I am 35 years old. All photos are unretouched. And as you will see, I am not a natural beauty. By natural beauty, I mean someone who doesn’t need any enhancement to look good, someone who wakes up in the morning and looks just as fabulous with unkempt hair and grungy sweats. I know plenty of these women, and I admire their naturally dark eyelashes, their peaches and cream complexions, and their perfectly rosy lips. If I am describing you, congratulations…millions of women hate you :). For the rest of us, fortunately, there is makeup.
When I walk into a room that could be enhanced, I start decorating it in my mind. Similarly, when I see a woman who could be enhanced, I start decorating her in my mind. I know so many women who have no idea how much more beautiful they could be with just a little eye makeup, blush, and lipgloss. To prove my point, I’m going to show you what makeup does for me. I am no makeup expert and my technique is probably all wrong. But I do know this much to be true: My after looks a heck of a lot better than my before, so I am guessing that yours can too!
To dispel some other myths off the bat, you don’t need to buy your make-up from a department store and you don’t need to spend a lot of time on your face. All of my beauty products come from Target and I average about 10-15 minutes total on my face.
1. Cleanse and Moisturize I wash my face with Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser followed by Olay Regenerist moisturizer every morning and every night. I swear by my Regenerist. I’ve tried Olay Definity, Total Effects, and the pricier Pro-Rx, and I still like Regenerist the best. One week I ran out of the stuff so just used some Almay face lotion I had on hand. At the end of the week, I couldn’t figure out why I was looking so haggardly and tired! Regenerist really works to mask some of those fine lines.
*At the risk of offending millions (when has that ever stopped me before), I’m going to say it. I think glasses should only be worn in the early morning and in the form of sunglasses. Even if you’re an avid “no makeup-er”, I say stop hiding behind your windows and get contacts. I recognize that this is not an option for some, but if it is an option for you, do it.
2. Liquid foundation I still get zits, have craters for pores, have age spots/freckles, and a weird purply vein thing under my left eye; therefore, foundation is a necessity for me. Foundation does WONDERS in making your skin tone look even and healthy. I have tried those mineral powder makeups and just end up looking leathery and creased with them, so liquid foundation is how I roll. I am always on a quest for a good foundation. My skin changes with the weather, so I usually have several on hand. Right now I’m using Rimmel Lasting Finish. Finding a shade that matches your skin tone and blending it all in is key. I just use my fingers to smooth it on and take a tissue to wipe off any excess on my eyebrows or in my hairline. You shouldn’t even be able to see it at all once you’re done. You’ll look like you, just with better skin.
3. Blush I’ll admit it, sometimes I overdo it. I get so pale and turn the color of death in the winter that I sometimes go overboard on the blush just to try and revive some life into my face. Going overboard, however, is just as bad as looking like a walking zombie. To prevent the temptation to keep brushing it on, I have started using cheek tint by Sonia Kashuk (found at Target). It’s a liquid blush and just the smallest drop will blend in and give you a nice natural glow.
I dab a bit on the apple of my cheek and blend it upwards on my cheekbone. Blend, blend, blend with your fingertips until you see no lines.
4. Lips My lips blend right into my face and barely have any natural color. On most days I want my lips to look natural and glossy. I use a fat lip crayon by Sonia Kashuk followed by a cheapo lip gloss. I just follow the outline of my lips (no going outside the lines for me) and then just fill in the center. I go over my lips with the gloss to finish.
5. Eyes In the picture below, if you look closely at the eye to the left of your screen, you will see that I actually have fairly long eyelashes. You would never know this by looking at me without makeup. In fact, you might not be sure I had eyelashes at all! This is one of the many reasons I think all women should give eye makeup a try. Your eyes define your face in so many ways. They are what we lock onto during a conversation. They are what we read to interpret your mood. They are the windows to your soul…and I dare say dress those windows girlfriends!
Eyeshadow I have read all sorts of tips on how to put on eyeshadow, and I have tried them all. None of the tips have done anything magical for my eyes. I also haven’t found any advantage to using multiple shades of shadow on my lids, so I just stick to one. Right now, I just use a little makeup brush with some Sonia Kashuk (are you sensing a theme here) brown eyeshadow. I paint it on with the brush…
…and then just blend it all in with my fingertips. Just keep blending until it looks natural.
