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!