more ‘normal’ shades until I get the confidence to rock that look.
What are your favorites? What would you recommend?
And the Looks
Okay so this is titled Naturalish <3 You know the spend oodles of time looking like you’re barely wearing makeup 😉
And the not naturalish, haha. This is the famous first fake eyelash attempt – they are on backwards! We’ll chalk this one up as a life lesson.
What do you think? What are your best tips for makeup newbies?
Very funny to read and I admire your openness about this. I am a bit older than you but can remember feeling rather mumsy when having babies and young kids. When having kids it is harder to spend time on your self but it is important not with the purpose to please others but to make YOU feel better and happy within yourself. So spend money and time on make up if that makes you feel better.
Thank you, I agree. It took me until my third little one to realize I’m allowed to pamper myself too and that that is okay.
You are so cool! Keep up spreading positivity with your smile.
Thank you for the smile ????
Oh wow that’s great you found something that you love and feel confident at! You should pursue this if this makes you happy! I think both make up are great! and you loook beautiful darling!
Thank you so much <3
Ah! I am not the only one! I think to myself – “that takes too long, and I like my sleep” or – “when they get crows feet, lets see how that works!” I love your post!
Yes! Thank you, I’m so glad this is relatable.
Loving the look in the bottom picture!
I’ve sort for slipped out of the habit of wearing make up in the last year, but when I started wearing it a few years ago I quickly discovered that a bold lip colour can make all the difference! I could be wearing just mascara and concealer, but adding a bright red or dark purple lip would suddenly give the illusion of being really put together!
I completely agree, it just really attracts the eye.
Thank you! I just chuckle everytime I look at that picture… Those darn eyelashes lol
I am definitely a newbie in make up! Just a couple of months ago I learned what is contouring and I am still no good! I don’t know how you do it haha!
I think every time we try it out we’ll get better and better; newbies unite haha Thank you <3
What an inspiration! I have been using make up for about two-three years now – and I still. Haven’t. Improved. Not one bit, and it can be a bit discouraging sometimes! I absolutely love your end result!
I only see progress when I look back at pictures and am like ‘oh okay, I definitely learned how to highlight better than this now’. I also love that there’s no one way to do makeup. Thank you <3
Love the natural look on you! My younger sister is the makeup guru – i’ve had to have her teach me 🙂 But, I do agree, lipstick is the best even if that’s all you wear – completely changes your look
That’s awesome you have someone in your circle that can share some tips! Thank you <3
I absolutely loved this post! I still remember my first time dabbling with makeup, and I cannot believe how far I’ve grown since. Keep up the amazing work!
Practise makes perfect indeed ???? Thank you so much!
You have an awesome natural look.
Thank you! <3
For a makeup beginner, you blend that eyeshadow so well!
Thank you! ????