Eyeliner I prefer liquid liner to crayon pencils. I have used both over the years and just like the look the liquid liner gives my eyes. It also goes on easier and doesn’t pull at my eyelids or smudge all over the place. I simply draw a line with the liner across the top of my lash line, keeping the tip as close to my lashes as possible.
Mascara My all-time favorite mascara since the seventh grade has been Max Factor’s 2000 calorie mascara in brownish black. It’s not at Target though which really throws me off. Right now I’m using something by Loreal. It works fine, but I miss my fav. To put on mascara, I just sort of blink into the brush and comb it upwards. I gently brush the mascara on my bottom lashes too. I don’t turn the wand vertical, or wipe the wand off and let it dry out, or any of those other weird tips you may have heard in the past. I just pretend I am painting on my lashes by starting at the base and working towards the tips.
Okay, just to demonstrate for you what a difference eye makeup makes to your eyes, check this out…
Is it just me, or does my madeup eye look ginormously bigger? It’s not just me. Makeup helps your eyes look larger, brighter, and deeper in color. Try it. You might just like it.
Okay ladies, let’s revisit this one more time….
Before
After
And yes, running a brush though your hair helps too!
So, how about you? Any great make-up tips to share? Anything you’re now willing to try? Talk to me.
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That’s what I call the useful article!
I find myself wanting to add each of the products to my Target shopping list… GORGEOUS, and I could use me some painting!! π
I stumbled across this blog doing a sonia kashuk search. I just recently discovered makeup and can't believe I went around without it for so long. Love it! I very very recently discovered Sonia Kashuk, and how it has been kind to my wallet!! maybe I'll do a before and after, too. π
I enjoyed your post, thanks for sharing your lovely face and make up tips. I struggle with make up. I think it can enhance my features, but perhaps it's my olive/pink coloring (i'm not sure)I find it so difficult to find a foundation color that works well. I totally agree with your comments on mineral foundation. Great concept, but they do not work for me!
I agree with the poster above, Lash Blast by Cover Girl is awesome!
Anyway, thanks again for a great post. Just found your blog and I'm enjoying it.
I've gone to the Nordstrom make up counter, had Mary Kay consults, played at Sephora, and I still have yet to find a simple natural look that isn't over the top.
Great post!! It was so much fun to read and now I have a nice long list of things to try thanks to you and everyone's comments. π
Someone mentioned Max Factor no longer making products – well if you need a new mascara I HIGHLY recommend Cover Girl's lash blast. LOVE it! I have tried tons of mascara's over the years from department store brands to drugstore brands and it is the best!
I am a girly girl; I do love make up. I hate it if I have to go out without it on.
I, too, got sucked into this post after browsing your crafty-type posts. Excellent, excellent job! π I'm a fair-skinned redhead and MUST wear eye makeup. And I, too, am a major Max Factor 2000 Calorie mascara addict– but where is it??? Not in Wal-Mart, not in Target- I miss it so! Love how it goes on, love how it comes off, and whatever stuff I'm using right now just doesn't compare. Any help?
Beth – what shades are the fat lip pencil & cheek tint?! I'm looking to minimize my makeup and you look FABulous! Off to blow my spending money at Target!!!
Looks as though we have a lot of the same rituals for beauty tips! I am no natural myself but some tweaking and a little effort goes a long way!!~ Your eyes are gorgeous!
Beth-
I read this when you originally posted it and tried to remember the Olay Renerist name and then stood in Target completely overwhelmed so I had to come back and read again. You are gorgeous without make up and drop dead gorgeous WITH it! You have huge eyes and such a pretty color. My eyes are almost identical to yours but they're brown. It's nice to get tips from real every day moms. I'm going back to Target with the name of the Olay product written down!
Thanks for your ideas!
