Went to a wedding. Wore this number. Hard to see the beading, but it's there; it's why I kept the dress. I enjoy this dress. And it is quite comfortable. That seems to be a thing with me. Dress: $6. Belt: $3.
I also wore fake eyelashes. Because I've had them for a long time. And it sounded like fun.
They are not as comfortable. And you can't really even tell they're there.
Unless I do this.
Mock me if you must.
I had to.
I have a good memory. It has served me well.
I still love how it smells.
Taking a break from writing a novel about MAKE-UP to write a post about... make-up.
Been meaning to do this for awhile.
I'll try to make it concise. (Ha.)
While I'm fully aware of the human need/desire/capacity to morph/change (and how this often leads to a high level of consumption), I also am aware of how we like to find things that work and stick with them. I try to strike a balance. Emphasis on try. I didn't buy much new makeup for a long, long time, and then I kind of went insane last semester and stalked and then bought a bunch of it. I'm now back in the land of using what works (I still stalk, but I just don't buy. More on stalking later). It's pretty danged fun, as most of what I recently bought is AWESOME, and it will last awhile.
Here you go. Not the only items I use/own, but my favorites. Yes, I will tell you why. Primarily, these are products that I think are consistent and awesome and worth daily wear (with maybe the exception of a red lipstick, but for some people I know red lipstick is a daily thing). I'm super-picky about what goes on my face - how it looks, how it lasts, if the color is right. Some of these items are no longer available but for most of them, I know very similar products exist.
From left to right, front to back, a rundown:
1. L'Oreal False Lashes mascara in Black. Mascara, I feel, is just one of those products that proliferates, and there is no one perfect kind. It depends on your lashes. However, I am extremely fond of this mascara. It really thickens/coats/extends without mess, and it stays on. And it looks like one of the crystals in Superman when he goes to his, uh, crystal retreat. Regarding color: I used to wear black-brown mascara, but if you want drama, black is the way to go.
2. Almay Nearly Naked touchpad foundation. They don't make it anymore, the jerks. I have an extreme distaste for powdery-looking foundation. I just don't like it. I want my foundation to look as skin-like as possible. I know there are other options (I hear Armani, Chantecaille, and Dior have possibly-awesome foundations, but they are $$$) but I have a stockpile of these. Regarding powder: I don't like it. ;) But, I do use Meteorites. More on that later on, in this post.
3. Tangee blush in red. They also don't make it anymore, though you can get the one-color-fits-all version of Tangee blush (a retro favorite) from The Vermont Country Store (where I got this). I haven't tried it. I will do a separate post on red cosmetics, but I heavily believe in red blush, and it gets seriously undervalued. You CAN buy a wonderful red blush from NARS, "Exhibit A", but it's pricey. (However, it will last forever.)
4. L'Oreal Studio Secrets eyeshadow in Smooth Latte. In terms of consistency, I've never had issues with this shadow, though for long wear, I use an eyeshadow base. I love a taupe, matte eyeshadow, and this is my go-to, as it's readily available and takes awhile to go through. There are a gazillion great companies that make great shadows, but I put most of my oomph in my liner. I use the taupe - not too light, not too dark - to contour and make my eyes, which are a bit narrow-set, wider.
5. Mary Kay lipgloss in Berry Sparkle. Sigh. Mary Kay recently re-did all its lipgloss, and I don't know, yet, if they have an equivalent to this color - perhaps "Red Passion" is just a re-named Berry Sparkle. I hope. Because this color is PERFECT, and I'm of a mind to think that it is also extremely versatile for different skin tones. It's a great berry color - not too deep, not too light - with gold flecks in it. It almost has a stain-like consistency, though I'm sure you could glob it on.
6. L'Oreal Color Juice lipgloss in Watermelon Crush. Yes, discontinued. No, I don't know of an equivalent, good thing I've stockpiled them. The main thing I love about this gloss is that it's sticky. I know some people hate that. But I think gloss is instant youth, and I prefer to wear it over lipstick, generally. So I want it to last. (Though if you know me, you also know that I compulsively apply it. ;) Whatever your consistency preference, I think a lot of women (or men, I'm certainly not restricting makeup to a gender) don't understand the power of iridescence. This gloss is a good, middle-of-the-road frosty pink. The frost/iridescence is an instant plumper. The pink can look really pink when paired with other pinks, but can also look more subdued and almost coral. If you know of a good thick gloss, please tell me.
