My darlings, my loves, my moons and stars! How are you all? I’m so excited to be coming to you this new year, full to bursting with new beauty ideas. Today’s featured look was inspired by my annual vacation. Once a year I’m lucky enough to jet off to Nigeria and spend Christmas with my family. After three years of blazing-hot Australian Decembers, winter in London was thoroughly kicking my ass. I was thrilled to escape.
Every time I arrive home I fall drunk in love with the climate and the sheer gloriousness of life in the tropics. The lush bursts of colour, the heat, the sumptuous shades of green. Within minutes of putting down my suitcase, I have a spring in my step and a swish in my hips.
So in keeping with this vibe, today’s look is all about SHINE, BABY SHINE, with an exotic pop of colour! Forget every damn thing you know about winter makeup. Not for us the dark plum lip and pasty face. No, thanks. We’re about that shimmery bronze, golden-toasted, glowing from within, dewy life. That coupled with a splash of hot pink gloss that makes heads turn. Makes people do a double-take. Brings all the boys (and girls…hell, brings everyone) to the yard.
We’re aiming for a Club-Tropicana-drinks-are-free type situation. Fun and sunshine, there’s enough for everyone. Girl, didn’t you get the memo?
So! Are you all sitting comfortably? Cocktails in hand? Then I’ll begin.
Now even though this is a tropical summery look, let’s face the facts. It is winter and freezing cold outside, so let’s make sure we protect our faces accordingly. This is a gorgeous dewy look so it’s time to get uber-serious about moisturizer. Start with a lovely clean face. In the winter I like to use a nice nourishing face wash like Simple Kind To Skin Moisturizing Facial Wash. My skin behaves better when I use fragrance-free, vitamin-rich products on it.
Follow with a nourishing toner. On these sub-zero days, I like to treat myself to something gentle like an organic rosewater and glycerin toner. This vintage favourite will freshen your skin, get rid of any grime left lurking in your pores, and prepare your face for moisturizer and makeup. As if that wasn’t enough, it smells like a rose garden after a soft rain. Rain made of a baby cherub’s tears.
Make sure you cleanse-tone-moisturize in quick succession. Your pores will be nice and open after being bathed in warm water, and this way you lock in all the moisture before your skin dries completely. In the winter, I am absolutely LIVING for Olay Complete UV Protection Daily Lotion. It’s rich and lovely, without turning my face into an oil slick. I have combination/oily skin but for my gals with dry/sensitive skin, you may want to add an extra step to your moisturizer game. Simply use a serum and allow a few seconds to sink in before moisturizing. You don’t need to mess around with astoundingly expensive branded serums- ain’t nobody got time for that. I’d recommend organic cold-pressed rosehip oil. This gorgeous orangey-red oil is packed full of antioxidants and vitamins, and it is everything you have ever needed in life. It makes your skin look plump and lush, and helps to even skin tone and prevent wrinkles. A little goes a very long way, so just put a few drops in your palm and massage into your skin before moisturizing.
Right! Time to rage against the dying of the (winter) light. Ready?
Products used:
MAC Studio Fix Foundation fluid in NW47: I actually use this divine foundation as a concealer to cover any blemishes. I know most gals use foundation over their entire face but this seems to work for me. Experimentation is key, darlings! Use a flat concealer or foundation brush to get an even finish.
MAC Studio Fix Powder in N9: Use a delightfully fluffy powder brush. Buff the product into your skin in a circular motion. Try to build up the coverage as you go along — it’s much better than going in too heavy right at the start. Remember, we want dewy-fresh. Not cake-face…*goes into wistful reverie about cake and has to be nudged back to the present*
YSL Touche Eclat Highlighter in Shade 6: NOW, LADIES. Let’s talk about highlighting. Using a cream highlighter is a game-changer and adds an extra dimension of awesome to your already breathtaking face. What we initially want to highlight/brighten are the areas where shadow tends to fall on your face. Under-eye circles, we’re looking at you. I absolutely love YSL Touche Eclat — this genius fluid contains tiny light-reflecting particles that scream “fabulous” and “bright” and “divine!” Pro tip: This product is a bit pricey, so you can always make your own version! Simply use a concealer two shades lighter than your skin tone and mix with a bit of cream highlighter (most drugstore brands will have them, either with a pink or golden finish) before applying.
So dot your highlighter under your eyes — be bold and widen the coverage a bit to really cover all of that darkness. Now use your finger to gently blend. Make sure you blur any harsh lines. See what a difference that makes? The other areas we want to highlight are:
- The area on your forehead just between your eyebrows
- Under your eyebrows- use a small concealer brush to create a line of highlighter following the arch of your brows, and thoroughly blend downwards with your finger
- Down the bridge of your nose
- In your cupid’s bow (this subtly draws attention to your lovely lips — ooh, your suitors don’t stand a chance, do they?)
- Your chin
Blend, baby, blend! But before you do, feel free to cavort around in front of the mirror with random strokes of highlighter on your face. It’s fun.
