Ugh. The title of this post may be offensive given the times we are in but I wanted to touch upon being uplifting during this serious time. In fact, my views on beauty and cosmetics have changed drastically throughout the past month or so.
I’m certainly not being skeptical–it’s just that my outlook is changing a bit!
Okay. You all know that I have an office job as an administrative assistant. As such, I not only like to dress for work, but I also love that time in the morning—that time where I sip on my first cup of coffee and apply my makeup.
That magic hour of coffee and makeup always sets the tone for my day!
Only these days, the makeup application takes less time. A lot less time because I’m not wearing as much in the cosmetics area as I have in the past..
Since I’m wearing a mask, I see no apparent reason to wear foundation, bronzer, concealer, contour and blush. It’ll transfer onto said mask and the objective is to remain germ free and free of bacteria. Lest we not forget how messy the transfer of shiny lip gloss or dark lipstick can be.
And, as I AM wearing a mask, there’s no reason to dirty it up with the bacteria from the cosmetics I use on a daily basis. I’ll get to this wonderful mask in a bit!
The eyes have it though. Since I wear glasses my eyes have a tendency to disappear if I’m not wearing eye makeup. It’s only natural—right?
Sadly, I used the last of the bareMinerals Well-Rested eye concealer and brightener. I’m still using the Anastasia Beverly Hills dipBrow and the Benefit Gimme Brow on the brows though!
My bareMinerals Well-Rested is at the bottom of the jar. The Brick and Mortar shop at King of Prussia Mall closed for good a few weeks before the lockdown and I’m not going to order online for now. So, it’s a less-is-more kind of thing.
I am applying a light and neutral shadow to match my skin tone and over that, I’ve fallen in love with Bobbi Brown’s cream eyeshadow stick in brown! It gives the crease definition.
Top of the pic is the Bobbi Brown Cream Eyeshadow stick. The creamy brown is a nice neutral. Surprisingly, I’ve become happy with her tinted moisturizer–although I’m not even wearing it during mask days!
In addition, it’s mascara. Lots of mascara. My favorite mascara is L’Oréal’s voluminous and I’ve been switching between that and Thrive cosmetics mascara. The Thrive mascara is pricier but it makes the lashes look great.
In fact, I just ordered this two-mascara set. This stuff lasts a long time and I find that on days when I want a bit of extra length appearance, this works!
Since I’m at the computer all day and these days the workload is heavier, I’m not tight lining my eyes that often. Under normal circumstances, I love the iT cosmetic “No Tug” eyeliner pencil. It’s a gel and it stays put. But I’ve been opting for the less expensive elf cosmetics Kohl eyeliner pencil because it does just as good a job.
This eyeliner. For the price and value this Kohl liner by elf is fantastic.
My naked complexion is more on the rosy side. I don’t have rosacea but I do have a rosy complexion so I’m forgoing blush for now. I do like a bit of a dewy look so I’m sometimes using a wash of Glossier’s Futuredew or I’ll swipe a bit of Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter. And although I have both, I’ll be repurchasing the Futuredew because it’s $20 less than the Tilbury. Seriously. Flawless Filter is $44. Do the math!
I have become a HUGE fan of Glossier’s Futuredew during this time. It gives such a pretty glow and really youthens up the skin..
This also gives a nice glow but it’s pricey. And nowadays I’m no longer into the pricier brand for cosmetics.
And lip balm to keep my lips full of moisture because they have a tendency to become chapped quite often. My lips are very pigmented naturally so I use a clear balm.
Among the many lip balms I own, this Nuxe balm is great. (I know, this is a stock photo but I was too lazy to go into my purse and take mine out). Very moisturizing!
It is a rather weird thing because the longer I go without all the products on my face, the better my skin looks! Granted, at 65 years, my skin isn’t going to look as great as someone twenty, thirty or forty years younger. Gravity has taken a toll and the lines and wrinkles are there to stay. However, I feel as though my skin is brighter and lighter. I know it sounds weird but it just feels different. And in a great way!
Less is more. I am wearing far less makeup these days but am fine with it..
I’m wearing the Glossier Futuredew in this pic, clear balm and a minimal of eye makeup!
This was taken yesterday. No face makeup. Just eyes and a bit of pink lip balm. I did swipe a bit of the Tilbury Flawless Filter over my cheeks!
Might I add that my tweezer is my number one beauty item of present. The nail spa is closed. Not only does that mean the nails don’t get done but it also means that I don’t get the opportunity to have my upper lip waxed. It isn’t a pretty sight up close.
The tweezer plucks it all away!
