BAEsics of My Talent: Makeup
When you think of makeup, what comes to mind? EXPENSIVE? Too much work? A NEED? We all have a different relationship with makeup and the process of getting ready. Whether it’s something you look forward to or not, I hope I can help you out!
Nobody NEEDS makeup, but…
I think the cool thing about makeup is that your canvas is yourself and putting it on is a transformative experience. And setting up a simple routine can be a therapeutic way to start your day. It can also be a way to worship God, believe it or not!
Nobody NEEDS makeup, but for some women, it is a way to feel more confident when facing the world. It is a form of expression, whether you are putting on a simple look or getting creative with your technique.
What Really Matters.
First of all, let’s set our intention on rooting ourselves in our identity in Christ. Many women today struggle with low self-esteem because they believe their looks don’t add up to society’s definition of beauty. Remember, you have been wonderfully and fearfully made in the perfect image of Christ (Psalm 139:14; Gen. 1:27). You don’t NEED makeup to be and feel beautiful.
It’s cheesy to say but, what counts is what’s on the inside. May our hearts and intentions be a beautiful reflection of the love our Father has for us, and then your looks will follow. Makeup should be used as a way to express ourselves and the beauty that God has instilled in us.
“ Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV).
The purpose of this post is for women who are struggling with using makeup or their relationship with it. Makeup should be fun! Makeup should be viewed as a form of expression rather than a way to suppress our insecurities. As we get ready to take on our days, may we come to appreciate our God-given beauty.
I am in no way a professional makeup artist, but I’ve picked up a thing or two and it’s something I’m really passionate about!
10 Things You Should Have in Your Makeup Bag
1. PRIMER
After moisturizing, you want to make sure you have a nice and even canvas (your face) to work on. Primers come in all different forms, catering to any skin type/concern. They can help smooth your skin, control oil, and help to keep your makeup on until it’s time to take it off!
(Rec: E.L.F. “Putty” primers, Smashbox “Photo Finish”)
2. CONCEALER
I feel that conceal can be much more important and useful than foundation. If you have more concentrated blemishes and you’re not looking for coverage all over your face, a full coverage concealer is the way to go! If you need to even out our skin tone, I would go for a light coverage foundation or tinted moisturizer all over the face and concealer for smaller areas.
(Rec: E.L.F. “Camo” concealers, Tarte “Shape Tape”, Covergirl “Undercover” concealers; ColourPop concealers and tinted moisturizer, IT Cosmetics CC Cream)
3. SETTING OR BLOTTING POWDER
This is an essential! Most of the time, concealers or foundations will crease if you don’t set it. Use powder to lightly set your face makeup and mattify any areas you’d like!
(Rec: MAC Blotting powder, Makeup Revolution “Bake + Blot,” Laura Mercier setting powder)
4. BRONZER
Sometimes, foundation and conceal can flatten our features. Bronzer (in cooler tones) can be used to contour and (in warmer shades) bring warmth to our skin. Technically, contour powder and bronzer are two different things, but many brands have an array of shades to choose from depending on the look you’re going for!
(Rec: Physician’s Formula “Butter Bronzer,” Sephora Collection bronzing powder)
5. BLUSH
Blush is one of my favorite steps! It helps bring color to your face and gives a fresh looking appearance to your complexion!
(Rec: MAC, ColourPop, Milani baked blushes, Wet n’ Wild)
6. EYEBROW PENCIL
Out of all the things you can use to fill in your brows, pencils are usually the most convenient and easiest to work with. You can be more precise with where the product goes and it’s easy to not go overboard!
(Rec: E.L.F. “Precise Brow” pencil, Anastasia “Brow Wiz,” ColourPop “Brow Boss”)
7. EYELASH CURLER + MASCARA
This step can really transform your look by lifting your eyes! I know we all have days where our eyelids are uneven or we look sleepy. Don’t worry, mascara’s got you!
(Rec: Covergirl “Exhibitionist,” Benefit “Roller Lash” Maybelline “Lash Sensational”
8. SETTING SPRAY
Some people overlook this step, but it’s so important if you’re trying to prolong the longevity of your makeup! There are various types depending on your skin type or concern.
(Rec: Wet n’ Wild, Morphe, Urban Decay, MAC)
9. BASIC BRUSH KIT
Well, you’re gonna need things to apply all this makeup… Find a brush kit that has at least: a powder brush, a blush brush, a contour/bronzer brush, a flat eyeshadow brush, and a fluffy eyeshadow blending brush.
(Rec: Morphe, Real Techniques, and E.L.F)
10. MAKEUP SPONGE
Makeup sponges are the easiest and fastest way to blend in foundation and concealer! There are so many to choose from!
(see #8 for brand recommendations)
I hope this list is concise enough and I was able to help anybody get started with makeup! Remember, that what’s more important is building our character and intentions toward Christ. I pray that you all will internalize this message of finding beauty within yourself and to build our confidence on who God says you are, not on what society expects us to be.. I hope that you begin and continue to view makeup as a way to express yourself creatively. May it not be something we depend on in our day to day lives, but be a way to glorify our Creator.
Praying for and loving you always,
Angeli ♡