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks in Raspberry: This gorgeous cream blush is a deep pink with a nice sheen. Of course you can just use your fave blush- do go for something a bit deeper though, to get that colour pop. Swirl onto the apples of your cheeks and then arc upwards along your cheekbones for a sculpted finish.
Seventeen Instant Glow Shimmer Brick in Gold Bronze: But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and this shimmer brick is the sun. My love for this powder highlighter is deep, strong and true. Basically these pallets are a set of complementary shimmering colours which you can use in two ways: You can sweep your brush lightly across all the colours and highlight your face, or you can use the shades individually as eyeshadows. Le swoon. I got this version super cheap at Boots (British drugstore) but there are numerous other versions out there. Cheap as chips: Rimmel, Bourjois and Max Factor all have bronzing highlighters available. Pricier: Bobbi Brown made the original shimmer brick, and MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Highlighters are EVERYTHING.
So for this look we’re going to be using the “sweep across” technique. We’re basically amping up what we did with the cream highlighter. Like this:
- Sweep your blusher brush lightly across all shades of the shimmer brick. LIGHTLY being the operative term here dolls. Blow off any excess
- Now sweep the highlighter gently above where you applied your blusher. We want a gentle sheen on the cheekbones for maximum lust-worthiness
- Next lightly dust under your eyebrows (brow bone area), down the bridge of your nose, and your chin. Just the lightest touch will do — we just want to enhance the areas where light naturally hits your face
- Use the brightest shade in the palette to highlight the inner corners of your eyes. I just smoosh some of the colour onto my pinky finger and apply to the innermost corners of my upper and lower eyelids
- Step back and admire your handiwork. You look HAWT.
Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in Black/Brown: Start with a sharpened pencil. Use tiny strokes and follow your natural arch. Start from the outer ends first and work your way inwards, lightening the strokes for a natural gradient effect.
Maybelline Volum’Express Cat-Eyes mascara: As always, my pro-tip is to concentrate on the outer top lashes for a wide-eyed effect. I like to apply my first coat of mascara, wait a couple of moments and then apply a second coat. Fabulous tip for lower lashes — hold the brush vertically and use the very tip of it to dab the mascara on. Instant va-va voom. I didn’t even know I had lower lashes until I started using this technique.
Barry M Moisturizing Lipstick in Shocking Pink: Now darlings, I know bright lipstick can be a bit daunting. And I know we’re really pushing the envelope here wearing brights in winter when we should be wearing plum shades. But who is going to be fool enough to check us? NOBODY. We’re going to look fabulous and trust me when I reassure you that yes, you too can wear bright colours on your lips. It’s all about confidence. Ok? Ok! So make sure your lips are nice and moisturized because bright colours will show up any flakiness. I like to exfoliate my lips using Vaseline and an old toothbrush. For this look, I chose hot pink but you could use any bright colour you want. A bright red lipstick with an orange tone would look fab too. Apply your lipstick and cover with a clear gloss for added shine and fullness.
And we’re done! Effortless, shiny glam. Winter is going to be all like “Oh… oh ok. I should go.”
I hope you enjoyed reading, my darling Toastinis! I can’t wait to hear from you all. Will you be trying this look for your next hot date/party/trip to the whole-foods store?
Love,
Adjpants
Tags: adwoa asiedu, beauty, putting things on your face, winter
Awesome! I love these posts although I cannot do makeup for shit. I would love a post on how to pick out makeup (what you need, what to look for, how to understand what on earth color actually “matches” your stupid skin for those of us who don’t really get colors).
Seconded. The answer I always hear about picking out colors is to go have someone in the make-up section of a department store do your make-up, and then buy the things you like, or go find similar things cheaper at a drugstore. Except for that involves either paying a lot for make-up, or having the guts to have someone give you a makeover and then not buying anything from them. And also, I have no idea how to do that. Do you just walk up to someone with one of the chairs? How do you try on multiple colors of lipstick in a row, if it’s a good kind that stays on? Can someone explain this? I find that section overwhelming [so many smells! so many options! so many smiling saleswomen trying to spray you with perfume!] and usually rush through avoiding eye contact.
THEY ARE SO FRIGHTENING. And I don’t understand how that works either! I don’t want to be upsold on a million things, I just want basic things so my face looks nicer than it does naturally when I go out so people can be fooled into thinking I am fancy.
I can help!
– Yes, you can walk up to someone with one of the chairs. Or find a salesperson at the counter for a brand you like or have heard of and say you’re looking for some help picking out colors. They will either help you or find the person who’s doing makeovers. Depending on the store (department store versus Sephora) they may stick with one brand or pick and choose, but either way you have someone winnowing it down for you.
– Absolutely feel confident about saying you only want to know how to do a basic look.
– Ask if you can take notes, and ask them to explain what they’re doing as they do it – especially if you feel your technique needs improvement.
– When they’re done, you probably will have them try to sell you stuff. What has worked for me is telling them I want to spend some time making sure the products don’t give me a reaction, and that I want to see how it looks under natural light (mall fluorescents: THE WORST).
– Ask for samples! Then you can decide whether any of it is worth the money, and also take the samples to the drugstore to buy cheaper dupes if you want.
