makeup

Red Lips and Blue Jeans

by Sally on April 16, 2013 · 24 comments

red power and passion

As I’ve said approximately 90 trillion times, red is my favorite color. I’ve always been told that I look ravishing in red, which is part of its appeal, but I also love its implications of power and passion. And yet, even though I wanted desperately to do bold red lips, every red lipstick I’d ever tried looked positively clownish on me. So for ages, I assumed I just wasn’t a red lips girl. But eventually I realized that there were as many shades of red as there were women in the world and I was never going to pick a good one for myself by guessing. So I swung by my local Sephora. I said, “Red lipstick makes me look awful. But I’d like a shade that actually works for me.” The gal grabbed a tube of Make Up For Ever in Rouge Artist Intense 44, I slapped it on, and nearly fell over.

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This shade worked with my coloring, felt amazing on my lips, and looked positively amazing on my surprised little face. But what was most fantastic about it was that it looked red and vibrant and powerful without looking too … makeup-y. I didn’t feel like I was suddenly The Girl With the Bright Red Lips, I felt like myself. Just a bit richer, cooler, more sophisticated. This was MY red.

And I realized later that I’d had a similar experience with blue jeans. I wore them non-stop throughout my youth until I finally realized that they were uncomfortable and unflattering on my body, and just because everyone around me wore them didn’t mean I had to, too. I decided I hated jeans. Pants. Swore them off. For years! Until I found a style that worked for me, my shape, my body, my needs. (High-waisted, typically Karen Kane or Lee Classic Fit.) Finally, I’d found MY jeans.

Which just goes to show that sometimes it takes time and a little bit of digging to unearth the ultimate you-version of things. Emphasis on the “sometimes,” of course. Some body types and sizes have very limited choices from which to pick, and no one has the time, money, or energy to search endlessly for perfect versions of everything. It’s certainly possible, but I doubt I’ll ever find a dropwaist dress or pair of boyfriend jeans that works for me, and I’m not keen to try. But red lips and blue jeans? I’m thrilled to have them in my arsenal in iterations that suit me, just as I am.

Have you ever sworn off a fashion or beauty item, only to discover that there actually was a version of it out there that worked perfectly for you?

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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Reader Request: Wedding Wear

by Sally on February 19, 2013 · 24 comments

wedding wear

Kate K popped this into the Suggestion Box:

I am at that age where everyone I know is getting married and so thus, I go to about four or five (or six or seven!) weddings a year. I have no problem dressing myself in every other arena of my life but when it comes to weddings, I’m stumped. I have no idea what fabrics are appropriately dressy enough or if I need take time of the wedding into consideration, and I always look back on what I wore and wish I’d worn something else. I’d love some tips on wedding wear!

So most of my thoughts on wedding guest attire can be found here, in a post about dressing for emotionally significant events. I get a LOT of questions about what to wear as a wedding guest, and find it challenging to generalize. Weddings take place across seasons, at varying levels of dressiness, and across regions that may have culturally specific dressing expectations. And, of course, each individual wedding guest has a personal style, fit and figure flattery concerns, and a specific set of resources at her disposal. I don’t feel like I (or anyone) can create a single set of rules that will work for all guests at all weddings, so I’ve put off writing about this topic for ages. I’m happy to share my own guidelines, but here are some additional factors to consider and actions to take:

  • Ask someone close to the bridal party: Most invitations include some mention of dress code, but if the phrasing is vague, contact someone associated with the bridal party. Bridesmaid, brother of the groom, mother of the bride … anyone who might know a bit more about the decor, bridal party attire, and general feel of the event. If you’re going to do this, do it EARLY. The closer to the wedding date, the less likely you are to receive a helpful (or civil) reply. But reaching out months in advance should work.
  • Err on the dressy side: If you’re concerned about the opinions of others, my guess is that fewer folks will frown upon an overdressed guest than an underdressed one. (Unless it’s a Jimmy Buffet-themed, Hawaiian shirt extravaganza.) Floor-length gowns will be overkill in most situations, but classic dresses are nearly always appropriate.
  • Be aware of the timeline and activities: If you’re attending full Catholic mass, a pre-reception happy hour, dinner, and dancing you’re gonna need a comfortable outfit and forgiving shoes. (Or a change of shoes.) If it’s a beach ceremony, come prepared with sunscreen and removable footwear. Again, most wedding parties will want you to be prepared, so you’ll get this info well in advance and can plan accordingly.

