There is a good reason why I don’t wear makeup – it does the opposite of enhancing my looks. I once went to a professional make-up artiste – she kept using these incoherent words – like hmmm, aha, ummmm, and then repeating them in different order.
When she was done, she handed me a mirror – I was HORRIFIED – I DID NOT want to look like IT (the clown’s) feminine counterpart – but the more I looked the more similarities I found. 🙁
ok , ok i have not so thick lips – but I did not expect to be overcompensated by outlining with the lip liner where she thought the lips should be – if you have ever seen a caricature of Tina Turner , that appeared to me how it looked. I think it would have turned out nicer and more natural if a bee had stung me on the lips.
I have darker tanned skin , of which I am relatively proud of – but the professional did not seem to think so – I looked back at my reflection with something akin to how Michael Jackson must have after having his skin bleached. Maybe he was proud of the results but I definitely was not – I am NOT a geisha!
and… the eyes… good lord , did she box me and I forgot about it ? The more i looked at what used to be my eyes , i started to feel pain , as if someone gave me a real shiner. I suddenly realized that she was talking to me … explaining how she had to enhance this and that – the dark skin tone was hard to work with (like it was my fault ??!!!)
As soon as I could, I made a bee line to the rest room – where i washed every inch of what she did to my face for the last hour off. I went home with a wet dress and wet hair – and the lowest self confidence I have felt in a looooong time.
I think the problem was the make-up artist. They tend to go overboard and redefined what natural make-up is supposed to look like. Heavy make-up meant to look nice for a dinner under warm white or dimmed lights does NOT look good in broad daylight.
I remember a trip in Singapore where we attended your friend’s wedding and I did some light make-up with my cheapskate stuff and you looked great! The key is to still look like yourself except slightly less than a sleepless zombie. Cheerios!
Zombies looked better – but how come can qualify being professional make-up artist one ?
I am not one to wear makeup on a regular basis as well. However, for me, I’ve noticed a slight boost of confidence when I fix my hair. So whenever I can, I put a little bit of effort into drying my hair when I get out of the shower, and taking the hair straightener to straighten a few sections of my hair. Makes all the difference!
Nope, don’t like going to the hairdresser. They don’t know my hair. Also, really enjoying your blog, by the way.
I think we are similar in that sense – Everyone should just do what they feel most comfortable with – but definitely agree being dressed properly and groomed gives one some self-confidence!