Playing with Makeup

Something that I missed out on as a young girl was learning about makeup from my mother.  My mother believed that spending a lot of time on your outward appearance was a waste.  Keeping it simple, I'm pretty sure she never wore more than blue eyeliner and mascara.  

I understand to a degree what she was trying to instill in my sisters and I, but I think she took things to an extreme where there could have been a more balanced approach.  I really didn't know or understand how to apply makeup until my 20's.  I definitely wore makeup in high school, but I had no idea what I was doing, and looking back, I know I had it all wrong.

Now in fresh into my 30's I'm a bit obsessed with makeup!  I love playing with it.  I love creating fun looks and experimenting with the products.  I don't feel like I necessarily need to hide behind makeup - but I do feel more confident, and more motivated when I wear it.  I've been considering getting certified in makeup artistry because I enjoy doing it so much!

One of my best friends here in New York, Sara, came over this week and I asked her if she'd be willing to let me do her makeup.  I wanted to see what it would be like to create a look on someone else.  She was so willing and laid back about it, something I just love about her personality.  

Sara is beautiful without a touch of makeup on and she is beautiful with bold makeup on.  This is worth thinking about.  When I see Sara, I don't notice her makeup or lack of it.  I see her smile, hear her laughter and enjoy her warm personality.  Perhaps beauty is a reflection of the soul? 

I really love the way this bold look turned out on her.  She doesn't venture into bold looks very often, so I was really concerned about what she thought of it.  She left with makeup still on, so I have to believe she was willing to rock it, at least for the evening!  I enjoyed doing her makeup.  I love using my creative side in any capacity and I think that there is a possibility of me doing more makeovers in the future.

What is your view of makeup?  Is it a waste of time or is it a confidence booster?

      

Mod Cloth's Mint Cute Dress 3 Ways

There are a few colors that I will always be drawn to when it comes to fashion.  Mint is one of them.  Today I'm sharing a beautiful mint dress from Mod Cloth - styled three different ways.

Classy Sophisticate by baxtronlife

The first look features a floral blazer, wedge booties and classic rosette earrings.  This is the perfect look for meeting with clients, grabbing coffee with a friend or cruising the fashion district.

Rebel Chic by baxtronlife

The next look is both edgy and feminine.  The trendy leather jacket is a key wardrobe piece this fall, along with the lace over nude flats.  This outfit is perfect for strolling the East Village or catching a live performance of your favorite Indie band.

Garden Charm by baxtronlife

This final look is for the flirty romantic.  Floral pumps in this Fall's gorgeous blue paired with romantic jewelry and a soft lilac scarf make this perfect soiree attire.  Wear this outfit for a date night with your sweetheart or a sunset rooftop party.

What look would you love to wear?  Are you drawn to certain colors when you shop?

      
FYI - This post is not sponsored in any way.

Don't Call Me Beautiful

For most of my life

I have struggled
with my body image.

I have struggled
with measuring up
to what I believed was 

beautiful, 

often based on
 the culture of the moment.

I've always been 

insecure 

about my long nose,
rosy red cheeks

and

my long second toes.

No matter what I've weighed,

or even what size I've worn,

I've looked into the mirror
and often felt

disappointed.

Where does this devaluation come from?

Yes,

I can look at society,

Hollywood,

propaganda…

and I can 

point the blame.

What would that really solve?

Nothing.

We have it all…
wrong.

Our culture tells us to first:
be skinnier,
be more fashionable,
be this skin color or that,
follow this trend,
buy this brand,
do this,
and definitely,
don't do that
then we will
feel good
about ourselves.

And we've believed them.

They tell us to
change first,
then we will love
our body.

But does that work?

Do you really spend time
taking care of the things in your life
that you don't
love?

Challenge yourself to
stop
thinking that
changing yourself
will result in
finally loving yourself.

Start
thinking that
loving yourself 
will give you
the motivation to
make positive changes.

When I look in the mirror,   

I still struggle to see 

an acceptable version of myself.  

 

In searching for the root cause 

of my inability to accept and enjoy where I am, 

I realized that I have to 

first love and accept my body

 to see myself 

the way I truly am.

***

Let us start choosing to 

love 

our bodies,

to value the gift and function

of each and every

part.

And in loving them 

how they are now,

let us watch as

almost

effortlessly,

we begin to take better care,

and see ourselves

how we've always wanted 

to be seen.

I'm starting with

my nose,

and ending with

my toes.

      

This is an abbreviated post from the BaxtronLife archive.  For the previous version click here.