Now, here are my reluctant generalizations:

When in doubt, wear jewel tones

Nearly everyone can find a jewel tone that flatters her skin and hair, and these rich-yet-subdued shades are ideal for broadcasting respect and sophistication.

Simple hair, makeup, and accessories

Obviously, this doesn’t apply to evening soirees or anything that specifies black tie. But for a typical day wedding, keeping your grooming and adornments clean and classic will help further the goal of broadcasting honor and respect for the bride, groom, and families.

Classic attire, elegant accessories

Don’t feel obliged to purchase a new dress or outfit for every wedding! A classic sheath, shift, or fit-and-flare dress in a solid color can create the perfect backdrop for a simple belt, eye-catching necklace, and chic pair of shoes. A silk blouse and clean-cut slacks paired with sleek heels or flats and a few sparkly jewels will create an elegant ensemble.

I generally point folks to the following three sources for wedding guest dresses:

  • J.Crew’s Wedding Section – meant for brides and bridesmaids, but the bridesmaid dresses are all so simple and chic they’ll work beautifully for wedding guest attire. And holiday parties, birthdays, and just about any dressier-than-officewear occasion.
  • edressme.com – selection is a bit flashier, but also includes more floor-length and unusual options
  • Igigi – edressme has a few plus options, but J.Crew has none. Igigi is my favorite source for elegant plus-sized dresses and evening wear.
  • Talbots Aisle Style – separates and dresses for a variety of styles and body types

Again, all this goes right out the window for weddings in exotic locales, themed weddings, black-tie, super casual, and loads of other specific styles of events. Your true best bet is to head back to bullet point number one and talk to someone directly involved with planning the wedding to get a feel for what would work best for a guest. But, barring that, some of these ideas and guidelines may be helpful.

I’d love your input, of course! Do you have any personal guidelines for wedding guest attire? How do you decide what to wear? Any shops or sources to share?

Images courtesy J.Crew

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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Enhancing Appearances

by Sally on December 11, 2012 · 59 comments

I wear padded bras. As I’ve mentioned more times than I ever expected to on a public website, I have perpetually erect nipples. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I’m ashamed of this, but I acknowledge that it can be a distraction. So I pad. And I will admit to liking how a little bit of extra volume in my bust balances my figure. But in my bra shopping excursions, I always avoid  the super enhanced, gel insert, push-the-girls-sky-high models. The phrase “false advertising” floats through my head, unbidden and unwelcome.

For most of my young life, I washed my face with Dial soap and walked out the door with nary a swipe of cosmetics. I’ve made a lot of changes since then. I don’t do much, but I like my face better with blush, lip color, and defined brows. I feel like I look healthier, more polished, like an enhanced version of my regular self. But occasionally I come across diagrams like the one above – showing techniques for visually contouring the face using powders of various colors and shades – and I realize that I’m only hitting the tip of the face-defining iceberg.

I own shape wear. If I’m going out in a fitted dress and want a little jiggle-mitigation, I’ll slip it on. I have never believed nor seen evidence that shape wear can make anyone look five pounds lighter, but I know that wearing these undergarments changes how I look to the observing eye.

So much of what we do when we dress and groom is meant to amplify or enhance what we already have. Some of what we do is meant to alter how our natural figures and faces are seen and perceived. And what fascinates me is what each person, as an individual, feels about levels of enhancement and amplification. Some people would consider dying their hair to be an act of deception, and some would feel perfectly comfortable undergoing surgery to transform their body’s essential shape and consider it to be a welcome enhancement. It’s personal, variable, and totally fascinating.

I’d love to hear about the choices you make to enhance or subtly alter your appearance and how you landed upon them. Do you do padded bras? Contour your face with cosmetics? Wear shape wear? Color your hair? Have you had elective body-altering surgery? Have your experiences with these techniques and garments changed how you feel about your appearance overall? If so, how?

PLEASE NOTE:

  • If you feel strongly about this issue, express your views respectfully and civilly or they will not be published. I’m happy to participate in a discussion that includes contrary opinions, but will not tolerate cruelty.
  • Be courteous and kind to each other when responding to remarks from other readers.

Image via Finding New.

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Combatting Acne as an Adult

by Sally on November 19, 2012 · 64 comments

I’ve written here and there about my struggles with adult acne, but I realized that I’ve never dedicated an entire post to the topic. My own acne is mostly under control, mild compared to what many people deal with, and considerably better than it used to be. But some of that is because I have had to change my behaviors on many fronts to ensure a relatively breakout-free existence.

