Makeup Madness
I am NOT Kim Kardashian. I’m not Pat McGrath. I am by no means a “makeup person.”
I’ve never formally learned how to apply makeup (has anyone really?), but I know the basics: this color of eyeshadow goes here, this other color goes there, you put eyeliner on like this, and wiggle the mascara wand as you apply it. Got it.
Then, comes the question of how much to put on and what colors to use. My mother was always a strong advocate of makeup that looked au naturale, and throughout high school and college, it’s worked for me. Am I a natural knockout? No. We can’t all look like Rihanna, right? But, the look has been effortless enough – it’s not like I’m Kylie Jenner who apparently spends $480 on makeup.
But then my friend took a Snapchat of the two of us and captioned it, “No makeup queens.”
I was definitely wearing makeup.
I started to wonder: am I doing this right? Like I said, I’m not Kylie Jenner, but surely I can do better than this! To be fair, the primary eyeshadows I use come from the Naked palette, so maybe I shouldn’t so quickly take offense.
But this isn’t the first time this has happened.
People frequently act surprised when they realize I am, in fact, wearing makeup. So, why should I even bother with the 15 minutes a day I spend applying it? It’s not like I’m in the public spotlight everyday. But, without makeup, I would look even more like a 12-year-old boy, so that’s out of the question.
I wondered if there was anything I could do to enhance my makeup routine without losing my natural look. Basically, I wanted to look natural, but I also wanted to get the most out of my makeup – a “maybe she’s born with it” moment, if you will.
After some unsuccessful experimentation, I decided I needed professional help. By professional, I mean the Internet, of course. I’m sure many women know how to use makeup by the time college rolls around, but if you’re anything like me, makeup tutorials and step-by-step guides are your friends.
To make it simple, here are the keys I picked up from my intellectual research:
1. Blend, blend, blend. Blend your eyeshadow, blend your contour (if you use it), and blend color correctors or concealer (again, if you use them).
2. “The best color is the one that looks good on you.” – Coco Chanel. Choose an eyeshadow that enhances your eye color and is in the same range as your skin tone. Think: beige, brown, pink, cream and even gold if you can handle that kind of responsibility.
3. Use lighter shades to highlight your inner and under eye, and reserve darker shades for your outer eye and crease.
4. Matte is best, but a little shimmer never killed anyone. When used properly, it can give your skin the perfect dewy look.
5. Eyeliner can make or break you. And, I’m not just talking emotionally if you mess up the wings. For a natural look, dark eyeliner should never go on the inner corner. Use a brown or grey eyeliner as a natural enhancement, and ditch the liquid liner for a more subtle pencil and smudger.
6. Tinted lip balm goes a long way. Burt’s Bees is truly a game-changer!
Ultimately, makeup is all about creating an illusion. I might not look like Kendall Jenner any time soon, but maybe I’ll look a little better than I do rolling out of bed every morning.
Check out this natural makeup tutorial by Youtube star, Michelle Phan!