Thank God for the masks! They hide the upper lip growth. OMG I cannot wait to get my lip waxed again! In the meantime, the tweezer is plucking the lady whiskers and upper lip hair!
And on days when I want more color on the lips, I’ve been using Glossier’s Cloud Paint as lip color. It works well!
I keep dressing for work. It makes me just feel better. With nobody around, I swear I could get away with a matching set of PJ’s or sweats and a tee but I just cannot do it. There are a good number of nice clothes in my closet so I may as well get good use from them!
Here’s a look-see!
A favorite spring skirt, a short sleeved pullover make for a comfortible work vibe!
My Kut-from-the-Kloth Denim jacket was worn over a sleeveless leopard print dress!
On Friday, I wore this gauzy dress that was as comfortable as my mom’s old house dresses!
You know, as much as I try to be positive during this pandemic epic, there’s a very cynical side to me. I will not elaborate but some of it has to do with those who absolutely refuse to wear a mask. It is sefish and arrogant. While they who won’t mask it feel the need to have a devil-may-care way of thinking, there are those who have compromised immune systems and we wear the masks to protect them as well as ourselves.
You can’t imaging my gratitute and surprise when a fellow instagramer @cupcake_lovemuffin sent Bonaparte and I masks that she made. They are stellar! I love the ribbon ties because they offer more comfort than the ear elastics.
These masks from Katie aka @cupcake_lovemuffin are fantastic. The ribbon ties are so comfortable and the filters are ensured for extra safety!
Replaceable filters are the extra!
And. They came with replaceable filters. Quite honestly, just when I lose hope and faith in humanity, a most generous gift such as this comes along. I was so touched and grateful.
I’m so grateful and thankful for these masks. Thank you Cupcake!
People are good!
Have a great upcoming week. It looks like a false sense of security has a good number of businesses opening up presently and in the near future. While it is great for business, it will take a while before we get back into the new normal. I’ll be wearing a mask for a long time. I don’t feel that this virus is waning. How do you feel? Voice your opinion in the comments!
Hi Catherine — I think you look absolutely wonderful these days and appreciate your recommendations for products that you use while wearing a mask (particularly the Glossier items). Stay safe and well!
thanks! I’m telling you that I’ve become a huge fan of the Glossier products. It’s a shame that they are marketed specificially to a younger market because honestly, I think the brand is incredibly mature-skin friendlly. The more I use Glossier products, the more I love them! XOXOXOXO
You once raved about a night cream. I think it was L’Oreal. It was pink tinged. That’s all I recall. Can you please mention it again so I can find it. Thanks.
Hi Barbara! Of course! I”m still using it! I’m on my third jar! It’s the L’Oreal Age Perfect Rosy Tone Moisturizer! XOXOXOXO
Hi Catherine, I agree that everyone of us should be wearing a mask. I have tried a few, just got 2 in the mail today, but I can barely breathe when wearing them. I have used my own homemade masks made from bedsheets material or a handkerchief. Would like to find a nice looking one. Your pink one is pretty. Any suggestions or recommendations of masks that are breathable and don’t fog up my glasses? Thank you, hope everyone stays safe and healthy.
Hi June. I do know of a solution to fogged-up glasses. And this came in handy as I wear glasses myself. Clean them with Shaving cream! Yes. Shaving cream and after you wipe that shaving cream off, the glasses won’t fog. XXOXOXOXOXO
I think the masks that have a wire over the bridge of the nose minimize the fogging of glasses. I’m making masks for friends and family and need to try making some with the wires to see if that is verifiable.
Hi – is Cupcake selling the masks? Would love to purchase some. I cannot abide those who are not wearing masks as they endanger all of us. Love the ‘less is more’ approach to your makeup. And, yes, the masks serve double duty by covering our lip hair. I called my daughter to make her promise that if I ever cannot take care of myself that she arrange for someone to wax my upper lip once per month. CANNOT live with that hair. Keep your posts coming!
Maryellen, I had electrolysis done on my chin hair from fear someday I might be put in a “home” and no one would pluck my CHIN HAIR! LOL!!
Hi Maryellen. I sent a message to Kate and am waiting to hear when if she’ll sell them! Oh please–those who refuse to wear the masks are ridiculously selfish and arrogant sumbitches! Don’t even get me started with Pence refusing to wear one at Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic should have kicked him out on his ass. LOL. I love that way of thinking. I’m gonna call Oona tonight and request the same! XOXOXOXO
Beautiful!! I love the face masks from @cupcake_lovemuffin I have to buy me some 😉
Debby. I sent a message to Kate asking her if she is selling them and when I hear back I’ll let you know! XOXOXOXO
I am dying to try the charlotte tilbury filter glow thingy.