I am AMAZED at what a few minutes can do! Thank you for giving me the kick-in-the-pants that I needed. You have inspired me to dig out my make-up EVERY DAY, not just on Sandays, and put just 5 minutes into how I look. Ughhhh….. I cannot tell you how much better I feel on the inside knowing that I look like I care about myself once again. Next week, I tackle going back to the gym. Thank you Beth, Thank you!!!
Wow look at those lashes! Gorgeous! π
xoxo, trina
You are too gorgeous!!
And now I am absolutely dying to try Sonia Kashuk cheek tint.. I love her products!
You're darling – gotta say that the picture with one eye done and not the other is FREAKY! π Thanks for letting us peek into your routine, so fun!
Your first paragraph cracked me up. You look amazing. Thanks for linking up to the Chic Critique carnival!
Great tutorial! I didn't start using makeup until just a few years ago (I turned 30 in December). Now I can't leave home unless I have my makeup on.
My sister is a rep for Avon, so I get some of my products through her. She's good at telling me which items or colors would work for my skin tone.
I have not found a foundation I like. Whenever I try one I feel like it's not me in the mirror.
Everyday I wear: a bit of foundation under my eyes only, charcoal eye liner, a light eyeshadow, brown/black mascara, light blush and lipstick. The lipstick doesn't stay on long, so I usually apply lip gloss here and there.
Oh my gosh! You're too funny…and beautiful!
I may just have to do this on my blog, looks like a lot of fun!
Love your eye lashes by the way! Good job!
Beth- You look GORGEOUS with makeup. But you look absolutely adorable without it! I guess either way, you win !! π mil
Oh girl, you are cracking me up!!! I use to only wear makeup when I was going somewhere. Then I started working mostly from home. I developed a routine and getting dressed with makeup and hair is my everyday norm. It was so funny when I first started getting "dressed" every morning my kids would look at me with panic like "where are we going"?! Thanks again for a fabulous post!
God's blessings,
Sarah π
Beth, you are the bravest woman I know. I don't go out without makeup, haven't for many years. I'm one of those gals who figures if I'm going to spend the time to put it on then by golly I want to look like I have a little bit on. Love darker lipstick too. Have you tried the Revlon lipstick in the tube with the wand the stay on all day stuff? It's amazing. Expensive but really stays. Gotta get me more.
I use the skin care that I sell and it reverses sun damage. It's great stuff. I was a sun worshiper as a kid. Should have been smarter.
can't remember how i came across your blog, but i love it nonetheless π
however-i must be the bearer of bad news (if you have not heard it already)-max factor is going out of business. devastating news to myself-a devotee of their volume couture mascara π
in the search for a new fave, i have been liking maybelline's the colossal volume express (in the yellow tube)-traditional brush as well as cover girl's lash blast in the orange tube-silicone brush. cover girl has some great single eyeshadows as well.
p.s. check out lauren luke's tutorials on you tube for some color inspiration-she uses mac and barry m as well as her own line, but as you know, it's easy to find thrifty alternatives π
Hahaha Beth.. you rock!
I quit wearing mascara awhile back (makes my eyes itch!), but couldn't live without my liner. Guess I should scout out mascara again. Sigh…
Great post!
Donna
oh my gosh, whatever, you are gorgeous! I think your skin is beautiful! I somehow don't look that good when i do MY makeup…you make it look so easy! LOL
Dang I need you to be my makeup artist…I love this post and the tips…
Thanks for all the great tips! I was just saying to my co-worker that I need to wear eye make-up to work more often (I work night shift in the lab at a hospital…no one really sees me) But I feel better when I do! π
Your eyelashes are freaking amazing. Seriously I cannot believe they're real! I don't really have any makeup tips. I spend more money on home stuff than on makeup…but I should spend more on makeup too haha.
LOVE the post π
I love makeup. I tell my hubby once a week how glad I am that it exists. I am so much prettier WITH than without!
I think you should throw a before and after face party – I'll post my non-made up and made up face for you!
I loved the post. I would have never thought to do a post like this. I liked yours so much, i think that I need to do one. I think it would be fun to go and look back at what we look like-my kids would get a kick out of this as well. I am so jealous of your lashes. Mine are short and stubby. I saw a commercial for a new loreal mascara that makes your lashes grow. Like the script, but no perscription.
