Makeup Monday

So I’m starting a new feature.  Today is my first Makeup Monday.  Nope, it’s not about how Mister and I get in a big fight every weekend (we don’t.  Usually.)  It’s not about kids, crafts, photography or baking (moms who blog are not normally allowed to veer so far off topic like this).  It’s about one of my favorite subjects: make-up (both hyphenated and non-hyphenated seem equally correct.  I’ll use them both however the mood strikes).  I come from a heavily made-up family.  I remember my mother trying to convince me to wear some lipstick and blush in fifth grade so that I didn’t look so “washed out” (“washed out” being the worst fate that can befall a woman).   Over the years I’ve made lots of foolish mistakes (the “all-lavender” look being #1 on my list of bad ideas), and I’ve learned a thing or two.

If you find your finger moving over to click off of my blog, STOP!  You’re the one I want to talk to.  The one who is rolling her eyes and thinking that make-up is not her thing.  I’m shocked at how many people are still scared of the cosmetic aisle and everything it contains.  My sister-in-law who is 43, for example, has never bought a lipstick.  The only lipsticks she ever wears are ones her mom gives her or that she gets free as a Clinique bonus gift. 

I’m going to tell you the truth:  you need make-up.  Probably not a lot.  But you need some.  Every day. It doesn’t have to be complicated.  Or expensive.  As a matter of fact I think a lot of fancy make-up is a big rip-off.   Or maybe you already love your makeup bag and just want some new ideas.  Makeup Monday will give us the chance to talk all about it. So let’s get started!

When India turned 14 last year I figured it was time to initiate her into the the World of Cosmetics. I searched high and low for a good beginner book about teen make-up and strangely there really wasn’t one.  Crazy, since teens plus makeup can lead to bad news. I’m sure you have some scary memories of your own (especially if you were a teen in the 80’s).  I settled on this book, MakeUp Makeovers by Robert Jones.

This book is great for covering the basics.  It’s for women of all ethnicities and ages, and the make-up is pretty low-key and non-intimidating.  It covers everything you could ever want to know about how-to’s and basics like your face and eye shape. So if you really want to get off to a good start, I’d highly recommend it (just a caveat: everyone in this book is completely airbrushed, so don’t think that any make-up is going to make your skin look that good.  It won’t.)

Next week: lipstick.  You may hate it but it doesn’t have to be that way!

| Filed under Makeup and Hair

18 thoughts on “Makeup Monday

  1. What a fun idea! I am curious to see what you will say about lipstick. I am a lip gloss girl all the way.

  2. Did you look at Bobbi Brown's Makeup Manual? I looked it up on google and the cover isn't the one I remember, but I really liked that one.

  3. I love what makeup does to make me look pretty fine for a 67-year-old, rather than like a fresh corpse. Yet, still, I will be interested to see how many women jump on this bandwagon.

    I notice the model on your blog looks gorgeous both with and without makeup, which is the first problem. SHE could really get away with none! The rest of us probably can't (or shouldn't).

  4. Jennie,

    I'm so excited that you are doing make up Mondays. I whole heartedly agree that every woman would benefit from the use of a little make up each day.

    With Cate just hitting fourteen as well we have entered the crazy realm of teenagers and make up. Fortunately she is very reserved in her use and desire, so she goes quite light. I think I will look for this book for her though. I'm sure she'd love a beginners book to get her started on the right foot.

    BTW, I remember eons ago when you recommended a foundation to me (Max Factor?) and I used that type forever, well, until they discontinued it. I should have known then you were full of great advice when it came to make up. I'm all ears now!

  5. Good idea! I need some new foundation. What do you recommend? Maybe one of these Mondays I shall find out.

  6. I actually own that book! I went to a workshop here in Utah done by Robert Jones and then purchased the book hoping that I wouldn't forget everything I had just learned.

  7. I also went through an all lavender phase…. I will blame that one on the lady at the Mac counter who told me purple was my color! Too much of a good thing!

    Love this idea… can't wait for more.

  8. Case in point, have you ever seen Lady Gaga without makeup? *shudder* I love Sephora and all that it contains. It is the Disneyland of cosmetics!

    xoxo~ Kadi

  9. I started wearing makeup at age 12! I learned all I needed to know from Young and Modern Magazine!!! I was STUNNING. This book is probably a better approach for my girls.

  10. You always look so gorgeous I look forward to reading your tips. I still wear the same lipstick you suggested to me a few years ago and LOVE it!:)

  11. I have high expectations about lipstick: It should not taste or smell unpleasant, and it should have a sheen, last a long time, and ideally help fight chapping. I can't wait to hear what you recommend.

  12. It's really funny how I posted on Segullah about usually having lipstick envy, then I clicked to your blog!

    I'm looking forward to Monday!

  13. Great plan! I picked the book up from the library one time on a whim and Loved! it! My favorite part was on how to apply eyeshadow and I still use the advice now!!

  14. I am excited to hear what you have to say! Not that you and I haven't discussed every bit of make up we own ad nauseum. but maybe I'll learn something new. Or, more importantly, maybe you'll convince a few more "washed out" readers to invest in some good lipstick and a little bit of blush!

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