Kiss and Makeup

My relationship with cosmetics has always been curious. I love to shop for it and talk about it, and yet even though it's been a part of my daily routine for over ten years, I feel like I still don't know how to put it on. I'm always lost when reading magazine articles about how to get a fuller pout or more volume. I already have big lips AND big hair. It seems like nothing is ever geared towards me. Do you ever feel that way?

Someone recently suggested via Formspring that I post my daily makeup routine. I want to make a few disclaimers before I get into detail. I am a total cosmetic novice, so this is by no means advice. I've recently settled into a comfortable routine. I used to go to extremes: I would either leave my house with no makeup (which my mother frowns upon) or I would leave my house wearing too much makeup. I now feel as though I'm at the age where I want to experiment less, but also where it feels irresponsible to leave the house bare-faced. I use 7 products every morning. Most importantly, I don't consider myself to be beautiful or anything close to it, but I do think makeup helps what I've got look better.



I always do my eyes before I do my face - it's a trick I picked from from Trish McEvoy years ago. I use only Bobbi Brown's Cream Shadow Stick and YSL's Eyeliner Noir. I am fiercely loyal to both of these products, but I still haven't found a mascara that I love. I just use whatever is around, and I always use a Shu Uemera eyelash curler. My lashes are pathetic, and nothing seems to help.

Traditional foundation is too thick for me. I love Bobbi Brown Extra SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm in Extra Light. I apply it with a Trish McEvoy Deluxe Blender brush. Over that, I apply Fresh Face Luster in Seventh Veil with a Trish McEvoy Face Blender brush. Then, I apply Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Medium with a Bobbi Brown Bronzer Brush. All of these brushes are costly, but I am a big believer in shelling out the extra dough for high quality tools.

The last thing I use is Fresh Satin Luster face palette. I love this thing. It lends the perfect amount of glow. I use the pink on my cheeks, and if I'm feeling glitzy, I apply the white under my eyes and the peach on my lids.

I never do anything to my lips at home - I can't be bothered. I take Laura Mercier lip balm everywhere I go. For a night out, I use Bobbi Brown Rich Color Gloss in Tutu.

I have always adored getting my face done up for special (and sometimes, not so special) occasions. I love to hit one of the counters at Bloomingdales, sit back, relax, and let someone skilled work their magic. The next day, I try my best to emulate the artist, but even after years of paying close attention, I have yet to figure out their tricks and my face falls flat, figuratively.





Truth be told, I feel best when my makeup is done (professionally) and my hair is a mess. There's that walking dichotomy, Jewish Girl in Wasp's Clothing side of me again.