Have you ever tried MAC makeup? They have a phenomenal foundation brush. I know, I know, why do you need a brush when you have your fingers? It is awesome and the coverage it gives is flawless!! i love MAC!! There colors are awesome adn the lip gloss is the bomb! Now, I will stop writing my novel! Have a great night! i LOVE all of your ideas and stalk-I mean look at your blog often!
This has seriously been one of my most fun posts! I am amused by how many of you think I'm brave ;). I'm not brave…I just strive to keep it real. Love to you all for your sweet comments and even more love for all of your fabulous tips! I have so many great products on my list of things to try.
Keep the suggestions comin'!
This was so much fun. Love seeing your pics and reading the tips. Then I went through and read all of the comments!
Funny how I now wear less makeup than when I was 13. omg, WAY too much makeup back then.
I love kohl eyeliner pencils and the covergirl mascara in the purple tube. Even though I just switched over to Loreal voluminous. It helps to run the edge of the applicator over a tissue to prevent clumps.
Wash with Cetaphil, morning moisturize with Jason Vitamin E oil. Took me forever to realize that the reason my skin was so oily was because I was using an oilfree moisturizer (causing my skin to overcompensate). Now, no more oil slick.
Loving Covergirl Outlast Lipstain. The colors are very pretty.
Thanks for the reminder, Beth. Going right now to color my hair and pluck my eyebrows. Checking out Target's cosmetic isle next paycheck! INSPIRED!!!!
Pretty nervy my friend! You do look lovely afterwords.
Thanks for the tips – especially on the cleanser and moisturizer. I'm in search of a good moisturizer at the moment (my skin is so dry right now), but I don't want to have to get a department store brand.
My big tip is a eyelash curler. My eyelashes do not curl up naturally – they stick straight out! In order to really see my lashes, I need to curl them prior to putting on the mascara!
Thanks for all the tips! I agree about the mineral makeup…it makes my skin look very leathery and dry.
I picked up some Regnerist at Costco today…yea! For any Costco shoppers out there, there is a $7 coupon for the cream right now.
Look forward to seeing a difference in my skin!
PS- I liked your hubby's sweet comments on your post. Good guy you've got there!
Hi Beth,
What a great idea for a post. I can relate to how you make over a room in your head. I do that too–especially in my own house, much to my husband's chagrin.
I'm funny with makeup. The only products that I really use are moisturizer, lipstick, and perfume. Every few years I get inspired to buy more makeup. I wear the mascara once and then don't notice the tube again in my drawer until 6 months later when I find it and have to throw it out because it's expired! The best intentions…
π Thanks for stopping by my blog to say hello. I've gotten out of the swing of blogging around the holidays, but I'm looking forward to getting back into it!
Wonderful tips and tutorial! It's funny how hardly anyone talks about make up on the blogs! I love Regenerist too. I have always struggled with foundation and until recently was using mineral makeup. I found this stuff called eraser that's really natural looking. I will have to try yours out too – sounds wonderful!
I think you're gorgeous!
XOXO
Jen
It's nice to know that I am not the only one that despises those women that look adorable without makeup (see also those women who "glow" when they are pregnant! Gag!)as I am NOT one of those women. I look like a 12 year old boy with long hair without makeup and prefer that I am never seen that way in public. Ever! I think it's great for all us to be reminded that that woman that you see out that always looks fabulous probably didn't wake up looking that way and we shouldn't judge ourselves too harshly for waking up looking like Gary Busey! Cute Post!
Beth, you brave girl. I totally agree that makeup enhances us all. And every single girl can benefit by adding some makeup to her face. I'm a huge believer in painting that barn! π I've been hooked on Bare Essentuals for a few years now, it works great for me since my skin is on the oily side. But, I gave up Dept. store makeup years ago & now mostly shop at Ulta or Target. Oil of Olay is good stuff too. I'll have to try that moisturizer when I run out of my other stuff.
Beth~~~
You are just gorgeous, with or without make~up, but I so enjoyed seeing the before and afters to learn a bit about what to use and how to use it. This was better than an article in Glamour or Allure!!
