I’ve had numerous requests recently to post some makeup tutorials. I thought that sounded like a lot of fun. I am currently drafting a post on my “everyday look.” While I’m finishing writing that up, I’d figure I would at least share some information on my makeup history and my favorite red lip color!
I guess one would call me a makeup enthusiast although the love affair started later in life than most would assume. I first started wearing makeup when I was in 8th grade. Nothing major, just a little lipgloss and mascara. I had no idea what I was doing. My mascara would give me raccoon eyes and my lip gloss would slowly melt off my lips and onto my chin as the school day progressed.
When I reached high school I started experimenting with foundation, blush and eyeliner. I steered away from bright colored lipsticks and eyeshadows because I thought my skin was just too fair for it. I thought that any color I put on my face would just make me look like a clown. I already felt uncomfortable about my complexion and had no desire to put more attention on it.
During the summer after my first year of college at the age of 19, I started my first part time job as a receptionist at a salon and spa. Being my first “real” job, I took the role as receptionist incredibly seriously. The stylists loved to experiment with my hair and they are responsible for convincing me try out a pixie cut (I’ve now had one for over 6 years). One stylist in particular befriended me and would always ask to do my makeup. After avoiding it for as long as I could, I obliged and ended up loving how it looked. It was a whole new way to express myself.
Here are the other products used in the look featured here today:
For my face: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation and Concealer (both Shade 205), Maybelline New York Shine Free Matte Finish (in Soft Cameo)
For my eyes: Tweezerman Eyelash Curler, Urban Decay Primer Potion, Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette shadows( Verve for the lid, Pistol for the crease, and Bootycall for the brow bone, corner of the eyes and overall blending) each applied with the brush included in the palette, Sonia Kashuk Dramatically Defining Long Wear Gel Liner applied with Sonia Kashuk Bent Eyeliner Brush, Covergirl Lash Exact Waterproof Mascara (in Very Black)
For my cheeks: Mary Kay Mineral Cheek Color (in Golden Copper) applied with Eco Tools Bamboo Powder Brush
For my lips: Maybelline New York Super Stay 24 Color (in All Day Cherry)
I get quite a few emails asking about the red lipstick I wear. Most are surprised to hear it’s nothing too fancy. My absolute favorite red color that I have been sporting for the last few years is Maybelline New York Super Stay 24 Color in All Day Cherry. I just adore it. I’ve read about individuals having issues with it peeling. The trick is to put enough lipstick on your applicator brush so you can apply it in one even coat. If you don’t put enough product on the applicator, the color will appear uneven and transparent in certain areas. First I focus on the bottom lip, then the top. I then let the color dry for at least two minutes before applying the conditioning balm (which you can reapply throughout the day if your lips feel dry). I know it sounds a bit finicky, but it really isn’t once you get the feel for it. It really will stay on your lips until you scrub it off. I use these to remove it.
It’s a more dramatic look than I usually wear, but it was for an extra special date night that included dinner and a Broadway show. If anyone is interested in a full post on creating this look, let me know! I’d be happy to oblige. Also, if you have any questions involving makeup that you would like me to create a post on, feel free to let me know.
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I love this post. I love it ’cause you’re gorgeous, but extra-specially because I have never been as girly as I try to appear, and am admittedly not so handy in the makeup decision-making department. Especially in the for-the-face department. I always just do eyes and that’s it. I needed this lesson!
I used to be totally afraid of wearing makeup or anything too girly! I didn’t think I could pull it off whatsoever! I’m working on recording some tutorials that I’m super excited to share!
Oh, by the way… not sure if this is an issue anyone else has had, but I have found that the link on your main website landing page doesn’t actually link out to your blog… rather, it’s not clickable. Maybe it’s just me, but just a heads-up—I had to type out your URL to get here.
I think the issue was just due to traffic. A local vintage shop blogged about me and it made the site extra slow! If it happens again, just reload the page and all should be fine!
what a fun peek into your favourites! i have a weakness for red lips as well, though i don’t know if i wear it as well as you do. i recently found a lovely, matte, 40s red that i’m loving but now i want to seek out this cherry too!
hope your day is swell!
I’m hoping to do more posts on my makeup favorites!
And seriously, you have to try the cherry. It’s such a refreshing shade of red: not too dark, not too light, just perfect.
Hope you are having a great week Tara!
I wish I had more guts to wear red lipstick, I feel so self-conscious with it, but I adore the colour.
I used to feel the EXACT same way! But one day I threw caution to the wind and ended up feeling so beautiful. It also helped that I ended up getting lots of compliments on it, haha.