(Starting on the back row)
7. Benefit's Moonbeam highlighter. Speaking of iridescence. Benefit has a bunch of these and they are all great, but this is the latest one I've purchased, and it is certainly the jackpot of highlighters. I enjoy Highbeam as a runner-up, but its frosty-pinkness is not as all-purpose as Moonbeam's gold-pinkness. I am starting to use it daily. After I put on everything, I put a bit of this on the bridge of my nose, on my cheekbones, and on my cupid's bow (above my lip). It just instantly brightens, and makes me look youthful and dewy (sorry I just said youthful and dewy). As I hate a powdery look (it just doesn't suit me, I don't hate it in general, please feel empowered to rock it), this is that added step that makes me look put-together, but not dull. I HAVE started using Meteorites as they are brightening as well, and powder is good to set foundation. Then I use Moonbeam. That is why I can use powder. It is kind of expensive, but it will last a long, long time.
8. Benefit's Bella Bamba "Box O' Powder". Yah, I'm kind of obsessed with Benefit. I avoided this powder for awhile because the packaging annoyed me (I do actually care about packaging. More on that some other time), which is rare for me, with Benefit, as I LOVE their packaging. But I bought it, and experienced the "3D Pink". Yes. It is wonderful. Another good, general pink, with lots of shimmer to brighten the face. The box o' powders are kind of a strange line of products... they're not exactly blushes, but are more highlighting/general-coloring powders (I have 3 others, so I have some experience). Their staying power is not as strong as with other blushes I've used. But this one, I use as a blush. If I put it on in the morning, I usually touch it up later if I have to be out and about. Also expensive, but I can't imagine it running out for a long, long time. Also, it smells AWESOME.
9. Revlon Super-Lustrous Creme Lipstick in Fire and Ice. Heh heh. Awesome name, yes? Well, if it sounds old-school it's because it is. Fire and Ice has been around since the 50's (Google Image it, and ignore Cindy Crawford and Jessica Biel). I recently discovered the lipstick. I will post about it more (once again, it's a red), but I have to include it in here as the perfect red. I enjoy the formula and price of these lipsticks, in general - they have some other great colors I happily use, and they're a quick fix, around $6.
10. Mary Kay liquid eyeliner in black. Oh. My. Word. I thought I had found a lasting liquid eyeliner choice in a drugstore brand. It was fine, it really was (and get it if you need something quick: Almay). Then I bought another drugstore brand and it was highly displeasing, but at least it paved away for the revelation that is the Mary Kay liquid eyeliner. This stuff is INCREDIBLE. It lasts forever. It lasts through tears. It makes a great line. I will praise it to the skies, endlessly. I feel, that if you go to the trouble to mess with liquid eyeliner, you have made an investment in aesthetics so the stuff had better stay. (Though it does wash off nicely.)
And there you have it. :) And yes, I will post more in-depth about reds, sometime soon. And, I am not paid to endorse any of these items. I just love them, and will keep using them, and I hope that you find things you love, too, and keep using them over and over....
If I have to be bundled up, wearing too many layers, layers that forget me that I have a body, and forget me that there are times in the year when it is not perpetually cold, at least give me a warm, ambery, resiny perfume that wafts up out of those layers with meditative richness - and only the faintest hints of vanilla and flowers. If I have to wait it all out, let it be deep and let it be lasting, and don't tempt me with goldanged citrus and hibiscus. Take your Victoria's Secret alchoholic body splash and shove it.
;)
Lancome Tresor, Chloe Narcisse, Bourjois Evening in Paris. I've long known there was a link between my favorite winter fragrances - but before today, I never sniffed them side-by-side. They all belong under thrice-wrapped knit scarves and crossed fur collars. I truly can't wear these in summer - they can't have too much air. They need exquisite escape routes, occasionally. (I've learned from my favorite perfume writer to spritz my ribcage, under my, well, brassiere. ;) They are all content to hide, and then surprise.
Highly acceptable. I am grateful. Daily fragrance, from perfume to candles, is extremely important to me.
I love this jacket. It came with a skirt, but it is too cold to wear a skirt today. And I've worn dresses every day at school, so far. Time for some pants. And my "nurse" shoes that I haven't worn in awhile. :)
Excuse my bad expression.
Jacket: $10. Beach Bum t-shirt, forever: $0. Lucite pin: I honestly don't remember. And I don't think I've ever worn it, before. Shoes: $10.