I swear by Curel. Yep…nothing glamorous about it but it is like a drink of water for my dry skin and lasts all day. I like to play with different make~up products, expensive and drugstore variety. I am REALLY pale so I use a light hand with everything. If I am just running errands, I use a little concealer under my eyes and lip gloss. I hate taking off mascara so I only use it if I have to…that is about it!!
I wanted to say that I am posting about your mantel party. I am so psyched about it. I need serious help with mine and I am hoping to get it!! Thanks!
xoxo
Jane
I too, am a liquid liner girl. My trick is to draw the line on (in the AM, I'm not that good at lines), go over the line with some powder in the same shade (using an angled brush) to set the line, then wetting the end of a Q-tip and dragging it along the upper part of the line. This evens out my mad lining skilz, creating a nice crisp edge.
Great post! I definitely agree that "most" people need at least a little bit of makeup to enhance their natural beauty. I also have fair skin, invisible eyelashes, brows, and lips. I do not go anywhere without makeup. (You can see the makeup in my c-section pictures when my son was born) I used to have a friend at work who always came looking like she had just crawled out of bed and I would always tell her that it only takes a few minutes to make yourself look fresh with just a little makeup. I know it's bad, but it kind of bothers me when I see people who could look so much better with just a little bit of makeup. I guess they just don't care. Happy decorating!
I love all the faces of Beth! You're a funny, brave and groundbreaking blogger. For anyone wondering (and I doubt that you are), the Beth you know here is in fact the real Beth, refusing to accept any "niche" or be characterized as less than the whole package. I'm so glad that so many of you recognize the gift of herself that she gives you on every post.
I never say anything I don't mean. Life is too short.
You're absolutely, positively out of your ever-lovin' mind if you think you aren't a natural beauty!!! INSANE!
Does makeup enhance things for everyone – sure, when it's applied properly, as you have demonstrated; HOWEVER, if I was you, I'd run around every day without it, reveling in what God gave me because He gave you GOOD!
You look younger without make-up; most of us do. One day, you'll embrace that I think.
I loved this post because you demonstrated everything so well. But please know that you don't need to go through any steps to be absolutely lovely!
Thanks Beth! Best post I read today…Now I want to go run upstairs and go through all my makeup! You look fabulous!
You are my hero! I could never go without make-up, well at least without mascara and some carmex chapstick! Go Girl!
You are my hero! I could never go without make-up, well at least without mascara and some carmex chapstick! Go Girl!
I can be pretty lazy about makeup sometimes. One thing that totally rocked my makeup world was Mary Kay Eye Primer. It's a cream that you put on before eyeliner or shadow. Eyeshadow always used to wear off by the time I made it out the door. Now it lasts until bedtime. Love the stuff!
OhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygosh!!!! I just love you. π I think you're still gorgeous, even without makeup on. I would totally lose all my readers if I took a photo without make-up…it's that bad.
I loved seeing the difference between eye make-up vs. no eye make-up. My problem is finding a shadow color that will look good on me (very pale with hazel eyes, dark hair) and not going so dark that it's an evening look. I think yours are perfection!
A make-up artist did my make-up with that mineral stuff for my sister's wedding….it looked fab in photos, but it felt really heavy and like it was cracking and it was too dark for the rest of pale me.
We're getting a Sephora this Spring and I can't wait to go and learn how to find a better eye shadow.
LOVED this post!! I do have a question…my skin can be prone to blemishes. Should I still be moisturizing, or will that clog my pores even further??
Thanks for sharing with us!! π
First of all, I disagree- I think you are a natural beauty.
My biggest makeup tip? Bobbi Brown- her concealer can cover up ANY amount of dark circles or blemishes. Trust me, I don't leave the house without it!
The only people (other than family) that see me without makeup early in the morning are mall walkers. I don't think any have fainted at the sight, at least, not yet.
You have beautiful eyes! (Made up or not!) I usually use Almay products because of allergy's. During the Christmas holiday, I went to a Mary Kay party. Got a bunch of tips there (plus it was fun!). They have some great oil free eye makeup remover. I had tried Mary Kay years ( maybe decades?) ago. Their new products are much, much better now. My favorite lipstick is by Avon.
