Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Natural is beautiful: the "No makeup" Makeup

I'm sure many of you are not as thrilled about the idea of plastering your faces with products as I tend to be, and firmly hold to the notion that less is more, and more is vulgar. You may be surprised to learn that I happen to subscribe to the same belief. Less is, in fact, more, especially when it comes to every day makeup. I absolutely do not support young girls wearing a heavy mask of foundation, nor do I believe in makeup being used as a veil. On the contrary, I think makeup is meant to highlight and bring attention to one's naturally beautiful and unique features. Of course, it took me a while to come to this realization, as I most certainly have used makeup as a hiding tool and wish I hadn't started 'using' as early as I did. So I admit it, I have abused makeup and was an addict for a long time.

My relationship with makeup began at the tender age of 13, when I got my first taste of pubescent zits. I shiver at the thought of those oil-based powders and concealers, which only made my skin more and more acne-prone (Thank God for Proactiv!) It quickly grew into a passion for transformation when I started experimenting with styles, ranging from gothic to gangsta' to schoolgirl, inspired by Fairuza Balk (The Craft), Left Eye, Buffy and others. Oh how I wanted to be Buffy... at times I even thought I was the fourth member of the TLC... anyway, I regressed. By the time I was in high school, I was the go-to girl for make-up--I experimented on all of my friends and take full credit for planting the seed of their current obsessions. I even taught my friends how to "shop" for make-up... but that's a story for another entry.

CrazysexycoolThe Craft [Blu-ray]Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete Series (Seasons 1-7)



Back to being natural. Bottom line--I should not have been shopping or experimenting or plastering my face like it was a dry wall... I was fresh faced and should have probably kept it fresh, at least until 16. Why don't we ever listen to our mothers and years later wish we did? On a positive note, makeup technology and formulas have come a looong way since my high school days and I secretly can't wait to experiment on my little sister when she's of age. If she starts at 13 like I did, I'm OK with her using light eyeliner and perhaps some lipgloss, as well as grooming her brows. At 15, she can pile on the mascara and start using mineral foundation. After 16, it's all game on special occasions and by 18, she's free to choose.


It is important, however, to remember that people get used to seeing you in makeup and it's good and necessary to remind those around you, as well as yourself, that you are beautiful underneath it all. So, my thought for the day is to change it up, go natural, go bare, go free and be free :)


Bisous,


Maryam Maquillage






ABOUT THE LOOK:

So, although this is a natural look, I am wearing some makeup. I skipped my typical foundation primer and went with a mattifying moisturizer with SPF 15 from Proactiv. I find that with this product, skin doesn't really need much else as far as moisturizing, priming and protecting. It's a great all-in-one, non-comedogenic (does not clog pores) hydrating lotion that also primes and preps your face for the day. I used my favorite Bare Minerals matte mineral foundation just over my T-zone and a little under the eyes and mixed it with warmth (Bare Minerals' bronzing powder).

On my eyes, I'm wearing just 1 coat of mascara on both top and bottom lashes and the slightest amount of pale pink eyeshadow that I dotted on with my finger just to the center of my lid.
My lips are lined and filled in slightly with Mauve lipliner by Jordana.

This look took me about 2 minutes to complete, and the effect is natural but awake (hence the pj's). Oh yeah, I also brushed my eyebrows with a spoolie and applied some hair wax to keep the brows in place. I have to do that because my eyebrow hairs are very coarse. You can obviously skip this step.



EXAMPLES OF NATURAL MAKEUP:






The focus is on glowing youthful skin and the models' natural gorgeous features--cheekbones, lips, and eyes.






MOI--SANS MAQUILLAGE (ZERO MAKEUP)


Super Ellen in this one


'Eastern block', as my girl Jo would say. "Khan!"


I ate so much, my head exploded...



TIPS AND TRICKS: 

☺ Proactiv Oil Free Moisture with SPF 15. Forego their other stuff, but this one's a keeper. Go to your local mall, find a proactiv kiosk, and purchase it this way, otherwise you'll need a contract for the entire system.

☺ Natural does not mean makeup-less. If you love makeup like I do, keep it simple on those au natural days. A little mascara and concealer (just on the problem areas) go a long way. 

☺ Choosing a good bronzer can really transform you from looking like you're barely there to healthy and well-rested. I prefer a matte bronzer, like Benefit's Hoola, but also like mixing in Bare Minerals' Warmth with my every-day foundation for a subtle glow.









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