And I never actually try ON the lipstick – swatch it on the inside of your wrist/forearm to see how the color looks against your skin.
Aaaaah so helpful thank you, I love the Toast and all its Toast people.
It would never have occurred to me that I could ask for samples.
Also, I totally don’t mind buying from them if they’re helpful. I just know that I won’t wear makeup everyday so I don’t want to spend tons. I just want something of decent quality that won’t wreck my face. It’s already oily enough!
oh my god completely off topic but YOUR USERNAME I LOVE IT. Tamora Pierce!
Thanks! I was going to say that this isn’t a problem Alanna of Trebond would have, but then I remembered that she started wearing dresses to formal events once everyone found out she was a girl. So, after adolescence as a page, this is exactly a problem she would have. Which makes me feel better.
Her eventual mother in law taught her how to wear dresses and make up. Awkward!
TAMORA PIERCE FOREVER.
Go to Sephora. Their salespeople don’t work on commission so you don’t have to feel guilty about asking for help without buying. They’re super generous with samples, have a great return policy, and you can try a variety of products instead of one brand.
I actually go one step further with cheapness- I ask the makeup artists/ salesgirls to help me find what suits me. But like another lovely chick commented, I only do this on a non-busy day when I can see them milling around waiting for a face to paint. The MAC gals are especially lovely. Once I know what I want, I then buy it all on Ebay! YAY! Adwoa xo
Also! If there’s something you love but are hesitant to shell out $$$ for, don’t hesitate to type “[product name and shade] dupe” into Google. I’ve gotten NARS lippy dupes from Wet and Wild. That being said, I will always pony up for the NARS Orgasm blush and the Naked eyeshadow palettes.
YAAAAS to dupes!! Wet and Wild lippies are everything I’ve ever dreamed of.
YAY! I’m so glad you liked it! Hmm perhaps a “back to basics” post in the future? How to pick your makeupses? Adwoa xo
your lips girrrrrrrrl
ok so for those of us who only get a few seconds in the bathroom before a tiny army comes barging in, I can just do a basic eye and a bright lip, right?
My basic every day look is: tinted moisturizer (or foundation if I have a little more time), powder, eyebrows, mascara, blush. When I get to work I’ll add a bright lip product. It looks polished but really nice.
HEY MAMA!! Eeeee so excited to see you here- thanks for reading. I heart you. YES- for the yummy mummies with approx 2 mins of me-time in the morning (or ever), a basic eye and a bright lip is sheer perfection. Treat yo’self boo. Adwoa xo
I was wearing some hot pink lip stuff last week (Revlon Lip Butter in Lollipop) and one of my coworkers was like “Did you do something to your hair? Face? Makeup! LIPSTICK! I LIKE IT!”
So what I’m saying is: YES, BRIGHT LIP COLOR FOREVER.
Also, Adwoa, you are the cutest and I like that you’re offering both cheap and pricey options here. <3
Le huge sigh. Your comment just made my day and I just love the hell out of you for it! Thank you so much for reading dearest. YES EXACTLY! Just that smidgen of colour and suddenly people are like “Hey boo HEY” Also I effing love those lip butters- mine is the orangey shade? Adwoa xo
I love your makeup expertise and positivity, and your sense of fun. I can’t tell you how delighted I am to be addressed as someone’s darling, love, moon, and stars. 😀
Thanks especially for the highlighting tips! I experiment with that sometimes but am not sure I’m doing it optimally.
I agree, the hell with the “winter makeup” tips. I just got a lovely tangerine lip pencil (I’m white and blonde) and I’m about to put it on in tribute to this column.
My darling, my sweet, light of my life!! Thank you SO MUCH for your lovely comment! I squealed with delight! You are so welcome, we’re all this together. The trick is to keep experimenting to find what looks fab. Ooooh I’m picturing your gorgeous blonde hair paired with tangerine lips. DIVINE! Let us know how it goes! #KillEmHoney
Adwoa xo
p.s. yes winter can suck it
Adwoa, tell me about your nail polish!
Hey! Of course my sweet! It’s called “It’s a Grape Fit” by OPI. Enjoy! Adwoa xo
THIS IS AMAZING. This is the tone in which all makeup posts should be written. The make-your-own-highlighter recipe is brilliant, though where I’ll find concealer two shades lighter than my pasty-ness I don’t know.
I AGREE. I loved the mention of “rain made of a baby cherub’s tears.” That is exactly what all facial products should consist of.
Yeah, I already can’t find a concealer pale (and pink) enough for my skin. I got all excited about this before I remembered how deathly pale I am, especially in the winter.
At least we don’t have to worry quite so much about burning to a crisp this time of year. And everybody needs some brightness in their skin in the winter.
This is why I just don’t bother. The ladies at the makeup counter just seem puzzled when they try to find something that goes… I like to distract from blemishes with wild and elaborate eye shadow.
I’m super pale with cool/pink undertones, too, and I really like this: http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/products/makeup/… in the lightest shade
Samples were sent to my office once, so I figured “Why not? It’s free!” And I love it!
