I first heard the word 'makeup' while reading novels. The sentences in the novels 'expertly applied makeup' or 'flawless makeup' always intrigued me. While growing up, my mother had a 'solitary' lipstick, which she promptly forgot to use. That lipstick was used on my elder sister and me as a 'rouge'(hideous blobs of red) to stain our cheeks and also as a lipstick. This was the makeup for the many school plays and dances, in which we participated.
My first brush with actual makeup was, when I saw my eldest sister using a compact, lipstick, kohl pencil and mascara. I was not fascinated by it so much...just thought it as a natural part of being a grown up (I still had some catching up to do). That indifference slowly waned as I grew a bit older and started going to college. That time, my elder sis and I shared whatever bits and pieces of makeup we could buy. We shared our lipsticks and nail polishes. Having a separate arsenal was not viable as makeup was expensive and also it was used only on special occasions.
My makeup regime mostly follows this pattern:
1) Foundation: My flawless skin does not need foundation. Hmpffff.... (Frankly till now I have not been able to figure out which shade to use).
2) Lipstick: Scrunch up your lips and scrub a tube of lipstick around your mouth and hope that the aftermath does not make you look like a circus escapee.
Did u say Lip liner? Huh? What’s that? Aha, the pencil thingy to line your lips, right?
If you have the patience, go ahead. I don't.
Toss the Lip gloss, it makes your lips unnaturally heavy and makes even the flying dust particles stick to your lips.
3) Eyeliner: Close your eyelid, hold up the liner and move it across swiftly across the top lip of the lid. Pray to god, the line is somewhat close to where it is supposed to be and open your eyes.
If you see that you missed the mark at many odd spots then try to repeat the process on the same eye. Yes, you might break out in cold sweat and might start hyperventilating. Cursing at the bad lighting and screaming at the husband will also vent some of the frustration.
If you have missed the mark by a long shot, then its better to go dressed as a punk rocker or Goth. Nothing else will salvage your look.
4) Mascara: Run the mascara brush over your top lashes and lower lashes. If you have been patient and your eyes have not flickered then you have won the battle.
If the whole process makes you look like a druggie or a raccoon in full bloom, you need to scrape of the goop from your eyes and go masacaraless.
5) Rouge: Shudder shudder, a wrong brush stroke and you end up looking like a scary doll. Use it at your own discretion. My rosy cheeks never needed it.
6) Eye shadow: I choose a neutral shade so that any mess I make is not glaringly bad. A ish mash of few colours, applied on your eyelid is all I can manage.
Times have changed now; having your own makeup is no biggie. Women and even some men use makeup as an everyday ritual, just like brushing your teeth. I think it needs practice and patience. The need to look good is the real motivator. There was a time when I could put liner on my eyes in 50 seconds flat. Now, it seems a waste of time. I just put on a lipstick and am all dressed.
What have been your makeup secrets and faux pas?
Interesting post. My mom and sister apply make up well. It accentuates their features so I am familiar with the process.