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.

Recreating FrmHeadtoToe

I have so much respect for YouTube beauty gurus who take not only the time and effort, but the creativity, dedication and skill, to routinely share their expertise and experience to inform and entertain. While I love watching tutorials of looks, I rarely (if ever) attempt to replicate one. Most gurus I watch don't have the same eye shape as me, so I physically can't just copy a look they've done. The main exception is Jen from From Head to Toe, who has monolids like me. I love that she embraces her monolids and finds ways to really enhance and play up her eyes without resorting to drawing in an artificial crease or complicated eyeshadow shading. I recently came across this Makeup For Glasses tutorial she posted, and somehow wanted to try it out for myself. The frames she wears are similar to mine, and I had most of the eyeshadows she used, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to see just how well I could follow a tutorial.

I didn't have the Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner she used, so I opted for Maybelline EyeStudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black instead. I used the included mini brush, since I didn't have anything better and an angled eyeliner brush seemed like a trickier option. I found it really difficult to get both eyes even and I wasn't sure exactly how far I should extend the eyeliner, except for the vague notion I should go for a bolder, more dramatic look than I normally would.

Then came the eyeshadow part. I started with Gunmetal from the original Urban Decay Naked palette, except I didn't have the Sigma E30 Jen used. That turned out to be problematic, since you really do need that kind of small, dome-shaped brush for precise enough application. I ended up using my usual Sportsgirl dual-ended flat eyeshadow brush, which made a bit of a mess. I couldn't get a fine tip at the end, but I did my best, soldiering on and applying Creep near the outer corner for a gradient effect. It was then that I remembered my Ecotools Smudge Brush from the Bamboo 6 Piece Eye Brush Set, which is the closest thing to the Sigma E30 that I have. I attempted to fill in and refine the tip so it more resembled a clean, pointed end. I then concentrated Sidecar on the centre of the lid, though I probably should've created more of a rounder shape and applied it higher. I did go back and draw over the original Maybelline gel liner, but it seemed a bit of a redundant step that barely made any difference, because it wasn't as inky black as the Eyeko Jen used.

Rather than the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion, I went for my Maybelline gel liner again. Instead of Yeyo, I used the white end of the CoverGirl SmokyShadowBlast stick in Onyx Smoke. It definitely isn't as pronounced as Yeyo, especially on the lower lashline. Mascara was CoverGirl LashBlast, and I finished off with wonkily applying a pair of flimsy, barely there falsies purchased from Daiso ages ago.

November Favourites

I've been loving a good number of products this month, some being things I've had for a while but never fully appreciated, others being entirely new to me but quickly adored. Notably, I've discovered a primer + foundation + powder combination that seems to actually work. I've also come across a new eyeshadow favourite that (shock, horror) isn't a taupe or bronze. See, I can like things beyond my comfort zone.

l-r: Benefit Busy Signal, Laura Mercier African Violet & Rich Cocoa, Stila Bronzing Powder, Bourjois Powder

Laura Mercier eyeshadows in African Violet and Rich Cocoa (from the Lingerie Eye & Cheek palette)
So impressed with the quality of these two shadows. African Violet is the most wearable and special purple I've come across, it's soft and shimmery but never overdone. I love how it flashes a different colour depending on the light. Sometimes, it appears almost like a pinkish taupe with fine gold running through it. It's such a versatile shade that can be worn day and night. It blends beautifully with Rich Cocoa, a super pigmented blackish brown matte that doubles as a soft eyeliner. I don't care for mattes usually, but Rich Cocoa has proven to be the exception.

Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner in Busy Signal
Already raved about here, but this is the product most likely to be elevated from a monthly favourite to HG status. I haven't worn much else on my lower lashline for almost two months. Perfect colour, super creamy and buttery soft in texture, strong pigmentation, and long lasting.

Stila Sun SPF 15 Bronzing Powder in Shade 01
I wore this quite a bit this month, and I've ended up liking it much more than I initially expected. Everything about it is just easy. It's soft and not too pigmented, it blends effortlessly onto the skin, and it adds warmth and a little bit of definition to the face. Even though it's orange-leaning, the colour works well for my skin tone and applied lightly, it gives a natural, summery pep to the complexion. Full review here.

