I woke up like this…
How it started/How it’s going
October 16, 2021
How I got addicted to TikTok
October 29, 2021
No, really. I did.
What is it with this constant pressure on us to look perfect? Not only that, but also make it super clear that we didn't put any effort into looking the way we do. I've seen movies where women wake up before their husbands to put on makeup, lest their family thinks they weren't born with lipstick and lashes. That sounds like such a drag... I like my sleep, there's no way I'm getting up early for that.
I do, however, like the artistry of makeup. And, let's face it, I need all the help I can get. Don't @ me, unless you've seen me first thing in the morning.
So I thought I'd tell you a little bit about the process of going from the regular me to that person in the ads.
There's a lot that goes into the making of a photo, especially for marketing or editorial purposes. The concept, the makeup, hair, lighting, composition, cropping and editing just to name a few.
At the right, I posted the before and after of one of the promo photos. Yes, I know, we're not supposed to retouch images. All the Dove ads tell you that, right? But in reality, most of the images you see are (gasp!) touched up.
But before we even get there, we do hair and makeup.
I'd need about three blog posts to talk about hair so I'll just tell you about the makeup part. First, moisturizer. Do I need to tell you to moisturize? I hope not. Just do it, whatever moisturizer you prefer, but do it. Then primer. Primer is the stuff that makes it possible for the actual makeup to stay on your face, not smudge or crease. If you're lazy (like me), use a priming moisturizer. I use Dr. Jart Priming Moisturizer. Pro tip: look for it at a Marshall's or TJ Maxx. Way cheaper.
Keep reading...
I do, however, like the artistry of makeup. And, let's face it, I need all the help I can get. Don't @ me, unless you've seen me first thing in the morning.
So I thought I'd tell you a little bit about the process of going from the regular me to that person in the ads.
There's a lot that goes into the making of a photo, especially for marketing or editorial purposes. The concept, the makeup, hair, lighting, composition, cropping and editing just to name a few.
At the right, I posted the before and after of one of the promo photos. Yes, I know, we're not supposed to retouch images. All the Dove ads tell you that, right? But in reality, most of the images you see are (gasp!) touched up.
But before we even get there, we do hair and makeup.
I'd need about three blog posts to talk about hair so I'll just tell you about the makeup part. First, moisturizer. Do I need to tell you to moisturize? I hope not. Just do it, whatever moisturizer you prefer, but do it. Then primer. Primer is the stuff that makes it possible for the actual makeup to stay on your face, not smudge or crease. If you're lazy (like me), use a priming moisturizer. I use Dr. Jart Priming Moisturizer. Pro tip: look for it at a Marshall's or TJ Maxx. Way cheaper.
Keep reading...
In this pic, I'm wearing the Negative Space ring, the Square silver ring, the Suspended CZ Ring, the Fishing Knot bracelet, and the Tiny Waterdrop Hook earrings.
Once you've moisturized and primed, you can start painting.
Now making an image is mostly about manipulating light. One of the things I've learned about makeup and light is that you can trick the lens by using a reflecting layer. I use Sephora's Beauty Amplifier. It's technically colorless so you don't need to worry about color matching, but it gives the skin a subtle glow that hides imperfections.
On top of that, I use a tiny bit of foundation but only on areas that are blotchy or weird looking. I've had this Giorgio Armani Face Fabric (in number 2) for years after I once found it on sale at a Neiman Marcus. I'll probably use it until it goes dry in the tube. Yes, it's the same tube. No, I will not throw it out until it hardens.
After that, I do the contouring. All you Kardashian-lovers know what I'm talking about. I use Bobbi Brown concealer for the under eyes (I've always had under eye circles. I hear the kids now think it's cool.) and can't remember what for the highlights and shadows.
The main thing to remember here is to blend. Which means rub it all together with a brush or a blending sponge until you can't see the transition from light to dark.