Pillowcases and towels

In order to keep exposure to my own old sebum to a minimum, I change my pillowcase every other night. I sleep on one side, flip to the other side on the second day, then throw the pillowcase into my laundry basket. I use a new washcloth every night, and dry my face with clean, unused towels only. I use hand towels to dry, and have found that I can make them last for four uses by using half of each towel side per use. I own my home and do laundry once per week in my own basement. At least one person has mentioned that the amount of dirty linens that I generate through this system seems prohibitive, and I hear that. But when I travel for long periods and am unable to keep this up, I can see a difference within about a week.

Hormonal birth control

I have mixed feelings about taking hormonal birth control because it seems to mess with my moods quite a bit. But without it I suffer from incredibly painful cystic acne on and under my chin. So I take it. I have tried many creams and pills and consulted with many dermatologists. I am terrified of Accutane and don’t think my case is severe enough for it anyway. So, to stave off the super-painful pimples, I do birth control.

Diet

My cysts stay away so long as I keep to the birth control, but whiteheads and blackheads seem to be triggered by dietary choices. I make absolutely no claims that my own choices have any bearing on science, other people’s acne, or anything in the world except my own complexion, but sugar makes me break out. I try to avoid candy, baked goods, ice cream, and just about anything sugary to keep the pimples at bay. (And I dream of diving into pools of chocolate mousse. Really, I do.)

Oil cleansing

I’ve written an entire post on my experience with oil cleansing, and almost a year later I can say with confidence that I’ll stick to this method forever. No other cleanser has ever kept my skin in such good condition for so long.

Clairsonic

Back when I wrote my review of this product, I was still a bit on the fence. But a commenter made a great point: The Clairsonic is supposed to get rid of dirt and makeup. But if you use it to remove those things, you may end up just grinding them deeper into your skin. So now I swipe some oil on my face, wipe it off with a washcloth, swipe on more oil, and THEN use the Clairsonic. I do this every other night, which seems to be the right amount for my sensitive skin.

BB cream

Again, I’ve sung the praises of this new-to-me discovery here, but it bears mentioning again. This product not only evens out my skin tone when I use it, but it helps the zits that do occasionally appear heal faster.

Hands off

I’ve saved this one for last because I estimate it’ll be the most controversial. I do my utmost to keep my hands off my face. I keep my hands clean, but know that they’re still collecting dirt and bacteria all day long. And I’ve noticed that if I rest my chin in my palm for long periods, I get pimples. Right there. So I just don’t touch my face. I’ll scratch itches and rub my eyes and such, but just avoid prolonged contact with my hands.

And that, friends, represents a significant investment of time, money, and energy to keep my acne only somewhat at bay. I still break out regularly, still typically have three or four zits on my chin and neck. I don’t like them. They’re a part of my natural biology, but I have failed entirely to embrace them. I’ve read a few articles and posts that ask why acne never gets folded in with the other issues associated with body acceptance, and lamenting that fact. It’s a valid point, ya know? Some people have acne and can do very little about it. Why should they be shamed? It seems like skin conditions – eczema, rosacea, and others – are near-universal triggers for judgment/embarrassment. In my case, my acne can be agonizingly painful and I feel that’s a good reason to work hard to keep it in check. But I’ll admit that even the non-painful, everyday zits irk me. And I am yet to feel body-love-related holistic acceptance of them.

Do you deal with acne as an adult? How do you keep yours under control? Any of the products or methods I use sound like they might be helpful? How do you feel about acne’s exclusion from the self-love movement?

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Foundation for the Fearful: Boscia’s BB Cream

by Sally on October 30, 2012 · 32 comments

On the rare occasions that I’ve had my makeup done by a professional, I’ve tolerated foundation. But as someone with sensitive skin that goes from matte to “oil slick” in a matter of minutes, I’ve had trouble finding a formula that feels and looks good on me over the long term. Even the supposedly lightweight, mattifying stuff feels stifling and heavy to me.

But I’ve trusted Boscia for ages, since their moisturizers and skincare products are fantastically gentle and don’t irritate my skin. And I’ve trusted Beauty Bets for even longer, so when she said that Boscia’s BB Cream is a good bet, I figured it was worth a try.