I just came down here to add this tip because IT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE. I went to the NARS counter at a Nordstroms and the dude there was super helpful–I wear Siberia in their foundation and it is seriously the most amazing neutral shade for super-pale people ever, and he told me to add a little bit of liquid highlighter (NARS in Copacabana is amazing for pale skin) to some liquid foundation on the back of your hand. It lightens the color and adds light reflection. I have tried just using light-reflecting concealer to highlight, and it is ehh on me because they are, duh, not lighter than my skin. But this looks SO GOOD.
WAIT. I too may have just had my life changed- I am going to be mixing highlighter into my foundation, my concealer, and probably my coffee too (don’t tempt me- I’m really serious about glow)! Thanks dear! Adwoa xo
True story: My mom took me into Macys as a high schooler to find concealer for my chest (super pale; a few bright zits on it that would show when I wore my fancy formal dress). The makeup counter lady looked at me and said “Have you tried white-out?” then she and my mom laughed and laughed.
oh my woooooord
My people! My pale, pasty, no, I promise “ivory” is too dark, go away with your damn “light beige” people!
This is precisely the issue I have! I’m so pale (especially in winter) that I joke about being literally translucent where my skin is especially thin (under my eyes, at my wrists, etc). There’s no concealer on earth that can imitate that.
OMG you’re the bestest! Thank you so much- I’m thrilled you enjoyed it. Adwoa xo
I am going to attempt this in spirit, if not in all the particulars, in hopes that it will make me feel warmer. Eff you, polar vortex, you can’t tell me how to feel!
Ok but real talk. Undereye concealer? Brightener? Are these the same product? Do I need one? Both? Use both at the same time? One or the other? Should I just get more sleep and call it a wash? How do faces… work?
I have yet to get into the brightener/highlight game, though I plan to play someday. However, I will say, if you are a pale-skinned person with anything more than just very light blemishes, drugstore concealers will rarely be worth your time. I find that the ones I’ve used have been too thin to be useful unless I spend my precious morning minutes LAYERING and LAYERING and who has time for that.
I use a nice all-purpose concealer (this one) that I buy at Sephora or Ulta. It’s thicker and more pigmented and doesn’t dry out the skin around my eyes; I’m pretty pleased with it.
PLUS, I kid you not, I’m still using the same tube I got about eighteen months ago–and I use it probably four or five days a week. The trick: using one of those toothpaste-tube clampy/squeeze-out-y things. And I definitely still have several months of use in it left. It’s probably worked out to being cheaper than what shittier drugstore brands would have cost me, since I would have plowed through them so quickly. But, as the Internet Youth say, YMMV.
Let’s talk FACES girl! Ok so I like to take a really militant, zero-tolerance approach to under eye bags. I apply concealer first, then brightener/highlighter, then set with powder. The concealer is to correct the colour ickiness, the highlighter is to brighten and reflect light, and the powder is to keep the whole shebang in place. Hope this helps! Adwoa xo
p.s. Polar vortex can’t sit with us
I just could not love these posts more, first word to last. What can I say, Adwoa, I’m a fan! (Also, maybe I’m late to this game, but I’d really like to know how to pronounce your name so that when I’m pretending that we’re friends and you’re coaching me through putting on my makeup in the morning I’m not mangling it.)
I used to use that Touche Eclat highlighter, and I adored it. Now that my makeup’s a little more, um, downmarket, I’ve sort of abandoned highlighter. Time to bring it back via the drug store? I think so. Also, since southern California has decided to completely ignore winter this year, this style is perfect. Now to find the right bright lip! I’m think I’m feeling the red-orange vibe…
Also, since southern California has decided to completely ignore winter this year
Haha, yeah, I was going to say! It’s not freezing cold everywhere! Or…even vaguely wintery. Or springy.
…I just want to wear a scarf one day. And maybe we could get a little rain so we could stop with the fires? It was sorta foggy this morning, though! That was exciting and different.
I wear scarves anyway because I work in an arctic office, but I have to take them off when I go outside. So I guess really this is the opposite of winter behavior. If I ever move to a cold climate I’ll be screwed.
I just looked at the weather and it’s…it’s going to be in the 80s all next week. ::cries weakly::
L’oreal magic lumi is a good dupe for touche eclat.
Ooh, excellent tip, thank you!
I’ve found that any cheapo pearly eyeshadow can work just fine as a highlighter, as long as it’s not too intensely glittery and is fine-textured. Expanding your search options into the eyeshadow arena can make it easier to find something cheap.
YAY thank you! This legit made me chuckle out loud. We are TOTES friends and here is how to pronounce my name for all friend-related reveries: Adj-oo-wah. Thanks so much for asking- how sweet! Normally people just butcher it with wild abandon and call me “Angela.” YES to red-orange too! Adwoa xo
Do you make your own rosewater/glycerin toner is there a specific brand you recommend? I want to be luminous too!!!
Salma Hayek’s line for CVS (SO FANCY) has a rosewater/glycerin makeup remover that I swear by; for extra tough eye makeup, I like Maybelline’s Expert Eyes (the blue-cap water-based, not so much the pink-cap oil-based).