For the eyes, I used Marc Jacobs gel eyeliner in Blacquer Coffee 79, and Anastasia Beverly Hills eyeshadow. I love her products. Everything I've tried is fantastic. Highly recommend. Mascara is Tarte.
For the lips, I used Sephora Lipliner to go in Rosewood and Sephora Cream Lipstain in Cherry Moon.
Yes, heavily drawn outside the lipline. Almost like re-painting a new face on top of your face.
It helps (especially if you have a photoshoot where you will move around and sweat) to finish with a setting spray and/or translucent loose powder. I used Bare Minerals Mineral Veil and a Very Large Brush.
OK ladies. Now that we've lost the guys, here's the plan: we meet at dawn to dismantle the patriarchy. We will make sure that we all have authonomy over our bodies, equal pay for equal work, and pockets. What is the deal with women's clothes not having pockets?? I need my clothes to have places where I can put my phone and shit. It's a conspiracy. Bbut we will get to the bottom of it and we will win. Nobody should tell us what we can and can't do with our bodies. We shouldn't be expected to work and take care of the family but be paid 70c on the dollar. We rise.
Don't forget to re-apply lipstick after you've eaten or drank something - you can't have patches of missing color on your lips. Check your lashes for smudges too every once in a while, sometimes the mascara runs, no matter how good your primer might be. And remember: almost everything you see on Instagram or Youtube is fake. Nobody woke up like that.
TL;DR: it takes a lot of time and effort to create the illusion of looking beautiful online.
Now making an image is mostly about manipulating light. One of the things I've learned about makeup and light is that you can trick the lens by using a reflecting layer. I use Sephora's Beauty Amplifier. It's technically colorless so you don't need to worry about color matching, but it gives the skin a subtle glow that hides imperfections.
On top of that, I use a tiny bit of foundation but only on areas that are blotchy or weird looking. I've had this Giorgio Armani Face Fabric (in number 2) for years after I once found it on sale at a Neiman Marcus. I'll probably use it until it goes dry in the tube. Yes, it's the same tube. No, I will not throw it out until it hardens.
After that, I do the contouring. All you Kardashian-lovers know what I'm talking about. I use Bobbi Brown concealer for the under eyes (I've always had under eye circles. I hear the kids now think it's cool.) and can't remember what for the highlights and shadows.
The main thing to remember here is to blend. Which means rub it all together with a brush or a blending sponge until you can't see the transition from light to dark.
For the eyes, I used Marc Jacobs gel eyeliner in Blacquer Coffee 79, and Anastasia Beverly Hills eyeshadow. I love her products. Everything I've tried is fantastic. Highly recommend. Mascara is Tarte.
For the lips, I used Sephora Lipliner to go in Rosewood and Sephora Cream Lipstain in Cherry Moon.
Yes, heavily drawn outside the lipline. Almost like re-painting a new face on top of your face.
It helps (especially if you have a photoshoot where you will move around and sweat) to finish with a setting spray and/or translucent loose powder. I used Bare Minerals Mineral Veil and a Very Large Brush.
OK ladies. Now that we've lost the guys, here's the plan: we meet at dawn to dismantle the patriarchy. We will make sure that we all have authonomy over our bodies, equal pay for equal work, and pockets. What is the deal with women's clothes not having pockets?? I need my clothes to have places where I can put my phone and shit. It's a conspiracy. Bbut we will get to the bottom of it and we will win. Nobody should tell us what we can and can't do with our bodies. We shouldn't be expected to work and take care of the family but be paid 70c on the dollar. We rise.
Don't forget to re-apply lipstick after you've eaten or drank something - you can't have patches of missing color on your lips. Check your lashes for smudges too every once in a while, sometimes the mascara runs, no matter how good your primer might be. And remember: almost everything you see on Instagram or Youtube is fake. Nobody woke up like that.
TL;DR: it takes a lot of time and effort to create the illusion of looking beautiful online.
