One of the things I’ve always loved about makeup is the potential to explore so many different paths, and there are so many ways you can change your style and your technique, and just ways to evolve with it. Like, during one stage of your life, maybe you’re wearing full-coverage foundation and false lashes everywhere. Then, maybe 5-10 years later your idea of “dressed up” is wearing mascara and brow pencil, which you only wear to work meetings.
I think there’s something very cool about being able to reinvent yourself, and makeup is here for that. That’s one of the reasons I’ve always loved it.
This idea struck me right after I finished this look with the Tom Ford Disco Dust palette, MAC A Little Tamed Lipstick and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. Seriously, my makeup style has changed a lot over the past six months, and I can honestly say that I don’t love doing a complicated base as much as I used to.
Foundations, concealers and the constant quest to create a flawless base — I kid you not — used to THRILL MY SOUL, but now, even when I just wear a little tinted moisturizer, it feels like I’m wearing too much.
I don’t know if it’s because I’ve become more comfortable in my skin, or if it’s because I’ve just gotten so used to putting on some sheer tinted sunscreen and calling it a day, but, at least for now, the thought of layering, mixing and buffing 10 different base products to achieve a skin-like effect isn’t something I want to do.
And you know what? Makeup is cool with that. It’s creative. It’s malleable. There are options. It’s designed to change and evolve with you. A full makeup bag contains endless possibilities.
That said, I’m thinking that maybe it’s time to explore the wide, wide world of tinted sunscreen serums (I’ve got my eye on this one and this one) and sheer BB creams. I don’t know where this is going to take me, but I’m excited to find out.
I’m wearing the following pieces in this look…
- Tom Ford Disco Dust Quad
- Chanel Black Wood pencil liner
- Clinique Pretty Easy Pen in Black
- Urban Decay Brow Beater Pencil in Neutral Brown
- MAC Clear Brow Set
- Laura Mercier Caviar Mascara
- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Wheat
- Hourglass Retouching Fluid in Sand
- Lancome Le Monochromatique in Ooh La la
- Lancome Le Monochromatique in Soiree
- MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour in A Little Tamed
Have you gone through any major makeup pivots in your life? How has your styled changed lately? When did you start wearing more or less? Did a particular event or moment change your point of view? I’d love to hear about it.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Yesss! I’ve been feeling the same. Working from home for the past year has really changed things. Now I’m used to going days without make-up. When I do feel like it, it’s just mascara, a little lip tint, and maybe some blush. Who am I? lol It’s so weird to me yet feels so GOOD!
Hi, Maria!
I know. I’m shocked now when I see myself even in the tiniest bit of eyeliner, mascara and eyeshadow. To think that not more than a few years ago, I loved putting ALL THE PAINT on my face. LOL! I still love makeup but I love it in a different way, ya know?
I agree with you completely, makeup evolves with us and that’s cool. Maybe we’ll return to some stuff we loved or maybe we just keep finding new things.
For me the pandemic meant also reducing the amount of makeup I use in general: I think I’ve only used foundation once during the last two months and most of the time is mascara, brow product and translucent powder.
However, I’ve been experimenting a lot with eye makeup something I didn’t try in the past. So in the end let’s see where our makeup journeys bring us next.
Crazy to think that our styles can change so much, right?! I wonder where we’ll all be in 5 years. Watch us all be doing crazy makeup again!
I think you’ll enjoy the Ilia, I do like it and feel it gives me a good sun shield but does nothing in the tint department. I equally love the Typology tinted serum and that imparts a nice warmth to my face, but I need to layer that with a proper sunscreen.
Same with evolving makeup aesthetic/preferences. I believe it’s the combination of aging and pandemic circumstances. I’m also interested in trying brands I’ve never used before that cater to a different aesthetic that I’m embracing, like Glossier, Jones Road, Tower 28.
Also, totally OT, but I’m slightly obsessed with Poshmark. I hate shopping IRL so this is right up my alley!
I’ve heard good things about it from a derm who I follow on Youtube (she has darker skin and hers is dry, so I pay attention when she raves about something).
I have friends who love Poshmark! I thought about doing it when I was purging my closet but I wanted to just get the stuff out of the house ASAP. I might do it in the future if/when I feel the need to evolve my wardrobe. Have you found anything cool on there lately?
Who is the YTer with darker, dry skin? I’m always on the look out. I like Sarah Novio’s content, she is Filipina too, slightly more tan than the both of us but she has the same pigmented lips as me so I can gauge how lip products will look on me.
So far I’ve purchased some things on Poshmark that turned out weird-fitting or slightly too large but other things I’ve been happy with. Some of the sellers do not know how to describe their items or provide useful measurements like the Etsy folks who sell clothes. Just be aware of that, and some just don’t communicate at all when you ask a question or for a specific measurement. As for getting rid of clothes, I’m the same, I just want to get rid of stuff NOW so I end up donating it to Goodwill and that’s fine, too.
Dr. Alexis Stephens. Her stuff is very in-depth. I also love how her baby shows randomly in her videos too, SO CUTE!
I don’t think I could buy stuff on Poshmark without getting really cranky, LOL. That’s why these days I buy from stores within easy driving distance; that way I can always return or exchange without any drama. I like having the ability to just take it back, ya know?
I think the pandemic has shifted priorities for a lot of people as far as their makeup goes. As for me, I’ve gravitated towards more neutral, natural looks that have that effortless yet refined vibe. Summer has me feeling a bit more colorful, but still on the subtle side. And, as far as evolving goes, everything about our appearance changes as we age. Our hair fades to grey, our skintone becomes redder or more sallow (with spots!), our eye color fades, the color of our teeth changes, the shape of our features change–everything changes so why not our makeup choices? So, I like to live in the moment, make the most of what I’ve got, and enjoy!
Recently it’s gotten hot weather wise, so I’m wearing a little less face makeup. Becoming sober about two years ago enabled me to love makeup even more, it looks so much better on a non-puffy, healthy face. I have gotten back into a structured cat eye since watching Emily Wheatley on YouTube in the past few months or so, I got the Ilia felt tip liner.
I started wearing less and, most of all, experimenting less with makeup during the pandemic. I still wore it every day, but somehow I felt the need to tune in more with what I actually enjoyed rather then wearing colorful looks because, well, I don´t really know why.
I have been keeping my makeup look simple for quite some time. I think because my work life has changed as well. I work for a not-for -profit on a part-time basis, no more corporate life. I have been sticking to Tinted moisturizer(Laura Mercier in Vanille), LM Secret concealer to brighten my inner eye area, blush, bronzer, one and done eye shadow, mascara (all LM), brow pencil and maybe lipstick or lip balm. I have never used highlighter and rarely bother with powder. I do love that Chanel eyeliner in Black Wood, but I ran out and haven’t replenished yet. I don’t think I will go back to a heavier foundation, maybe in the Fall.
Be well and enjoy the weekend.