Hi there! You should be able to find organic rosewater/glycerin in your local wholefoods store (turn right at the patchouli). Otherwise most good drugstores will have it in the beauty aisle- even some supermarkets too. Happy hunting! Adwoa xo
Thaaaaaaank yooooooooooouuuuuu! 🙂
I love your makeup expertise and positivity, and your sense of fun. I can’t tell you how delighted I am to be addressed as someone’s darling, love, moon, and stars. 😀
DARLING! I replied to your comment earlier and it somehow disappeared! Why are the gods trying to steal our love?! My darling, my love, light of life… thank you so much for reading. You made my entire week! Yay! Adwoa xo
I love this series. I am a complete novice with makeup, I suspect, since my entire makeup repertoire today is Tarte BB primer (as foundation), a fat Tarte eyeliner in rose gold and mascara. I get a little more in depth sometimes, but not a ton.
So glad you like it! And it sounds like you have your routine down pat- WORK IT! Adwoa xo
Okay, I love these posts and everything in them, but Adwoa, would you PLEASE do some pictures of the in-between process, like putting on highlighter and blending and stuff? Because I am super-clueless and also I hate video.
LOL! I was sitting here the other day thinking “Hmm I should put some step by step photos in” but then I was like “Nah shut up, nobody wants to see you with dots of concealer all over your face” (you can’t handle the truth). But this is an excellent idea and I promise you I will start slotting in some in-betweeny pics. Like marking on my face the best areas to place highlighter etc? Adwoa xo
THIS COLUMN IS SO GREAT
SO IS YOUR FACE *grabs aforementioned face and kisses it* Thank you so much! Adwoa xo
My New Year’s Resolution was to buy and wear more makeup and this is confirming that choice.
PROUD OF YOU <insert appropriately loud “YAAAASS” here> I heart you. Adwoa xo
yes i am all about bright lipsticks at any time. and i 100% recommend not giving a shit what people say about how certain colors only suit certain people at certain times blah blah because they’re talking out of their asses and you will look fabulous i have the utmost confidence in all of you.
if you’re looking for cheap drugstore lipstick that still has awesome color payoff then i super recommend maybelline’s vivids line. i would own all of those suckers if i wasn’t very broke. and, winter bonus, i’ve found they’re actually less drying than some of my ‘nicer’ (read: more expensive) lipsticks. they’ve got some great pinks, oranges, and reds in there.
OMG. Those Maybelline Vivids are just THE BIZNESS. The colours are so vibrant and pigmented! Just… yes. I love them. Adwoa xo
Thank you for explaining highlighters and how to make a cheaper version! Seriously, I’ve been trying to figure out the most inexpensive and effective way to deal with under eye circles that never seem to go away, no matter how much sleep I get.
highlighter will draw attention to the problem! For death eye circles, use a color-correcting concealer in peach or yellow, depending on whether your circles run more blue or purple (NYX makes a good, cheap full-coverage one in a little pot) blend and then put regular concealer on top. Highlighter will go on your cheeks under your eye area, center of forehead, down center of nose, etc. — any place you want the light to catch.
Thank you for this correction! This is why I get confused and haven’t bought anything yet.
Also, I love NYX, so I’m fully on board with your endorsement.
I think using a highlighter concealer is maybe good if you just have darkness under your eyes, and not purple rings of doom that make it look like you are the Undertaker’s sister. Those require full coverage.
Oooh great tip re: colour correcting concealer. And I am slain by “the Undertaker’s sister”
Adwoa xo
I finally bought the bright pink lipstick of my dreams and I really hope it doesn’t make me look like a clown! It’s shipping to me, I can’t be bothered to shop for anything in person anymore. Anyway, now I am even more excited to try it out!
I have to be careful with my makeup, I can go 80s very quickly because I am super pale and I love blush. I do love me some highlighter though.
But… you said 80s like it’s a bad thing…
*sprays ALL OF THE HAIRSPRAY and pulls on stonewashed jeans* Huzzah for your new pink lippie! Which one was it? Excited!
Adwoa xo
Anyone know of a good drugstore highlighter? Or a cheapish one? I got Benefit Watts Up! as part of my Sephora birthday gift and I’m not overly impressed with it. . .
i like liquid one better than sticks. L’oreal magic lumi is a good touche eclat dupe. Benefit high beam might be more to your liking than watts up! if you want something more shimmery than just light-reflecting.
Thanks! I will look into those! “Magic lumi” — haha, makeup has the silliest names.
theBalm’s Lou-Manizer line has 3 shades – gold, light rose, and bronze – that are really pretty if you want a powder.
OH GOODNESS thank you for explaining how to use highlighter. I have been wondering about this for MONTHS and I am too much of a chicken shit to ask anyone.
I love you but you can pry the dark purple lipstick off of my ghost-ass face when I no longer feel like I’m wedged up Satan’s butthole while he’s in chilling in Cocytus.
Is it possible to get this emblazoned on a t-shirt IMMEDIATELY? PLEASE?! Adwoa xo
You mentioned my mascara thing! The holding it vertical to dab at the lower lashes thing! I’ve done that forever, and everyone who sees me doing it always give me the weirdest looks, so I felt like a freak. I FEEL SO VINDICATED NOW, THANK YOU.
