Makeup and feeling beautiful

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to co-teach a makeup class for some of the ladies in the cast of Carnival!

Click on the logo to find out about the show.

It got me thinking about not only theatrical makeup, but what everyday makeup does for us. My model/co-teacher was my mom, who will be the first to joke that she doesn't go to the mailbox without lipstick, and we made up half of her face.  It was really interesting to a) see the transformation (especially since I was applying and we've never done that before) and b) to see how much fun she was having seeing my work.

Because the style of makeup we were doing was to emulate the circus performers of the early 1950s, it was more than a little bit over the top.  Really, most of us are not going to wear this everyday:

 

 

Source

Fun, YES!  Everyday, um NO!

 

But it did get me to thinking about everyday makeup and my suggestions for those who don't have a lot of experience with it.  Which made think about my makeup bag and what's inside.

 brushes

source

 

Most of the brushes that come with makeup are CRAP. I very rarely use makeup that comes with a brush, but when I do, the brushes usually go in the trash.  The one exception is the brush that comes with the Physicians Formula Mineral Foundation. That little kabuki brush is better than others of that same shape I've purchased. Not sure why, but it's a nice little brush.

I especially loath those little sponge applicators that come with eyeshadow, YUCK!  In addition to those things holding bacteria like crazy, you can't clean them like you can a brush.

I'm not suggesting that anyone needs to spend a lot of money on brushes. Yesterday, at Target, I got a new Sonia Kashuk natural bristled blush brush for $11 and an ELF synthetic foundation brush for $2.  I know I'm going to use the blush brush everyday since I'm replacing an old one, so I felt 11 bucks was a good price.  I've never used a foundation brush, but I wanted to try it out, so I didn't want to spend a lot. If I hate it, oh well, it was inexpensive, I've made bigger mistakes when it comes to spending foolishly.

My brush collection currently consists of the following:
foundation
blush
kabuki (for powder)
tiny shadow
small shadow
2 medium shadow
eyebrow
spoolie (like an old school mascara wand)
lash comb

I don't use everyone of them every day, but some I do use all the time.  It's nice to have a variety of things to choose from to achieve differnt looks.

Of course, cleaning brushes on a regular basis is necessary. There are lots of different ways to clean them, from fancy cleaners that cost $$$$ to a little baby shampoo and tepid water. (this works great, btw) Makeup builds up on brushes and that makes it harder to achieve the look you want.  Plus, brushes last longer when they are cared for.

Make up is something that can not only transform our faces, but also our attitudes.  Feeling like one looks amazing shows in everything you do.  I say, "Have fun! If at first you don't succeed, wash your face and start over!"

Next time: Foundation ☺