This blog is moreso for my sisters, but fellas feel free to chime in & leave your nickel's worth.
I was hanging out with my cousin when she mentioned she wanted some pics for her boyfriend & myspace page. Oh, in case you didn't know I'm an aspiring photographer....I enjoy being behind the camera as well as in front of it. Anyway, she went home & met me back at my house. She brought a few different outfits & got her pause/flash on. I took a few shots in my backyard, living room & on her car.
Upon downloading the pics, which turned out nicely if I must say so myself, I noticed her facial imperfections, i.e., pimple scars, etc. came thru a little too perfect. I suggested she might want to try wearing foundation for her photos next time. You would've thought I said take a 9mm to your head, with the way she reacted. Her response was, "I don't need that shit to look good!" I was like damn!! OK, hold up sista! I didn't say you were unattractive & I wasn't trying to be critical. I said a lil foundation would hide the imperfections & make the photos look a lot better! Again she responded with, "I said I don't need that shit..." Keep in mind girlfriend was wearing a weave (a damn good one, but a weave nonetheless) & light brown contacts 
Mind you, even tho I don't do weave or colored contacts, I do wear foundation especially when I know I'm gonna be photographed. I just think an even-toned face photographs so much better. I didn't even need it until approximately 2 years ago, but I think that comes with the aging process, therefore, ain't no shame in my game. As much as I like being photographed I want them to be nice.
Was I wrong or being too superficial to suggest make-up to her?
Well, I will leave my comment and run like hell. LOL.. A large percent of my Black Sisters need no makeup and when they put that crap on, makes them look like something that escaped from the New York or Los Angeles Zoo. I am running now. LOL
ReplyDeleteP.S. Meaning, they are Beautiful without the Make up.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we all are beautiful au natural, a little foundation is a GOOD thing ! I am having a hard time deciding to post my graduation photo cause it looks ICK to me cause I have no make up on, plus I was crying, and sick... just all around not a good look.
ReplyDeleteI dont see why people make a federal case out of makeup, if used correctly, it enhances what you have, it doesnt change it.
Mo she has obviously accepted her blemishes and marks. However, I don't feel you were wrong for suggesting make up. I mean if you saw some of the fashion models without their war paint, ummm I mean make up it would really amaze you.
ReplyDeleteYeah, cuz Tyra look like a broken down hot mess without her make up on!
ReplyDeleteYou already know that me, and fashion fair, mary kay, avon and 'nem are ------>HERE<--------
No, you were not wrong. Unless your tone came off as critical, but even still you explained and she was still bent out of shape!
ReplyDeleteNo need to run Rev. I wear it because I do not like the scarring and unevenness to show in photos. Unless I'm going out or dolled up, my face is makeup free and that's 99% of the time.
ReplyDeleteAnd that is the way I like it. Really!!!
ReplyDeleteMy skin reacts to foundation so I really don't wear it. Moisturizer, and lip gloss suits me just fine. LOL But for special occasions I will find some prescriptives or MAC and wear it.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you were. I never wear make up unless I'm hanging out with you all and not always. I guess I'm just burned out on it since mom sold Mary Kay for years.
ReplyDeleteI will agree with what TNP says though about it being an enhancement when done correctly.
The problem is in my opinion, many women use to much and or don't know how to apply it.
ReplyDeleteGreat article I recommend to professional women conflicted about make-up ---> http://www.casualpower.com/about_us/news/innews72.htm
ReplyDeleteThere are some facial markings/features that are simply not attractive. Depending on the line of work you're in, such things can be unnecessary distractions. I think they, to the extent possible, should be covered-up. Foundation can do wonders for helping women achieve a uniform, near-flawless, clear complexion (or the appearance thereof). Foundation also protects your face from the environmental elements (UA/V rays, pollutants in the air, the drying effects of high wind, artificial heat, etc). Women who say that foundation clogs or breaks out there skin are not washing it off at night. Women (with or without makeup) need to wash their faces with gentle-non-abrasive cleansers twice a day (morning and evening) and in that process rinse with clear luke-warm water 30 times/splashes.
For the workplace, I recommend the same as the article, mascara to open up your eyes (a light coat, doesn't need to be heavy), foundation (for the reasons mentioned above), and lipstick (the right shade makes almost EVERY woman look instantly more attractive!)
I don't recommend blush because most women don't know how to apply it so that it appears natural and not clownish (I'm a licensed make-up artist and it's tricky even for the professionally trained, you need to take your time and understand facial measurement techniques for proper placement and blending). Also most women pick the wrong color for their blush. A blush should serve as a facial highlighter (lightening up and emphasizing attractive features, a lighter color), or provide facial contouring (a slightly darker color to help re-shape/recede less attractive features) depending on an individual's facial proportions.
I also don't recommend eyeshadow unless a woman is going to use just ONE color. Learning how to properly shade more than one color of eyeshadow is a skill most women don't have. It needs to be taught. And for an everyday professional career look, mascara is truly sufficient. If women are GOOD at doing their eyes and making them look natural and well-blended, go for it. But even the best application of eye color will scream "over-made-up" in the workplace.
Kim just started selling (and even wearing) it. I did buy a lil more than usual to an effort to support her endeavor.
ReplyDeleteLOL!!! I have sold Mary Kay for 9 years, even though personally, I don’t wear much makeup. I’m also a licensed professional make-up artist (licensed through the State of MD).
ReplyDeleteIn my years of observing (black) women and their love-hate relationship with makeup, I've learned that more than any other element, foundation is a sore spot with many African American women.