Also, this was wonderful! I really need to buy some more cream highlighter — the drugstore brands I’ve tried seem to be a little too shimmery, but mixing it with concealer makes total sense!
They never understood us but now they stand humbled before us and our perfect lower lashes *flicks hair* … *and lashes*
Yay I’m so glad you liked it my dear! Let’s highlight every single day- we shall not go gentle into that good night. Adwoa xo
You look gorgeous and amazing. I have a tester of some fancy shimmery highlighter, but my inner goth keeps telling me I’ll just look dumb, and to stick with matte, for it is safe and comfortable and don’t you already have shiny oily skin? HIGHLIGHTER IS ONLY FOR CLOSERS!
With this, I might get brave.
I literally CANNOT BELIEVE I didn’t figure this out more recently: make-up is the lowest possible level of commitment. I mean, it washes right off. Why have i been scared to commit to trying out things?
Well, I can tell you why: it’s because I am afraid of being caught trying – trying to be traditionally feminine, trying to be whatever counts as “pretty,” trying to look different. It’s the flipside of a no-nonsense, low-maintenance persona I’ve cultivated for yeeeeears, and it’s hard to look it squarely in the face and see that those choices are, in part, about a fear of failing.
But even if I FAIL at a specific kind of make-up… well, who cares? It would be fun to try and no damage if it doesn’t work.
… now I’m considering having a make-up party: buy some disposable mascara and eye shadow brushes, buy some fresh mascara & eye shadow, and invite a handful of friends over to play. That could be really, really fun.
“afraid of being caught trying” oh my GOD yes that’s it. I missed out on the teenage stage of trying out make-up & looking crazy in public for that very reason.
Thanks to the wonder of YouTube, I can now learn how to do a cat-eye the same way I learned how to replace the guts of my toilet (although make-up requires more practice & fine motor skills). Just have to find an evening alone, a bottle of wine, and my CVS extrabucks…
In contrast, I did go through a wild makeup stage as a teenager, but I went straight from “I’m trying eyeshadow” to full-on goth/punk makeup, so I never really waded through the waters of conventional full makeup.
By and large, I’m fine with the minimal amount of makeup I wear, but it would be good – and healthy! – to feel comfortable trying it out a bit more. Even for my wedding, I slapped on some base, powder, eyeliner/mascara, and colored lip balm. I think I miiiiiight even have used a smear of eye shadow to line my upper lid. But that’s it.
I get what you’re saying about a night alone, but for me, I think the small party of friends might be even better: someone to egg me on, someone to say “That looks aMAAAAZ!” or “That’s not your look,” someone to say “Close your eyes and let me paint that catseye.” Someone to trust not to burst out laughing at me wearing make-up.
Come to think of it, the last time I wore full makeup was Halloween, when I dressed as a devil (complete with handmade silver-gray horns match my hair and that just peek up shyly out of my curls), and I got a little werided out at all the compliments I got. Whenever I wear eye shadow, I feel like I’m in costume.
On Special Days, I still usually only get as far as tinted moisturizer, powder, upper lid liner, lip balm, matte red lip gunk (NYX, $6 bb!) if you’re lucky. I’ll do a full face practice thing if I’m home all day, but I always feel silly, and like they’re all Looking At Me. Which is really, REALLY silly of me because I’ve been dying my hair bright pink for a good part of the year, and rock the punk-goth look in fashion. Pretty sure the cateye and glittery cheekbones are one of the last things folk are going to be looking at. Let’s hear it for weird insecurities.
I always feel silly, and like they’re all Looking At Me. Which is really, REALLY silly of me because I’ve been dying my hair bright pink
… whoa. I’m having a thought.
When I put a few chunks of bright blue in my (prematurely gray) hair – for the first time since I was a teenaged counter-culture type – suddenly something happened: I became more visible. Instead of having to “excuse me, excuse me” through milling crowds on the sidewalk and supermarket, suddenly people were stepping politely aside for me.
Now I’m wondering if wearing full makeup instead of my usual slap of tinted-sunscreen-and-tinted-balm would have a similar effect.
I dye my (prematurely gray) hair its previous dark brown color, but often throw in white-blond chunks underneath for my own amusement. I think it makes me less invisible, as does full-on corporate executive makeup.
I need a change in my boring, safe neutrals-and-bronze routine, though, and this bright lipstick thing might just be it…
Also, I had an interesting upbringing and was taught many of my personal grooming skills by actual 80’s era performing drag queens. Eyeshadow must go up to the browbone OR ELSE. However, I also know how to cover natural brows with a gluestick and concealer like a pro, and within 10 minutes. It’s an odd skill set to have.
HEY ME TOO! Well, just the one: my first partner made a modest foray into drag performances, which means I also know how to McGyver up a pair of fake breasts from household objects in case of emergency. The more I read The Toast, the more it feels like home.
He did NOT, however, know any effective method for covering eyebrows, as we learned the Halloween that he was Scarlett O’Hara (complete with homemade hoopskirt) and I was the Mona Lisa.