Kudos for you going all au natural for us! I swear by two things – Clinique Line Minimizing Concealer and Benifit High Beam. Add a couple drops of the High Beam to the concealer and ba-dawow! You look awake and refreshed with zero pores. How does this work? The light reflecting particulars in the Highlighter diffuse all dark circles and spots and the awesome concealer hides any fine lines and pores! Use it as a highlighter/concealer with your regular foundation and set with powder. It is a power combo that I adore!!
You ARE a natural beauty, shut up!!! You are the funniest ever.
I never thought about the eyelash thing with blond hair before, but that's probably because I don't know any REAL natural blondes. I don't have a problem going out without makeup because I don't wear that much. Don't get me wrong, I could still use some on those days I'm without (like today), but sometimes I just don't give a f***. When I do get painted up, I tend to go for Sephora items–LOVE Lorac for eyeshadow & brow wax, Iman pressed powder for foundation (not from Sephora), Lancome mascara, and lipglass and blush/bronzer from MAC. I also LOVE those brushes at Sephora, which I feel makes a big difference. I got a big powder brush that I love, but it was a bit much at $34. I have 3 or 4 for my shadow and blush, but it was a one-time expense, so I was able to justify the cost. Great post.
You gave some really great tips, and way to go girl…I could never be brave enough to show thousands of people my "naked" face! I have the same problems as you do with foundation, I just started using Covergirl Clean liquid foundation and I am falling in love with it. It's cheap but works great. I also use a tinted Burts Bees on my lips, it's like a little bit of heaven, especially in the winter. It's also great if your lipstick tends to wear off later in the day.
i loved this post! i think we should have a week of everyone showing their before makeup & after makeup photos. so, you all go ahead! i'll be last!
i'm truly scary without it, but yet there are days i venture out, sans makeup, to the dollar store or GW or the flower factory. my kids would flip if they knew, heh, heh!
because i only wear one contact (i'm getting old, it's the best option) sometimes it's hard to put my eye makeup on. so a 2x or higher magnifying mirror is a must. in fact, i have 2 of them in my bathroom; one's even mounted on the wall!
you, beth, are beautiful before, during, & after! thanks so much for the beauty tips.
i'd give mine but they'd be "what not to do" probably.
peace –
This post was fun! I definitely want to try the Olay regenerist (I'm a woman of..umm…51!!). I haven't tried anything for those fine lines yet. I was never allowed to wear makeup when I was young, so I seldom go without it now. Even if I stay home all day!
Ok, so I have been spending WAAAYYYYYY too much money on Arbonne products and MAC makeup. And my skin looks the worst it ever has!!!!!! UG! How can I be almost 40 with acne?????? I've heard others talk about Olay Regenerist…. I may have to give it a shot. What I'm doing is not working.
Love this post! I used to never leave the house w/o makeup, but I've become lazy since I now work from home and have 2 small kiddos. I still LOVE the stuff though. If I have time for nothing else, I make sure my eyes are defined. I believe every woman should at least wear mascara and curl her lashes. I've heard it said that an eyelash curler is like a push-up bra for the eyes! And no matter who you are, if you are wearing mascara, wear the deepest, darkest BLACK you can find! If you are going to add drama, go all the way!!
I came to the blog to check your craft make-overs – and totally got sucked into this post. I mean that in a good way *hehe* – thanks for this really instructive post, Beth! I only discovered make-up last year in my 40th year, can you believe it??? I am fair haired like you and have fair skin, too. My lashes are non-existant :-(. I am not using make-up on a daily basis yet (too lazy for that), but I am practicing it. Will give liquid eyeliner a go, for sure. And that body shop lip colour/blush combo that was mentioned in one of the comments, sounds really good.
