War paint

[breakinglight11]

One thing I actually have done a little work on in the last few weeks is practicing with makeup. As I've mentioned, I don't like to wear it often; in fact, my dislike is strong enough that the fact that my practicing has led to me showing up places painted more frequently has made me a little uncomfortable. I prefer to cultivate an #IWokeUpLikeThis kind of beauty. But I respect its transformational power, and I'd like to have the ability to harness it within my capability, so lately I've been practicing.

The primary skill I'd like to develop is the ability to simulate flawless skin. I've got a noticeable acne problem and I'm somewhat self-conscious about it; I'd say it's really the only unattractive part of my appearance. So most of my effort has been focused on how to hide the bumps and pits in a way that doesn't make me look caked with product.

The problem with that, however, is that when you make your skin look more uniform, you run the risk of eliminating the definition. I find sometimes the foundation and powder makes me a little moon-faced; round and smooth, obscuring my cheekbones. I like the chiseled look, and having soft features I think playing that up is not a bad idea. To that end, I’ve started trying to learn how to contour, or use makeup to make my features look a little sharper. It’s not something I’d want to do in person very often, but it can look very good in pictures, and since I do Skype interviews it can keep me from getting too washed out. It’s not easy, though, since the danger is making yourself look like a clown with too much paint on. I’ve only practiced it a few times, but with more attempts I can probably get the hang of it, at least for the camera if not in person.

As for the rest of it, it’s a mixed bag. I have great eyelashes and not much in the way of under-eye circles, but I’m still trying to learn the tricks. My eyebrows sit very low, so figuring out how to use fun colors that don’t make me look weird is challenging, but a touch of eyeliner looks great. I’m trying to learn how to use liquid just to get that really sharp black line. As for lip color, well, I’ve honestly yet to find one that I don’t think looks weird on me, so I usually don’t even bother.

Maybe I should ask a makeup person for help. But I really love how you can go on YouTube and watch tutorials for just about anything you want to learn how to do. With observation and practice, I think I can pick up what I need. Except for maybe the color thing. That I might need somebody in person who knows their shit.

Comments

[mirrored-echo.livejournal.com]

Sephora is very good at debugging specific makeup problems.

[breakinglight11.livejournal.com]

Thanks, that's a great suggestion!