[edited to add: it had not occurred to me until this moment that my youthful experience with a drag-performing partner may have shaped my feelings about traditionally feminine makeup as performance, which – you gotta admit – is a pretty big oversight on my part.]
One of my main babysitter’s sons growing up, and one of my secondary sitters and his partner. My mom also works for a biking company with a racing team. It kinda threw me when I found out that most men do not shave their legs.
“Eyeshadow must go up to the browbone OR ELSE.” I’m telling you, drag queens know WHASSUP. YEEEEES! Chante you stay boo. Love it love it love it.
Adwoa xo
This is the exact reason I am terrified to wear perfume after 27 years of not wearing perfume.
I wear lemon verbena perfume from L’Occitane, because even if I do a big spritz instead of a modest one, it smells lovely and not like I’m emitting fumes.
I didn’t know whether to cry or just scream “YES” when I read your comment. There is just so much YES required that I’m worried I will run out of YES and stocks won’t be replenished quickly enough, because I would still need MORE YES. Exactly what you said! I used to be terrified of being caught trying to look feminine and pretty, because I thought I was neither. So I thought people would point and laugh, and my failure would be even worse for being noticed. But then I realized that I can do and wear and paint my face however I want. And I’ll make it look GOOD because I will feel good.
Thank you so much for reading, and for this comment, and for being AWESOME. Enjoy the makeup party and I CAN COME TOO RIGHT?!
Adwoa xo
Adwoa, you ARE the makeup party. I can’t tell you how much I adore your writing, and how (slowly, gradually) your columns are persuading me to try some new things.
My darling girl- HURRAH for bravery! Pick up your powder brush and stand by my side. Tonight, WE RIDE! Please don’t be afraid, my face is an oil slick and I still rock the shiz out of that highlighter. Oily skin is actually a blessing because wrinkles are basically terrified to make an appearance, hence we shall look dewy and gorgeous well into our 80s. Just sayin. Happy experimenting- if you have any questions you know where to find me! Adwoa xo
We’re aiming for a Club-Tropicana-drinks-are-free type situation.
Ahahahaha oh I adore you.
Let’s be real, that’s the situation we all should be aiming for each and every day.
Okay, real questions:
cream highlighter (most drugstore brands will have them, either with a pink or golden finish)
How do I know which to use? If my skin is ruddy, do I tone it down with golden or complement it with pink?
this genius fluid contains tiny light-reflecting particles that scream “fabulous” and “bright” and “divine!”
My face has The Old, and articles aimed at older women often mention avoiding glimmery or glittery effects because [insert incomprehensible age-shaming here]. Am I going to look weird if I put light-reflecting particles on my old, old skin? How about on my truly remarkable under-eye dark circles?
– This last one isn’t a question, it’s a hosanna: THANK YOU for naming a drugstore-cheap moisturizer and for pointing out the essential-oil-as-serum. I’ve put off buying weird serums because A. they’re so expensive, B. I can’t believe they do much, C. I hate spending money on creepy fear-of-aging marketing. But these? These, I can make myself buy and use without feeling like I’ve been swindled.
No, I’m An Old as well, and highlighting is OK. These highlighter things are far less shimmery than what you may be thinking of.
Another thing you can try–and this is my favorite makeup tip of last year–is the “Bermuda triangle” of concealer. The one by “gossmakeupartist” on YouTube. Please don’t worry about the fact that it says “Kim Kardashian” on it. I mean, let’s face it, the woman has beautiful skin. Anyhoo, the video is worth it just to see this man perform his makeup lessons on himself. 🙂 The triangle is one that goes under your eyes and tapers to a point, stopping alongside your nose. (Really!)
If your skin is ruddy (as is mine except where it’s very pale, whyyyyy), try neutralizing the red with a green-tinted lotion, primer, or concealer, depending on what works with your routine. The rest sort of depends on your coloring – if you have yellow undertones, try golds and peaches; if you have cooler undertones, true pinks and pinky-purples will look great. But also, wear whatever you want! I have a coral lipstick that’s like 2 shades of pink away from straight orange, and I feel like a baller when I wear it even if it’s not my “best” color.
Plus, 2nd on the highlighter! They’re usually a super-fine shimmer, especially the creams, so you won’t look like you walked out a Claire’s in 1997.
1. I would personally go for toninng it down with the golden. Mix with concealer for a more natural look and maybe start off light and build until you’re pleased with the result.
2. No Country For Age Shaming- your face does not have The Old. Your face has The Fierce, Knowing and Fab. Please note the differences. I love you. And your face. Nope, like the delightful Lu3 said, these highlighters are less sparkle/glitter and more creamy light-reflecting. So flattering and so gorgeous. You’ll just look like you, with more glow!
3. I too, live in fear of being swindled by sharp-suited marketing execs! DAMN THEM! I will find cheaper alternatives if I have to cook them all up myself like a mad scientist.
Adwoa xo
Adwoa you are beautiful and hilarious as always! However this sounds like a lot of work, and I has the Lazy, plus I work from home so I have the Even Lazier. Also I literally do not own a single lip thing that is not vaseline or aquaphor so who wants to recommend an awesome “beginner non sticky yes I’m an adult lady why do you ask” lip thing?