Thanks for sharing!!! (And for your comment on my blog, too ;-))
Pam, no fake anything here. My eyelashes are 100% mine. I know, huh? You never would know they could look that long with how blond they are. I've worn fake for special occasions and they're a bit much. Very dramatic…and kind of like having baby tarantulas on my lids. π
Oh I've been a follower, but not posted much. You have me now! You are my hero! You are so very brave and so very beautiful. You can tell from your delightful posts that the beauty comes from inside and just bubbles over onto your face!! I'm a makeup addict too. I don't go out without my face on! I love Lancome Tient Idole foundation and Lancome High Definicils Mascara. I'm a pencil eyeliner gal who lines above and below. I faithfully cleanse my face and moisturize. I'm 47, and I've really tried to protect my skin. You do a fabulous job on your makeup but you look great without it as well. I like when you finish with your makeup that it's dewy and glowing…not heavy and overbearing. Wonderful!! Magnificent, and this is a great post!
Neat blog this time. I am like you….my beauty comes from what I use! Now I have to ask, are those lashes real with makeup or did you put on false ones? I don't have lashes either but with the aid of Rimmel Sleek and Sexy ….I have long ones.
Brave, brave woman! I applaud you, you have some serious guts my friend. Posting a before make up picture and in that close up size. You look marvelous and as one blue eyed blond to another, without some eyemakeup my eyes seem to disappear too. If anything I always apply a little eyeliner (I prefer crayon) and mascara. Love this decorating post. Great makeover.
Love Ye, M
I just love all your make-up tips! One of my favorite lines regarding makeup from a crusty (but made-up!) older lady is…"If the barn-door needs paintin', paint it!" I usually opt for no make-up around the house, and will wear just a tad when I go out to run errands, grocery shopping, etc. BUT, I whole-heartedly agree with you that make-up does really help to enhance your beauty…natural or not! (And, btw, you can't look as gorgeous as you do all made-up without having some natural beauty…jmo!) My only "trick" is that I use baby lotion (J&J) for my face. I've tried so many others, but for some reason the baby lotion works great for my combination skin. I also love the L'Oreal Colour Juice Lipstick (which they don't make anymore, but thank Heaven for eBay!) for my lips. It keeps them feeling moisturized and tinted a lovely color too. Okay, that's all I have for now!
(BTW, this is RubyMoonDesigns Grace, popping in from my other blog!)
Blessings, Grace
What an awesome post! I am now feeling a need to try Regenerist after reading all of this. I have lashes like yours. Long and invisible. I'll have to try the 2000 calorie as well. Thanks for the tips!
You are wonderful to do this! I have never used foundation {except when I was having my pro pics done and they did it for me}. It always felt not right to me and I always had a problem with getting the right shade for my skin tone. I think it's time I look into it though. I have both eyeliners ~ crayon and liquid, and I go through phases on which I use. Sometimes I like a smudgie look so I go with the crayon. Thanks for your brand recommendation, too.
So, all I need is the blonde hair and I'll be all set! : )
~WOW! Beth you are brave. I mean this in the nicest way possible. I could never do a post showing my face on my blog without makeup. People would run so fast screaming in terror I would never see them again. HeHe!
You look awesome in all of the the photos! You eyes are huge and gorgeous!
I really love "Cliniques Super Balanced" foundation. I have terribly sensitive skin allergies and I have used it for years with no problems. I love Loreals "Lash Out" mascara in the gold tube. Awesome stuff and yes it's found at Tarjay.
Have a wonderful day and great post!
~Melissa π
I think you look great in both the before and after photos! My day time gig is in the beauty world and I've probably tried just about every beauty product out there. I really LOVE Tweezerman tweezers and Japonesque's brow scissors – two products I can't live without.
I use a lot of niche brands for my cosmetics – in otherwords brands you probably rarely hear of but are better than Revlon, etc.: Bodyography eye shadows, Mehron coverup, Tricia Sawyer Eye Slept – I could go on and on. I don't leave the house without Eye Slept! =)
I just wanted to comment on the Olay Regenerist. That stuff is amazing. I adore it. It has really improved the look of my skin. Buy it in the two pack at Costco, you will save bucks!
I liked you (And your blog) before this post but now I LOVE YOU! Thanks for the tips and I think you look wonderful.
you go girl! Showing your face without makeup when you feel you look better WITH makeup is a huge step and I just wanted to tell you: WAY TO GO! (I personally feel you look cute either way but you do what makes you feel best!)