What’s a BB cream, you ask? The “BB” stands for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm,” depending who you ask. (Which makes the “cream” tacked onto the end a bit redundant, no?) These products have been popular in Asia for ages, but only hit the U.S. a few years ago. They combine the properties of moisturizers, foundation, and acne care to create even tone and a clean finish. Some even tack on wrinkle minimization and sunscreen. Most formulas come in a single shade that adjusts to most skin tones upon application, which blows my mind. Well played, cosmetics formulators. Well played indeed.

I’ve been a fan of tinted moisturizer for spot application, but was eager to find a product that could even out my skin a bit without clogging my pores. I’m delighted to report that Boscia’s BB Cream does everything I want it to and more.

Here’s a photo of me with a freshly washed face and no makeup whatsoever:

And here’s a photo of me after applying my BB Cream:

Not a night-and-day difference, but as you can see, it creates an even tone that works with my naturally pale skin color. I learned early on that it needs to be rubbed in quickly and vigorously. Whatever mind-blowing science allows this goop to match various skin tones fails miserably if you fail to work it into your skin. Once you’ve done that, though, it feels great – clean and light. I must personally dispute the proclaimed mattifying properties, as I definitely get shiny after three or four hours. However nearly all mattifying products fail on my face, so this wasn’t a huge surprise. And I’ve been AMAZED by how this product keeps my acne in check. I have the occasional wayward zit, but overall? So much less spotty and breakout-prone than before. As always, all acne is unique so my good experience is no guarantee that this product will soothe your acne. But it might be worth a try.

In addition to creating an even finish and combatting acne, Boscia’s BB Cream also functions as a sunscreen. Now if only it could double as an ice cream topping, it would be the perfect product …

But seriously, I’m sold on this stuff. Feels great, looks great, does great things for my skin. And at $38 a bottle, it’s one of the cheaper BB options out there.

Have you tried any BB creams? I know a couple of you have been ordering them via eBay and online for ages! If you’ve not yet given them a whirl, would you now? Especially curious to hear if dark-skinned women have tried these tone-matching formulas … and if they actually match and work.

Image courtesy Beauty.com.

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details. However, this is NOT a paid review. All opinions are my own, and no product was received for free.

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This Week I Love …

by Sally on October 8, 2012 · 28 comments

… Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer.

So, I bought this stuff thinking I’d use it all over my face. THAT didn’t work out. It’s incredibly lightweight and absorbs beautifully, but it didn’t agree with certain regions of my fussy complexion. (More on that shortly.) However, since it had set me back $42 (read as “forty-two freakin’ dollars”), I was determined to find some uses for it.

And oh, have I.

Since recording this video, I have switched up my routine: I now use the Laura Mercier in Nude as my first under-eye concealer layer, and a lightweight powder as my second layer. Since the Mercier moisturizer is so light and blends so well, it makes a much better base coat than the Lemon Aid. My under-eye area is sensitive and creased, so this new combination doesn’t look as cakey and thick.

I’ve also found that this moisturizer is great as a base coat for zit coverage. Just slathering on the Erase Paste makes things look spackled no matter how I dab, pat, and blend. Doing a coat of tinted moisturizer first helps a ton, getting some of the color correction done and creating a better, smoother surface for the thicker, paler concealer. In fact, if a zit is light enough I often use the moisturizer alone as concealer. Works like a charm, especially with a bit of powder over it.

As I’ve said, my skin is finicky and acne-prone. And although I use this stuff quite successfully as a spot concealer, I’m baffled to report that all-over treatment with Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer made me break out, and quickly. And in areas that don’t usually break out like my nose and cheeks. Everyone is different, and this product has a stellar reputation, so I’m betting it works for many other sensitive-skinned folks. But for me, this product fails as a full-on facial moisturizer with tint, but wins as an invaluable base coat for various concealing purposes.

Do you use tinted moisturizer? Ever tried this brand? Any others to recommend? Share links if you’ve got ‘em!

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. However, this is NOT a paid post, but a review of a product I purchased and used on my own. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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Reader Request: Highlighting Your Face Without Earrings

by Sally on October 3, 2012 · 12 comments

Reader Jenni threw this one into the suggestion box:

the next time you post about jewelry, could you share some thoughts for drawing attention to the face for those of us who can’t wear earrings? i may be in the minority here, but my ears have been terribly allergic for years (i’ve tried it all).

So I’m gonna assume that Jenni’s ears are sensitive enough that clip-ons won’t work either. So we’re going 100% earring-free here, friends. Let’s see what we can come up with.