Revlon Lip Butter. It has the texture of lip balm, it doesn’t smell, and it has a pretty decent color punch. And a good range of colors, too! Plus if you keep an eye out you can get it for like four bucks. (Which is what I did.)
(Teen me would be horrified by my evangelism for lipstick, but teen me was kind of a downer.)
Thank you! $4 is excellent since I also has The Broke. Teen me would be like “wtf why aren’t you richer and thinner,” but oh well, teen me was a bitch.
Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm! I wear it in Rose, which, based on the many friends who have borrowed it, is universally flattering. It feels great, and it’s cheap, and it’s very forgiving both in application (I smush it in the general direction of my lips sans mirror) and wear (it just kind of…evaporates/absorbs). Do it! And then come back here and tell me how wise I am.
I am a big fan of the Burt’s Bees tinted things! I think I had the Pomegranate one, loved it loved it.
My anyone-can-wear-it, not-scary-at-all, damn-near-foolproof Lip Thing is Clinique’s Almost Lipstick. Black Honey is the original shade but I believe they have a few different shades now. It’s a fairly sheer tint that still gives you some great color and it lets the natural color of your lips show through enough that the shades look good on anyone. Anyone! (Mostly anyone?) Highly recommended, easy to wear, have bought multiple times.
God, that stuff is my other religion. I’ve used it for like 16 years.
I have wanted to try Black Honey for so long but it costs $36 in Australia, and no American store will ship it because of laws (ie, Clinique won’t let them). I am told Revlon Fig Jam is an acceptable cheap alternative, and I do use that and really like it, but it’s still $22 :'(
I have heard so many things about Black Honey! I am going to try that. Thanks EPW.
Eeee!! Delighted! Thank you so much for reading! Shucks. Well I was about to launch in re: awesome lip things but these ladies have it covered. You’re all AMAZING! Yay! Adwoa xo
I love your face and I love your writing style and I love your positivity and I love you
CAN YOU PLEASE COME AND GIVE ME A HUG RIGHT NOW? Thank you so much, that means the world to me! I’m just going to sit here waiting on that hug. Fanx. Adwoa xo
I love this series SO MUCH. Your writing style is so fun and happy and such a joy to read.
So very kind of you dear, THANKS! Adwoa xo
My faaaavorite thing is trying makeup from mall stores because there is so little investment that I don’t get all anxious about hating and/or returning it. And I’ve found some great stuff! Forever21’s matte lipsticks look great, and I bought a blush from H&M that’s *insanely* pigmented. Also, e.l.f! Everything is so cheap, who cares if it sucks? Now you know and you don’t have to pass the rack, wondering every time if you’re missing out on some amazing cheap secret.
I looooove e.l.f! Huzzah! Adwoa xo
Several days late but I would like to add that I love Adwoa’s unabashed use of cheaper brands! Yes indeed, Rimmel make the best eyebrow pencils, I have tried all sorts of fancy brands and nothing does it like Rimmel. I also used to have a Barry M lipstick that was GREEN but when you put it on it went hot pink. I think it was like a reaction with the acid on your skin as it turned a slightly different colour on each person? I loved that stuff.
Ok… so I’m going to need to borrow your alias “Scared Vagina” on a permanent basis because I love it so much! Thank you SO MUCH for reading! Honey I am the very CHEAPEST of the cheap chic brigade. If I could make my own lipstick at home (hmm… wait though… *grabs crayon*) I would! And now I’m obsessing about that colour-reacting Barry M lipstick. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE.
Adwoa xo
My darling, you know I loved this right?? So proud of you showing these girls your magic, although I’m a little jealous that I don’t get to have you all to myself. Will keep these tips on hand for when winter hits Oz xoxo
My dearest darling!! Thank you SO MUCH for reading! Eeeee it’s always so exciting to see your comments here (You guys, Rosie is my partner in crime/ favourite gal pal and we love her gorgeous face). Ooh yes I remember being alarmed by the viciousness of a cold Melbourne day LOL. Enjoy summer! Hugsies from Adj xx
I made an account just to say thank you! Your writing is delightful – such a celebration.
Another source of sane and fun makeup blogging is “Brightest Bulb in the Box – Beauty for Critical Minds”. Hm, Gal Scientist of makeup?
I made an account just to say thank you and I love this series! Your writing is delightful – such a celebration.
I made an account just to say thank you and I love this series! Your writing is delightful – such a celebration.
Another excellent source for sane and fun beauty writing is “Brightest Bulb in the Box: Beauty for Critical Minds”. Hm, nomination for Gal Scientist of makeup?
Wah, work computer woes + new account = blushing
Hi there! No blushing necessary AT ALL! Would it comfort you to know that I just dropped most of my ice-cream onto my keyboard? I hope so. THANK YOU so much for reading, you are lovely! Oooh I will totes check out “Brightest Bulb in the Box” immediately. Great to have you here! Adwoa xo
Adwoa, you ARE the makeup party. I can't tell you how much I adore your writing, and how (slowly, gradually) your columns are persuading me to try some new things.