Geeking out over Makeup

 I never really thought of the wonders of makeup until this year. In the past, I used to feel really frustrated with makeup- it's a skill I can't get the hang of.  The fact that there's a lot of products available in the market makes makeup shopping overwhelming for me. Prior to the pandemic, I used to spend hours in the mall just thinking about which of the many makeup items I should buy. Most of these trips were frustrating because I always ended up buying products I never needed. 

    Staying at home for most of 2020 allowed me to have all the time to really think about my purchases- makeup purchases included. Surprisingly, the things that used to be so important lost their sparkle and relevance. I guess that's the wonder of being in a different environment- it forces you to reflect on your life decisions and allows you to trim down all the unnecessary things in your arsenal.

    In my case, I discovered that I don't need 75% of the makeup items I own. What makes it worse is the fact that I don't know how to dispose these items. How are you going to dispose items that you barely used? It pains to throw them out when someone somewhere could use it. But to whom should I give these items? By applying the "begin with the end in mind" mindset, I realised it's easier to prevent yourself from overspending when you know it'll make disposing decisions mentally challenging. To be honest, thinking about my makeup items in dumpsites and adding to the world's current garbage problem is scarier than feeling bad I don't have a new makeup product in my collection.

    I guess it also helps to keep pictures of people who wear less makeup but are still confident with who they are. By looking at these people, I began to develop a different perception about makeup and beauty. I realised that the purpose of makeup in my life is not to change my facial features, but to enhance what I have. Makeup should be an extension of who I am- how I see myself and how I want other people to see me. Makeup should make me feel good and not the other way around. 

    For this summer, I'll be using Francoise Hardy pictures as my makeup inspiration. For years, I've been an admirer of her early and mid-60s makeup looks. During my teenage years, I used to copy her signature eyeliner look but I abandoned my attempt after realising that winged liner doesn't look good on me. Now, I just try to achieve her no-makeup look by taking its essential characteristics and tweak it to suit my features and preferences.

Francoise's clean makeup look is perfect for the season because Philippine summer is so hot, you'll get sweaty in an instant. With that in mind, I've decided not to use foundation or tinted moisturiser on my face- I'll spot conceal instead. I will also use summer friendly colours on my lips and cheeks to achieve the summer glow Francoise is sporting on her pictures. Because Francoise's complexion is different from mine, I changed my cheek and lip colours to something that'll complement with my complexion.  

Although I'll be staying at home for most of the summer season, I'm still looking forward to opportunities that would allow me to apply this makeup look. This is an exciting endeavour I can't wait to explore and geek out in the future. Actually, I'm already looking forward to makeup looks to achieve in the coming months- that's how excited I am.