DG. It’s good–very good but for $44, I think the Glossier Futuredew is better. Both give that dewy look but for $20 less, the Glossier is fantastic! Have you tried the Glossier? XOXOXOXOX
Oooh! Good to know, thanks!
Hi- – -If only about 1% of the population has had the virus and there is no vaccine, I think we are stuck with it until we develop herd immunity. So it will be with us for awhile. If everyone wears a mask, we would all be safer! Since it is so easily spread, not sure why anyone would NOT wear one. I may be wearing one for the rest of my life after going through this! Our state is in phase one of lifting restrictions. It will be a long slow process. Things will not be the same as before. Since I am in the south, I wonder how the virus will react to the heat and humidity. In any event, I expect it will come back strong in the fall, along with the flu. Personally, I am going to hang back and venture out cautiously.
For the first time ever, I gave my husband a haircut; it came out very nice (I watched multiple you-tube videos first) and will be in charge of his hair from now on. He has to go in to work this week to meet with auditors. Hopefully everyone will practice social distancing! Not sure what I will do about my own hair- – -I need a haircut as well. Have heard the blow dryer could spread the virus everywhere.
I have always preferred a lighter look with makeup and often wear very little, and since I haven’t been wearing any, I’ve noticed a bit of improvement in my skin as well. I was surprised. Less is more!
You look lovely as always. Might as well get some use out of your things since you need to go out in public.
Hi Kimberly! I’m with you. It’s safer to wear a mask so why not continue. I cannot understand the mindset of those who feel the need to protest this action. As far as social distancing goes, I will not be heading into crowded areas any time soon. When this quarantine is lifted, all I want is to be with my kids! XOXOXOXO
Great post, Catherine. You look wonderful without the make up. You look lovely with it, too but just saying, you don’t seem to need it. I don’t wear much and have worn none during this quarantine. The other day I did put mascara on for the first time and quite enjoyed it. Lined my eyes, too. Went all out haha. I agree about the masks. Why not wear them when they help prevent spread of the virus? Yeah, it feels a little weird but it’s definitely necessary.
Catherine, which LOreal voluminous do you use? When I checked at the drugstore there were so many different kinds I couldn’t decide and didn’t buy any. I had remembered you said it was one of your favorites. I was using Essence which is cheap but gets flaky after awhile. Joni
Hi Joni! I use the Voluminous Original. It’s great. Oh I used to wear Essence quite often then it became too hard to come by! XOXOXOXO
I think its time we stop making predictions and start going with the flow.
Thanks Salonie. BTW. I love your blog! XOXOXOXO
Thanks for the tip on shaving cream, The fogging up drives me nuts. I really enjoy all the posts, but glad you keep up the skin care/makeup info for us. It is like chatting with a friend and keeps me sane. Stay well and away from the idiots.
Thanks Diane! Yeah. The shaving cream definitely works! You know, I”m glad that you are enjoying the fact I added a makeup post. I think it’s important during this time that we remember to pamper ourselves a bit! XOXOXOXOXO
Great outfits and I love the minimal makeup!!
Thank you Vava!!! XOXOXOXO
Great post, Catherine. You look wonderful without the make up. You look lovely with it, too but just saying, you don’t seem to need it. I don’t wear much and have worn none during this quarantine. The other day I did put mascara on for the first time and quite enjoyed it. Lined my eyes, too. Went all out haha. I agree about the masks. Why not wear them when they help prevent spread of the virus? Yeah, it feels a little weird but it’s definitely necessary
Hi Lisa! And thank you so much! LOL. Yeah. I lined my eyes on Saturday and noticed the difference! Now if I could only stop stress-eating! I’ve been wearing a mask every day!! XOXOXOXO
Always fun to read your posts, Catherine! I agree with others who think that you look terrific with less makeup, although you look great with it, too! As for how people are behaving I read an apt comment some where– ‘Difficult days bring out the best in good people, and the worst in bad”.
Hi Molly and thank you so much! Yeah. I”m getting used to this less makeup thingy! Oh–don’t even get me re-started on behavior. J. Crew filed for bankruptcy–I saw a few articles that were tweeted on Twitter. I was appalled at the nastiness and mean-spiritedness of so many comments. It seems that our “government” has made it acceptable to be nasty. It’ll take a long time to get back to being nice! XOXOXOXO
Love you honey!!
Thank you Tracy!! XXOXOXO
I know what you mean about keeping the tweezers close …
I agree with you concerning feeling you’re looking great and wearing less makeup. Your skin looks terrific! I have been shaving the upper lip and chin and it looks fine. Lather up with shaving cream and go to town. Desperate times call for desperate measures! Chortle, chortle.