I swear by The Body Shop's lip/cheek stain…it'll take away one product for you. It's liquid and you rub in into your cheeks for a subtle natural glow & then you use the applicator for your lips followed by a gloss. It looks SUPER bright red in the tube but TRUST me it looks different on everybody and totally natural. TRUST ME lol people look at it like "I ain't no hooker- and that's a hooker color" but then they try it and see that it's really quite natural on skin π
Beth ~ I am SO a make-up girlie girl!! Mary Kay is what I use. I have said on more than one occasion, thank goodness for cosmetics!! I like mary kay skin care and foundation! Eye shadow, just any brand, colors that I like!
Thanks for this post!!
Your are gorgeous regardless!
Lou Cinda
Girl, you go!! I am one of those that never, ever went outdoors (much less off the property) without 'full face and hair'. After the accident, when so many so me in a natural but albeit sickly fashion, my looks became so non-important. However, like you I am a natural blonde and I need color on the face! You wouldn't know I had eyelashes were it not for my favorite brand, Maybelline! I don't wash and moisturize as I should and hope my preaching to the daughters has made them more conscious of the need to do so!
Thanks for this post! I may steal the idea, if I work up the nerve! haha
I am trying to be a little for earth friendly for my makeup regime then in the past. I use origins pinch my cheeks blush which is like the one you use beth, I also got tired of getting mascara off my face at night so I now get a clear lash gel from bath and body works. I have dark hair so I don't need to make my eyelashes show up but I do need to make them go in the right direction. I also use it to keep my eyebrows groomed. Your before and after are amazing beth. Thanks for all the tips!
i love this post so much!!!!
i have been using maybelline mascara in dark brown for many years… i love the flawless look i get from bare minerals and have been using their blush a lot lately too. like you i have really light skin but dark eyes and hair… i got a light kit from bare minerals that included the right blush and eyes and it really is nice and makes a huge difference. my big problem was always blush… say something off to me and i blush the perfect shade but going into a drugstore is another story. usually end up looking like bozo… oh and then there are lips. for some reason lipstick changes on me. i think it is a perfect shade and then it turns orange like i ate a bag of Cheetos!
at any rate… i love makeup and i am trying to wear it more…
you are a brave woman i tell ya for putting it all out there in the world!
i loved this post so much
many blessings!
patricia
Beth – you hit it right on the nose [how's that for a pun!] Thanks for baring it all and taking one for the team – a good reminder that makeup IS worth the trouble in the morning. Personally, I think you are lovely "in the rough" too, but I understand! My morning "look" is one only my husband could love! π
I am new to following you but love your blog…
LOVE make up don't even go to the mailbox with out it…I have your coloring….I have very sensitive skin…have melanoma (a survivor) from all the sunbathing I did as a kid and am very lucky to still be on this earth !!!
I love Paula Dorf for a foundation a little $$ but so worth it…everything else is a hodge podge….
A tip I learned long ago is to just do the outer lashes with mascara…up and down…I like the look. Also eye liner up and down, I use a pencil, will have to try the liguid I never have,
I need everything to be water based….so it does not break me out….
To cleanse my skin I use Acne Free, it's the ProActive knock off and you can get it anywhere…the number 4 you put on each night has Retinol and it really does diminish age (I mean SUN lol) spots etc…
Thanks for this great post…you are one brave girl to appear without your make-up, I know you don't believe it but your a cutie without the make up too π
All the best,
Kathy π
jokaj@comcast.net
You're hilarious, Beth! I love everything about this post, as I am a make-up girl myself. π I'm a little all over the board and actually just had this conversation with a couple of girlfriends this weekend (we're going to get our make-up done at the mall next weekend for kicks). For the past few years, I have slowly become a total convert to Burt's Bees. I use the Soap Bark and Chamomile cleansing cream, and royal jelly night cream…amazing! For the ol' face, I use Cover Girl Advance Radiance liquid foundation, Benefit's High Beam and Coralista blush on the cheeks, Benefit lipstick and as always, Maybelline eyeliner and mascara. Talk about a hodge posge of whatever. Again, LOVE this post!!