Four weeks into isolation and I have been thinking about the role of makeup at this time and where the industry is heading.
I must admit between parenting a 3-yr old, a 3 month old, the never ending washing pile and the unprecedented amount of cooking that’s been going on in my kitchen I have barely put on a splash of colour. The exception being when my daughter and I had a face painting session & she artfully turned me into a dog.
When I catch myself in the mirror these days I look drab, more tired than ever, pallid and flat. I am missing the times when I put my blush on and left the house for work, to socialise or to have the simple pleasure of a take-out coffee.
During World War 2 it was considered a patriotic duty to wear makeup and bright red lipstick was a popular way to keep up the spirit.
Fortunately these circumstances lack the brutality of war, however we are globally bonded through this shared experience and the message is the same. Makeup has power, it shifts something in us towards a more optimistic version of ourselves and the future. One that is brighter and holds promise.
I imagine your routine has changed, your audience is possibly smaller than usual and you could be heading in to a zoom meeting rather than hitting the street.
With these things in mind I am going to give you a few tips for showing up at your screen or the dinner table looking and feeling great and with very little effort.
Colour! There’s no better time for trialling your lipstick colour than now. You’re not going to be close enough to others for detailed scrutiny or criticism, so get wearing those bottom of the drawer colours. Remember that one you bought that time you were feeling bold? The fuchsia, coral or bright magenta one? Wear it.
Lipstick is the quickest and easiest pick-me-up and the most effective way of dressing up an outfit or your mood. Another bonus of this is that you can sort through your makeup stash and do an autumnal clean.
If you are going to be wearing a bold lip, just know it needs to be balanced by enhancing your other features too. Put on whatever you use to even out your complexion. This may be your full coverage foundation, tinted moisturiser or a mineral powder. It’s essential to create a blank canvas for your pop of colour to look clean and outstanding.
Blush is always my staple and favourite product to apply for a lift. Generally if you apply blush you need to wear some colour on your lips and define your eyes. Use it in conjunction with your lipstick or a tinted lip balm if you’re not quite in the mood for a power lip.
I would simplify an eye makeup routine to an eyeliner, mascara and lash curl, just enough to define your eyes and make them stand out. A computer screen won’t do justice to a beautifully made up you so save yourself the time, knowing you can get away with a pared back version.
On a side note, no matter how beautifully presented you are on your screen, none of it will make a difference if your camera position is in an unflattering angle or if you are shrouded in shadow or blown out with sunlight. Take a moment to set-up your workstation to enhance all your features.
If you have any questions feel free to message me. I always love hearing from you and talking about how we can work your colours and style with your current wardrobe and time availability.
Sometime over the next few months you may like to make use of my new online make up service that offers you a consultation based around colours that suit you, how to work with your features and step by step coaching on your own makeup looks that make you feel oh so great.
Fuchsia kisses from this screen to yours.
X X X
Amy.