Printed scarves

Yes, I am totally wearing earrings in the photo above. YOU CAUGHT ME. However, the main attraction is that floral infinity scarf, isn’t it? The busy but regular pattern, its proximity to my face, and the fact that it’s being worn with a solid dress in a darker hue all mean that the eye will be drawn upward toward my face. Printed scarves worn relatively close to the neck provide a great way to bring the observing eye into the facial realm.

Bold makeup

My guess is that Jenni was mostly thinking of accessories and clothes, but there are loads of other ways to keep the focus on your face. Bright or dark lipstick, smoky eye makeup, and flattering blush all help attract attention to your complexion. If bright eyeliner and false lashes feel too bold, stick to lip color. Find a shade that’s flattering but noticeable, and wear it proudly.

Hairstyles and hair ornaments

Another non-accessory option! Intricate braids, eye-catching updos, fun or colorful barrettes, fascinators, and headbands all grab attention. Especially if the rest of your outfit is relatively plain, any of these options will bring the observing eye upward.

Statement necklaces

Now, obviously a giant, funky necklace is going to bring attention to your neck and collarbone … but that’s within range of your face. (Right? Double checking … yep. Mere inches away.) Don’t feel like you need to go choker in order to bring the party up higher on your frame. In my opinion, any statement necklace will do the trick.

Chic eyeglasses

Naturally, this suggestion only applies to those of you who WEAR glasses, but a great pair of specs is one of the best ways to show off your gorgeous visage. I’m a fan of colorful frames myself, since they appear modern and bold, but even neutrals and metallics in interesting and modern shapes. (Here’s an older post about finding great glasses, with a link to advice from Angie at You Look Fab.)

What other suggestions do you have for Jenni? How would you draw the observing eye to your face if earrings were simply not an option?

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Why I Skip Eyeshadow

by Sally on July 16, 2012 · 128 comments

How many times have I declared myself a cosmetics novice? Is the tally up to 87 by now? Somewhere in that range, I’d wager. And it is STILL TRUE, even though I have honed a tiny little group of makeup skills since launching this blog five years ago. And so it is with some hesitation that I share a relatively recent eye makeup discovery.

I’ve finally realized that brown and black eyeliner are both fine, but if I go for purple on my top lid it makes my eyes look bright and clear. (I use the liner pictured above, Rosie Jane Eye Define in Grapevine. The slanted tip makes a world of difference somehow.) And it adds a bit of color to my complexion, which is always welcome.

But eyeshadow? Not worth it. I don’t know if I have deep-set eyes, small eyelids, wee eyeballs, or some combination thereof, but I’ll tell you this: Eyeshadow is wasted on me. You cannot see it, it makes no difference, and it just ends up a smeary mess after a few hours of wear. And since it takes time and skill to apply properly, and I’m short on both, I’ve taken to skipping it altogether when I do eye makeup.

Let me show you what I mean.

Here’s me with no eye makeup at all besides undereye concealer:

And here’s my current eye makeup process. I line my top lid with a bit of purple.

My bottom lid gets a very light line of dark brown to about the 2/3 mark.

Then mascara on top and bottom.

And done.

It’s a light, fairly casual look but I love it. And the little peek of color is visible and effective, unlike any eyeshadow that would be completely hidden after application.

Just to prove my point further, here are photos of me smiling. We shot these first, the day before the series you see above and before I realized that virtually EVERYTHING about my eyes is obscured when I smile.

Smiling, with nothing but concealer:

Smiling, with purple and brown eyeliner and mascara:

Hardly any visible difference at all. You can only really see a contrast if you get right up in my face and/or zoom in.

I do realize that there are techniques that involve application of eyeshadow above the crease that could totally help my eye makeup pop, but I’m yet to find one that fits my barely-there makeup preferences. I will occasionally do some champagne-colored shadow just to add a bit of shimmer, but most of the time I simply don’t see the point.

I’m SO curious to hear if many of you are eyeshadow skippers, too. It seems like every eye makeup tutorial I’ve ever seen has 95 steps, most of them involving applying and blending four-plus shades of shadow. Does anyone else find eyeshadow superfluous? Just use some colorful eyeliner to perk up your eyes? Is this something that 90% of the world is already doing and I just didn’t know it? (Highly possible.) Or are there simple application techniques that might work for someone with eyes like mine and I just haven’t found them yet?

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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