Oh, and something new: my perfume. I mean, it's not new, but it's such an integral part of getting dressed, I thought I'd start mentioning it. Today: Tresor by Lancome. A fragrance I really can only wear in the winter - it's pretty heavy. But it has a nice edge and depth to it.
Glitz and glam.
Picture doesn't do this shirt justice. Big, yes; multi-layered, yes; cool back, yes.
I went to the salon to have my excellent stylist (and sister) cut my hair, and she was so awesome and kind as to curl it, too. Someone asked if I was going to a Christmas party. :) It occurred to me that my normal style includes "ugly Christmas sweaters" and like apparel. (I was going to rehearsal for my upcoming play.) 80's "big" shirt: $16. (I need to iron it, but the material is a pain, so I went for the calculated-messy look.)
I have been given the task of also costuming my play, which is great thrifting fun. I've got at least a first round of possibilities - but of course, I also found a few items for myself as I was searching.
Ugly, misshapen, bad-poly 80's dress yielded this incredible silver mesh bib. I will carefully detach it and make it into a necklace. I think it'll look cool with my gold mesh bib - and it will also look cool solo.
Heh heh. It's like those nail thingies. I enjoy. $5.
I also got what I consider to be an opera coat. Perfect black velvet, fitted at the wrists, with pockets. Loose, but in a structured way. No belt. Astounding garment. $13.
Glam and glitz (though not in this pic - not an outfit, just a try-on). I think I'm ready anything festivity can throw at me.
One deadline down, another major one to go - but I'll be back on the grid (that is, more on the grid) this next week. I have to remember that my break from teaching is not actually a break - but I'm still hoping to relax enough to absorb the general holiday festiveness. :)
Time for a break, though. A short one.
I was at Target last week, getting a few presents, and I was trying to decide on what board books to get my 1-year-old niece, and I spied Pat the Bunny. I LOVE Pat the Bunny. I think I gave it to my oldest niece (someone did), but then another niece (her sister), completely destroyed it. So I did not choose it. But there was an open copy - and I couldn't resist. I had to sniff the flower page.
I LOVE the flower page. My copy of it no longer smells like anything, but the fragrance is so subtle and wonderful, and particular to this book. I have a small bottle of perfume oil that gets close to it - but not quite. Whoever publishes Pat the Bunny, needs to release this fragrance. Because I bet people would buy it (if they knew about it, that is. Who knows, maybe they already have. I have actually done no research, as yet).
Sensory nostalgia is potent, period. I recently became obsessed with getting a hold of Benefit Cosmetic's discontinued "Georgia" peach powder, for various reasons. Then I realized why.
Please note the aesthetic similarities between the plums and the peach. Illustration from a vintage copy of The Color Kittens, a Little Golden Book (beware of the remade contemporary version - blech).
I love this powder. They have it at Ulta right now, in a set, for $19. Not cheap, but a whole lot better than one powder retailing for a whopping $28. Sheesh.
Alright. Back to work. But before I go, let me share the inscription:
Good ol' Uncle Grubby... whoever you are.
What a semester.
If you think this an obnoxious, dramatic self-photo of me, you're right. But man. I'm grateful for some upcoming relief from my schedule.
RELIEF, I say.
(...Why did Avon think this was a good idea?!?!)
Not that I don't know how to find it in other ways. ;)
(Yes, this is at Sam's Club. I was there with friends. I don't shop there. But if I did, you know what I'd buy.)
Tomorrow I will take these puppies in and figure out if I'm just crazy and not used to the new prescription, or if something else is wrong.
It's kind of bad that a pair of sunglasses not turning out can make me so upset. So upset that I take another obnoxious photo of myself. But, once I get them under control, I will feel extremely good. My sunglasses are a rather big part of my day. They ARE prescription and all. :)
It helps that it is the Christmas season. Even at my busiest, I love the novelty of it all. Especially this book tree.
But since I don't have one, for now, I will settle for books.
Like three Smithsonian Guides to Historic America. (I have one already. Thrifted for $8, total.)
I will also enjoy my own decorations, like my smaller Christmas tree.
And candy canes.
I kind of (totally) need to but a spending/thrifting freeze on myself. I know I've said this before. I'll say it again. It's kind of... out of control. (Not really.)
But it IS the Christmas season and now that things are sort of, uh, chilling out (sorry for the use of cold words) for me, responsibility-wise, maybe I will feel less need to get my thrift on. ...Except I am costuming my upcoming show (more details soon) and it will require much thriftage.
