How has your relationship to makeup changed over time?
Oh, definitely! I still love it now, but the relationship has evolved and become more nuanced, which is how I feel about relationships with people, like my husband or my family — longevity gives way to deeper appreciation of the relationship and what everyone brings to that relationship. For example, when I first started wearing foundation, I loved it for giving me confidence, but then I felt like I couldn’t leave the house without it, so it was too much of a crutch and made me feel less comfortable in my own skin. Now, I don’t feel that way, and it’s more like putting on a great-fitting pair of jeans–it makes what I’m already working with a little better but it’s still me without it.
— Christine
Absolutely, my relationship to makeup has changed over time. When I first started out in makeup I wanted all the things because “OH PRETTY!!” But over time, I’ve slowed down a lot, learned what I like and what works for me, and, in addition to curating a smaller, more well rounded collection of things I really love and use, I’m more attracted to different textures or things that would be completely unique to my collection. I also buy a lot less and repurchase things that have worked well for me as opposed to trying whatever is newest and flashiest.
My basic love for it hasn’t ever changed, though personal and financial constraints put it on the back burner for a long time while I was raising my kids. Now I enjoy it more, because there is more variety than ever, and it’s getting easier and easier to find good quality versions of the kinds of colors I want. I also know better techniques for using products and working with my features. I think I’m a more discerning consumer. I definitely got more into high-end brands for a while. Now, I find myself going to indie more and more, as mainstream brands are starting to bore me with their repetition, declining quality, and homogeny. I’m also developing more of a love for some high-priced cosmetics such PML, Natasha Denona, Dior blushes and highlighters, etc. They’re fun as a treat once in a while.
Now if we talk about the makeup industry, I feel more jaded and cynical towards it. We know more than ever about companies and their owners, and it’s not always pretty. Sometimes it feels like a chore just figuring out whom to buy from on an ethical level, and knowing much more is probably going on that I don’t know about.
Even several years ago I would not leave the house with at least some makeup on; ie, mascara, BB cream, blush, gloss, brows. I just didn’t feel comfortable without it. And now during this time of quarantine, I feel perfectly fine going out food shopping with just BB cream to even out my complexion and my brows done. In fact, I have hardly worn makeup at all during the past 2 months of lockdown! I had better get my mojo back and soon, eh?
My relationship with make-up evolved a lot.
It started with me considering make-up useless, and women that used it where shallow and self-centered.
Sometimes in high-school I started wearing eyeshadow at special events because I considered makeup the must `uniform` for going out to a party or prom.
Then until in the first year of college make-up was just a cover-up: hiding the things I hated about my face (pimples and marks, dark undereyes, my droopy hoody eyes).
As I used make-up more and more often, make-up become a chore; since people saw me with make-up, they couldn’t see me without it. I was almost scared for class mates or co-workers to see me without a full face; family and friends were too used with my bare skin.
Now I just enjoy make-up, applying it, looking in the mirror at the results. If I don’t want to wear make-up, I won’t wear it. It has evolved to a comfortable friendship… if we have time, you enjoy each others company; if not, we know there will be a later date.
I feel the same way about foundation although I started wearing it in middle school because of acne. I would go without but felt self conscious and less confident. I’m sure that I’ll find myself using makeup less after I have my first baby because it is not a necessity for me to leave the house.
My relationship with makeup has been more of an up /down rather than evolved. I go through periods where makeup is really on the back burner for me and I don’t buy or wear much. Then something will happen to reignite my passion for it and I will be back to buying and playing with makeup everyday. Like many here, when I am in the throes of makeup passion I wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without a full face on and then when I am more divorced from makeup, I can go out with a perfectly bare face and be fine.
Same!! It’s up and down. Last summer I barely wore anything but a mascara and an eyebrow pencil and now I’m back creating 4 shades eye makeup everyday, though the only person who sees me now is my husband and he can’t tell if I’m wearing makeup or not.
Evolution is what I call it. I started off wearing only red lipstick and mascara. My skin could never really “hold” foundation as it has been oily and in my younger years acne prone, so I used a little Studio fix powder but never liquid foundations. I would buy MAC and loved it but never knew how to really apply make up. I am thankful to the youtubers who really helped me understand that I needed eye shadow primer! All those years of putting water on my brush trying to apply product!! UGH! And then bronzer and highlighter! I was just getting loose glitter and taking a powder brush and sweeping it all over my eyes/upper cheek! The enthusiasm got away from me and I was glued to the videos.. watching studying and buying EVERYTHING their giddy voiced told me to buy! Then I looked around and had all this BS that did not perform and did not work for me! So I decided that I would not be victim to all the product pushing, I understand what I need and what I like. I hate clutter and found that I was throwing or giving away to much stuff. I am kinda disgusted/exhausted with all the new products / company make up launches.. I am kinda over it. I have pretty much settled into my look ( more soft glam, skin but better, glow. neutrals are my faves) and there are a few brands that I just prefer over everything else. I realize I don’t like the brands that make everything in China.. and I didn’t like them BEFORE I found that out.. but it was the one thing they all had in common… so I am settled in. Willing to try something new only if it is really compelling.
Yes, Christine you nailed it on the head. Something to complement ourselves, not to cover ourselves up. When I think about how I applied make up when I was a teenager I laugh! So yes I have evolved from putting everything on with a heavy hand to backing off and using a light hand letting my skin shine through, for evenings glam it up and put the sparkle on when called for.
My relationship with makeup has undergone a revolution since reading this blog. I now know my correct foundation undertone (pink) and have completely and utterly extended my eyeshadow range to incorporate golds, greens, olive, burgundy and bronze shades in addition to all kinds of neutral colours.
Well said!