My Mum doesn’t wear a lot of make up.
Don’t get me wrong, she doesn’t need to, and I’ve always tended to go for the fairly fresh faced look as well, not necessarily because I don’t need it, but perhaps more because I’m a bit of a coward and also I’m a bit pants at applying the old war paint.
Just recently though, I’ve felt kind of in the background. You know, a little bland, a bit samey. Also, I’m quite tall for a women at 5 foot 6 and a half, and about as broad as a house, so it would be nice to go out and feel less, well, bloke-ish. I suppose it’s because I’m going out more and with nights out comes a need for confidence, especially when you’ve not been out as a single girl for a loooooooooong time.
By that statement I don’t mean that I’m out on the pull, I’m not ready for that just yet, but well, I’d like to think that I look ‘ok’ you know? A bit more glam, pretty even. So I did something about it. I didn’t plan to, but an opportunity came and I took it. Cough, with a little help from my friend. It came in the form of a visit to the Mac shop with my mate Nic, who is stunning and fabulous at makeup and often (though unintentionally) makes me feel a bit like one of those drab old baubles you keep around for sentimental reasons but hide at the back of the Christmas tree.
We’re in Notts, childless for once, shopping just for the sake of it and I follow her into this small unassuming looking shop, but inside it’s kind of beautiful. Tiny glass pots hustle for space, lids open, displaying soft shimmery powder in every hue. Brushes, varnishes, glosses and lacquers are laid out enticingly over a large central counter, inviting you to touch, test, try, but I feel out of place and overwhelmed.
Attractive women, young, old, inbetween, glide through the store making their selections. Their styles vary but pretty much all of them are immaculately made up. The salespeople model their wares with pride, comfortably showcasing their products. Even the only male looks fabulous with shaded eyes, a pouting mouth and a complexion that wouldn’t look out of place on the cover of a magazine.
I follow my friend. She chooses new shades to compliment the red in her hair. She asks me my opinion, kind isn’t she? hee hee, but I have no idea, just no idea, except that the colours are pretty and I like them.
It’s weird. I consider myself a fairly artistic person. I like to draw, make stuff, but I can’t make anything different of myself, see myself as a blank canvas, or any kind of canvas. Thank God for blumming experts that’s all I can say. All it took was a wickedly made up sales person and;
Nic: ”My friend is looking for a new look and isn’t very sure what suits her.”
Yeah, I know, sad, I couldn’t even ask for myself, tee hee.
But she sits me down and studies my face for a moment.
Funky Make Up Lady: ”Exactly how much of a change do you want?”
Me: ”Gulp, erm, well, I just want to look different when I go out. You know, to feel nice, a bit…sparkly??
But.. I’m not at my most confident right now, recent break up and stuff, so nothing too much..you know…just different?”
She looks at me again then smiles.
Funky Make Up Lady: ”We’ll go for your lips.”
And she does.
At first I’m scared. The colour looks so bright, so almost Barbie pink, and I glance at Nic, but she gives me the thumbs up and nods.
Funky Make Up Lady then adds a little shading to my pale eyebrows, some eye shadow, a gloss over the pink pout. She hands me a mirror, and I’m still unsure. I’ve never worn pink. Just nude shades or a rich deep red that matched my docs when I was younger. But pink?
She goes to serve another customer while I stare at my face, trying to see it through someone else’s eyes. My heart beat slows. I sit back. Try a different angle. Then I see my friend’s face. She is smiling and I trust her, so I go for it.
I’m looking for a new me.
I’m not dropping the old me, just updating her.
And I’m having some fun.
And don’t you think girls are just fabulous?
Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
(Nb. That sigh is a smile.)
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August 20th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
good for you. Although I know my way around a make up bag those type of places always intimidate me!
August 20th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
ummmmm I would be so out of place there as well. I use a bit of lipgloss. that is it. I’m proud of you for branching out.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:35 am
Yay!
I did cheeks, lips and perfume. Has to be done girlie, you may not be ‘on’ the pull but it’s always nice to know you cod if you want to.
And I’m sure you could!
August 21st, 2009 at 12:35 am
Yay for new!
I never know what to do with a make-up brush and keep meaning to go to one of these places and let someone show me… but I never quite get round to it.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:43 am
An old bauble hidden at the back of the Christmas tree? Not any more, it sounds like you’re the sparkly new purchase proudly displayed at front centre. Good for you.
August 21st, 2009 at 2:35 am
I can’t ask when I go into a shop like that either… Glad that you got a look that you like!
August 21st, 2009 at 3:47 am
I’ll stick to my back, sack and crack for now.
August 21st, 2009 at 6:16 am
OH MAN! All that hype and no picture???? Shame on you! LOL! And next time just go for some gloss! You are gorgeous as you are!
August 21st, 2009 at 6:54 am
So where’s the photo????? I’ve only caught a glimpse of your in various photos but you look more than OK to me gal. Still a little paint never hurt anyone.
August 21st, 2009 at 8:37 am
I have this exact same issue with make up. I’ve been wearing it for years and feel like I look worse after I put it on. I’m sure I’m wearing the wrong colours and whatnot, but I’ve always been too chicken to ask for help.
August 21st, 2009 at 10:18 am
Oooh I think you should wear whatever makes you feel good! Personally I always think those makeup ladies look like they’ve plastered it on with a trowel. I had horrendous skin as a teen (like alabaster now though *ahem*) so I started makeup then (pollyfilla style. Nice.) Love a bit of lippy but I can’t carry pink, lucky you!
I love these looks http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2009/07/wedding-makeup.html …. getting married next year, ought to bookmark it. Shan’t be copying the hairpiece quite like that though…
August 21st, 2009 at 1:08 pm
I once had my make up done by a lady at the Max Factor counter in a store in Leeds. She videoed the make over so I could copy the look at home.
When I watched it back I recall thinking that I looked and sounded like Toyah off Corrie. Not good.
Sounds like you will be sparkling next time you’re out.
August 21st, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I promised myself that when my youngest started school, I would sort out my non-existent make-up look, and update my wardrobe. I’ve been hiding behind “I’m a SAHM of young kids, so jeans and no make-up every day is fine” for too long. I was wondering which friend would be a good friend to ask to go with me – I think that would be easier than heading out on my own. Women are so much more glamorous and appearance conscious here. Even in their 60s and 70s they are all made-up and stylish.
August 21st, 2009 at 2:36 pm
I’ll bet you look fabulous!
Hurry up with some pics, already!
August 21st, 2009 at 4:16 pm
good for you! (make up stores scare me)
August 27th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Funny to have come across your blog as I’ve been thinking exactly the same lately Jo, and as a pretty much full-time glasses wearer these days, I was thinking my lips needed a bit more pizazz. Would have been great to see a pic of those gorgeous pink lips at end of your piece. Your writing really made me want to see the finished result !