Why Do You Wear Makeup?

I've been tagged by the lovely Lau. I really enjoyed reading her answers and getting to know more about her relationship with and thoughts on makeup, so I thought I'd share my responses to her questions as well. In my usual verbose style, I may have gone a little overboard with some of my answers, so this post will be long!

1. When did you start using makeup?
I remember trying black eyeliner on for the first time when I was 11 or 12 and being amazed at the difference it made. I never wore makeup in high school, except a handful of times on special occasions, but I would sometimes play around with the limited makeup I had alone in my room at night. At uni, I didn't wear makeup except pencil eyeliner, mascara and a tiny bit of foundation around the edges of my nose and corners of my mouth. It was extremely minimal and nothing like the whole routine I do now.

2. What was the first makeup product you bought that you loved?
I'm not sure if it counts as makeup, but definitely the Passionfruit Lip Smacker or Bonne Bell lip glosses. Otherwise, probably Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse foundation, or this Country Woods CoverGirl eyeshadow quad or a purple Maybelline quad in Velvet Crush. I used those two quads exclusively whenever I wanted to wear eye makeup (which was once in a blue moon) for years.

I've since graduated from Lip Smackers, but my lip product obsession started early.

3. What is your most used eyeshadow?
The bronze in the Sleek Storm palette. Hit pan on it! Otherwise, Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze.

4. When did you begin loving makeup?
This year! The blog so far conveniently chronicles my steep downward spiral into full blown obsession. I don't even know what triggered it, it probably was a combination of factors, including watching a lot of beauty gurus on YouTube, reading a lot of beauty blogs, buying into the hype of pretty much every product I came across, and generally having no self-discipline when tempted by the allure of shiny new things.

There isn't a spare inch of my desk that isn't overtaken by makeup crap.

5. How do you feel without makeup?
It depends. If I’m lounging about at home, I don't really think much of it. If I had to go out of the house without makeup, I’d feel less comfortable without at least some eyeliner and mascara, possibly a spot of foundation or concealer. But if I’m not going to be seen by anyone I know, or if I’m just hanging out with friends, I don't mind going bare faced at all. There’s an element of practicality about it too, I’m not going to be wearing a full face of makeup while on a long haul flight or doing some strenuous physical activity. But if I’m going to see a guy I like, or showing up for a job interview, I'd prefer to wear at least a little makeup, or I’d feel exposed, more self-conscious and like I didn't put in any effort.

6. What do you like about makeup?
I’m frequently amazed by the transformative power of makeup. It's really quite incredible to see in front of my eyes how faces can be changed depending on the techniques and products used. I like that makeup isn't overly elitist as well, more affordable/"drugstore" makeup is often excellent quality, and unlike fashion where bags or clothing can be totally out of your price range, makeup can be outrageously expensive but you can still splurge on it. I love seeing professional skill and artistry in action (Lisa Eldridge, Pixwoo, recently, Charlotte Tilbury), and getting an insider's look into the beauty and makeup industry and what goes on behind the scenes at fashion shoots and shows. At the end of the day, it's just a lot of fun to play around with and it helps people feel better about themselves.

7. Three Holy Grail items.
Real Techniques Buffing Brush. Bad to the Bronze. Urban Decay Naked 1 or Naked 2, I can't decide. Don’t make me.

Yes, you need both.

8. Why do you wear makeup?
I mainly started to wear makeup more seriously when I began working full time after graduating from uni. I feel that makeup helps me look more polished and presentable, and makes up for where I tend to slack off in other departments, like what I wear (same wardrobe for months, my interest in fashion has declined proportionate to how my interest in makeup has escalated), my hair (a perpetual mess) or my shoes (I basically wear one pair of flats until they're ruined and then have to buy another one).

I think like most girls, a little bit of makeup can make us feel less insecure about what we see in the mirror. There's nothing wrong with a bare face, and I admire girls who have the courage to go all natural during the day, but I like that makeup can enhance my eyes, or even out my skin tone, or add a bit of colour to my face. In a way, makeup is a form of self-improvement, a legitimate and relatively easy way of cheating what nature gave you. You can still look like you, but a slightly better version. It’s also a means of self-expression, and a way of identifying and connecting with like-minded individuals. The more you love and embrace makeup, the greater courage you have to show that, whether it be popping on a bright lipstick or a heavier contour or crazy false lashes. And ironically, when something becomes your passion, you're at greater liberty to show that to others and get intrinsic reward from it, without caring about what other people think or whether their tastes align with yours.

That's it! I tag Cherie, Jennifer, Lena, Michelle, Laura, Maggie, and anyone who's made it this far and feels like joining in. I'd love to read all your answers.