So this is somewhat timely for me.
I typically didn't wear makeup, except if I was going to an event, which for me meant somewhere pictures might be taken. I am blessed with great skin and good coloring, so I could totally throw on some clothes and look together in 15 minutes. Seriously, Contra takes longer to get ready than me. It was less "fuck what people think" and more "I don't hafta and you can't make me!" I have written before about how he is typically dressed up and I am in jeans and looking like a poor relation. That was definitely, "fuck what people think."
But after I hit thirty some of the magic was gone. I gained weight sure. I have some silver up top I am thinking about working on, while secretly hoping I will wake up and look like one of the X Men. I look tired and old and sloppy.
Recently my SIL became a rep for Mary Kay. Hokey, I know. I mean, I had stuff. Mostly cheap drugstore crud because I am cheap. Q: What kind of lotion do you use? A: Whatever the hell is on sale. Or hey I have a coupon!
I am doing the skin care line now. Cleanser, night cream, moisturizer with spf for the day. I got a lecture on that because I never bothered with protecting against the sun. It is important apparently. My SIL found a tinted moisturizer that is nothing like foundation. It evens out the skin tone, without being all cakey gross and mask like. Plus spf so I can say it is for my health.
I have added a little eyeshadow and lipgloss to my day to day. I still forget sometimes, but most days. Suddenly I have all these add ons though. Tomorrow I am picking up "lash primer." WTF? Lash primer? It was a freebie, I have great lashes but don't wear mascara because they break. I fear this slippery slope happening where I am suddenly all Tammy Faye.
I do look fantastic with it on though.
On the one hand, the eye makeup helps because I am getting used to life without contacts. Can't wear them anymore and I want my eyes to be visible and not hiding behind my glasses. On the other hand, I feel weird because it is so new. Growing up without a mom, I had none of this stuff. I was shown how to put on makeup in the rear view mirror of a Ford Escort by my drug-addled aunt when I was twelve. That and teen magazines was all I had to go on. For that reason alone I am glad to have my sis to guide me. She is a natural chick with a punk past so I trust her not to make me look stupid, even if she is getting paid.
On the other hand, while doing this I am having a boycott on shaving. HAIRY LEGS! ARM PIT KITTIES! OMG! I was thinking about starting a thread on that and the reactions I am getting. I always shaved because I was told I had to. I am having a revolt and figuring out how I feel about my body in its natural state. It has been pretty illuminating. Honestly, easier than remembering to use the expensive goop.
I also think the razor ban has had more of an impact on my self esteem and confidence than the makeup. We shall see though once the weather warms up and I have to deal with other people's reactions more. I have had a few conversations about it with people I care about. (Leading with NOOOOOOOO! but ending up with understanding.) Strangers are harder though.
No advice on professional stuff obviously. Though, I realize now that I am an honest woman, "paramour" doesn't fit in my
bio anymore.