Face of Australia Face Base Primer
I bought this earlier in the year and have never been particularly enthused with it. I tried it multiple times with previous foundations and never thought it did anything special. But somehow, I've discovered it works wonders with NARS Sheer Glow. I have no idea why, but I've noticed a significant difference to how long my foundation lasts when I apply this beforehand. I like that it's not greasy, it's readily absorbed, feels weightless and helps to prep and prime the skin so foundation applies more smoothly and stays on.

NARS Sheer Glow in Fiji
I've been reaching for Sheer Glow much more than my Make Up For Ever HD foundation, or anything else. Although it can cake ever so slightly around my nose, overall, I'd have to say this is the best foundation I've tried. I love the softly illuminating finish it gives, the medium coverage, the way it melds into the skin and perfects it while still looking natural. It also photographs beautifully. Fiji is a really good match for me, and the wear time is impressive, especially with primer and powder. Full review here.

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume
I take back what I said about the wand being too fat and it being difficult to get to the base of the lashes. It's no Benefit They're Real, but I've really enjoyed using it this month. It could probably do better in the lengthening and curling department, but I love that smudging on my lower lashes is kept to a minimum, and how it magically coats every single one of my lower lashes better than any other mascara I've tried.

Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying Powder in 52 Vanille
I'm glad that I bought this powder as part of the recent Bourjois gift with purchase promotion at Priceline, because I can't imagine using anything else now. It's very finely milled and so soft in texture. After Face of Australia Face Base and NARS Sheer Glow, I pat this on with my Real Techniques powder brush around my T-zone. It helps to set my foundation, keep greasiness at bay and prolong foundation wear time. It also works brilliantly for touch ups to perfect the skin, whether to add a bit more coverage or tone down any shininess.

Dazed and Diffused

I don't know why it took me so long, but I finally managed to get my hands on OPI The Living Daylights. On earlier trips to Myer and David Jones, this particular polish from the Skyfall collection was consistently emptied out when other shades had nearly full stock. I'd already bought GoldenEye and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and I was beginning to question whether I really needed another glitterbomb. I'd nearly resigned myself to not getting it, reasoning that I have OPI Rainbow Connection, Sportsgirl 100's & 1000's and Ulta3 Over the Rainbow to satiate my multicoloured glitter cravings. But then I saw my friend show up to a girls' night out randomly sporting The Living Daylights. Seeing it in all its glory on her nails convinced me I couldn't let it go.

The Living Daylights consists of uniform, medium-sized silver, gold, burnt orange and teal hexagonal glitter in a clear base. The colour combination strikes me as a little odd, but somehow it works. I did two and a half coats here, mainly a bit of spot application for any bare patches I had after the second coat. The finish isn't rough at all for such a chunky polish. The overall effect is like a camera panning out-of-focus over a shower of glitter particles. Dazzling and eye-catching. You could, of course, not go all out like me, with just a coat of The Living Daylights over a base of some other colour (I'm thinking black would be the most striking). This kind of polish is particularly good for a gradient effect, as the difference between one and two coats is significant.

On a related note, I saw Skyfall on Friday and really enjoyed it, though I'm not sure I'd echo the sentiments of critics calling it the best Bond yet. I didn't love it as much as Casino Royale (which left much more of an emotional impact on me), but it had some memorable action sequences and striking cinematography, especially the scenes in Scotland where the action was filmed from light to dark. Javier Bardem played a compelling villain (loved the anecdote about the rats), though his unhinged mastermind character did remind me a bit of Heath Ledger's Joker from The Dark Knight. Parts of the film did have tones of Chris Nolan's Batman movies, but I found it was sufficiently original and different overall. If I had one complaint, it would be that the two new Bond girls didn't do anything for me (though in their defence, they didn't have much to work with). Certainly nothing came close to the chemistry that Daniel Craig and Eva Green had in Casino Royale.