Anyways. :) S'all good. Some recent scores:
Gold-sequin and clear-beaded sweater: $5. The previous owner messed with it a good bit, to fit. I had to take out some seams so it would fit ME. It exposed some damage. I have a pile going for the next snow-day. I will fix anything that I possibly can, to save some $$$ on repairs.
I am continuing my 80's shirt kick but bringing it into the cold weather by finding long-sleeved ones. Also am bringing it into... the 90's. Gotta love Versace knock-offs. I paired this shirt ($3.25) with my lime green sweater-blazer ($6).
Pastel formal, $4. ...Yeah. Like I NEED another formal. This one I could pull off, though, on a regular day. It requires a scarf tucked into the décolletage, Jane Austen-style.
I was just messing around, here. The 40's-from-the-80's polka-dot dress is cool but I do need to drop a few inches here and there to make it truly comfortable. (Working on that.) I paired it ($6) with my pink 60's pumps ($40), pink 80's belt ($2), fur-trimmed cardigan ($12) and crazy pink Lucite bib necklace (made it myself, probably was $30 for the beads). If I had grey or bubble-gum-pink tights I would wear them with it.
Sigh of bliss. I'm really kind of over sweaters - I have a bunch that I love, but I don't need any more, and they're hard to find where they don't just add bulk - but this one. This one. Is The One. (And I thought to myself, this is slightly Michael Jackson-esque. And then I wore it out to dinner and my friend Jen said, that looks Michael Jackson-esque. YES.) Sweater: $3.
So anyways. Therapies. Looking forward to getting back to my novel.
Found this at an antique store (didn't buy it), but it reminded me of a lil' cosmic affirmation that I should press on: my main character is named Deltrice. And she makes cosmetics. Finding this out was a RELIEF. I tell you. :)
I've been lax about writing about anything but clothes, because it's fast and EZ. I haven't been lax in other stuff. Stuff.
So I bring you a week in pics.
If you look closely, you will see my favorite street performer, with his trusty Casio. I prefer his instrumentals, though he has an enjoyable voice as well. I first encountered him playing The Washington Post March. This is on my drive home from RMU. (Also, note OSC.)
I don't have time to cook, but I read cookbooks sometimes, before I go to bed. This one is vintage. As if you couldn't tell. Please note the first sentence. Maybe instead of going back to cooking, I will take up jade-carving.
Pickled things at Schnuck's. Shnucks? Shucks. Can't remember how to spell it.
I wanted to get this at a book sale. I might get it, still. I love these kinds of books. I don't know who James Kirkwood is, and maybe I should. I can't resist insider tales of times gone by. Or mad playwrights.
Playwrights write plays with cast lists like this. I want to be these three roles. At once. Stat. (Dr. Faustus)
A choice mod wall-art panel at an antique store, too expensive. But what a dame.
Yes. (Creative Writing textbook)
In beauty news, Mary gave me this Barbie. I was and am very pleased, though I'm not a big Barbie person.
I read this and questioned my essential self: "do you have beauty action arms?"
She powdered her legs. This is from the 80's. ?!?! Did she pay special attention to her knees?!?!
Unrelated to anything, Pa Ingalls looks like my dad did about 20 years ago. Just sayin'. (On the Banks of Plum Creek)
My sunglasses broke. I glued them. They broke again. I glued them again, and stuck the Krazy Glue in my purse. However, I tried on my vintage frames again, in the daylight, to see if I could pull it off. I'm thinking not.
I love my sunglasses. And I love clothes. I just do. And I got dressed today. In this $8 beaded sweater I picked up at SalArmy the other day, on a quick trip to grab a prize for my friend Jen, because she is glitter-tastic and awesome. (I thought she should have a DC shout-out as well. :) I saw this sweater sticking out of the rack. I'm sort of not super-into sweaters. I didn't even try it on.
I don't always need to try it on.
Sometimes, a lot of times, I can just grab stuff off the rack and go. Take it and run with it.
Let this be my big, wise, metaphor for life.
But I did pay for it first. Whatever that means. ;)
Here. Some things that are happiness:
A chipper chap.
Being nice.
Bouncy ball clown.
Also try: Soggy Parallelograms.
Necessity for life.
Fruit Roll-Up without shapes or color gradations.
Extra-cheese pizza (all to myself).
Adult-sized PJ t-shirt.
Yarn witch at Mel-O-Cream.
Chair in SalArmy dressing room.
Amusing claims.
My dressing room.
Curls, fur, skeleton shirt, Diet Coke.
The End.