Most times, cosmetics companies don’t have colors that are true to our skin (under)tones, and foundation can make us look lighter or darker than we really are. Also because our facial skin can have normally more than one shade of brown/yellow/red over the whole landscape of the face, the same highlighting/countering that non-brownskin women have to use makeup to achieve, we have naturally. Thus the protests of "I don't NEED that!"
But I still believe there are times when each woman can be served positively by learning how to properly apply moderate amounts of makeup.
Another great book ---> http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0385478542/104-0544084-5896760
I use it with my Mary Kay team members, to help them more fully understand the psychology behind image, makeup, human beauty, and how to translate that into sales relationships with their customers that uphold Mary Kay's mission of "enriching women's lives."
I have adopted a personal mission statement in my business (which I consider an extension of my purpose and ministry) which I got from Nancy Stafford in "Beauty by the Book” ~ Every woman is beautiful, but not every woman sees it. I want you to see it!
I don't think you were wrong. It was merely a suggestion as a means of enhancing her photographs. I find a lot of women take offense if you suggest makeup, lipstick or lipgloss as if you're trying to coyly insult them or suggest they don't look good without it. I'm all for enhancements even if I'm already comfortable with how I look without them.
ReplyDeleteGood info Lusi! I have been using a little liner & mascara lately to give my eyes a lil umph.
ReplyDeleteI went to the Fashion Fair counter one day & got made up for a wedding. The lady put me in an Earth Red {I think} lipstick that looked great with my outfit. I had NEVER worn red lipstick before that day.
Look, I apologize beforehand, but I really would like to know the answer to this question. Does wearing makeup make having sex better?
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of Fashion Fair, but I know women who swear by them! Most of the companies (black or white-owned) have upgraded and improved their selections for women of color, especially for women browner than a brown-paper-bag.
ReplyDeleteRed is tricky, but most women can wear it IF it's the right shade with the proper undertone. If you have yellow-brown undertones, than an "earthy" red is going to look lovely on you, as opposed to a blue-undertoned cherry or candy-apple red.
You might need to ask a brother who is looking into a made-up face.
ReplyDeletei find that when i try to wear makeup i look like a clown....no matter how little i use....... i tink i am fine without it.. but occaisionally when taking pics that i am not going to make black and white, i use bare essentials powder..and some lip gloss..in my nayket pics, there were places i would have sed makeup.. but i see no real reason to on my face.
ReplyDeleteI am a brother and have looked into many female's faces over my lifetime and I know how I feel, but how does the woman feel having sex with makeup on during sex?
ReplyDeleteI agree with that. You ever see someone with make up and when they remove it they look like a totally different person? Shoot folks can scare you when they remove their war paint!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteI will humor you and say that if I am feeling even sexier and more fierce because I'm dolled up, hair looking good & inviting to the touch, he'll reap the benefits so much more than if I'm in my natural state with my Aunt Jemima headwrap on.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Smiles.
ReplyDeleteSo it is completely a mental issue and acceptance of oneself?
ReplyDeleteSee I sweat too much, make up would be all over the sheets, and him, not sexy!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteNow, that is funny. LMBFAO....
ReplyDeleteMental issue?! Bi-polarism, schizophrenia, paranoid delusion are mental issues. The choice to wear make up or not isn't.
ReplyDeleteI'm just being honest. LOL I would look like something out of a wax museum. LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the fellas you keep company with appreciate cha! LOL
ReplyDeleteWrong choice of words, I mean, it is all in a person's mind as to how they feel with makeup on.
ReplyDeleteYou weren't wrong, you just hit on a sensitive spot for her. She didn't have to look bad with it, it could have been like airbrushing, a natural 'smoothing out'.
ReplyDeleteYes. Now we are not saying you need to hire Lil Kim's makeup artist. For the love of red beans & rice, don't do that.
ReplyDeleteWhen you look good you feel ever better. Wearing makeup sometimes has the same effect as that lil black dress and high-heeled shoes.
Right...that's all I was saying..or at least trying to say.
ReplyDeleteI understand this, but would you agree, looking good is subjective?
ReplyDeleteBrother Richie, it ALL depends on the individual.
ReplyDeleteI fully agree.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of another blog.....hmmmmm LOLOLOLOL!!! and ROTFLMAOOOOOO!!!
ReplyDeleteI still don't like women with weaves. LMBFAO!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt sure does!
ReplyDeleteMo, this is a GREAT blog and SO on time for me!!!!
ReplyDeleteFor 31 years, I have NEVER been one to wear makeup except for lipstick and eyewear. I have VERY sensitive skin and it usually doesn't take nicely to makeup in any form. Well, I have ECXEMA (sp) as well as ACNE so I use the generic form of a cream called RETIN-A for my face. This medicine is KNOWN to cause your skin’s condition to WORSEN when you start using it (I think it brings the blemishes out), so when I filled my prescription again after a few months and started using it on a regular, my face began to break out. With this comes SPOTS that are left when you rupture the pimple(s), so my face was beginning to look REALLY BAD (to me). So one day I decided that I was going to find me some makeup that would COVER UP these spots and make my skin look more evenly toned. So I found myself at the MAC counter at Macys. Now, a few years ago on my birthday I went to get made up at the MAC counter and as SOON as they put the makeup on me, my face started burning and I broke out. I had them take it off IMMEDIATELY. THIS time around, the lady tried their NEW foundation and not only did I not feel any discomfort or burning, it LOOKED GOOD AS HELL on my face!!!! I bought some THAT DAY and have been using it EVERY SINCE!!!!
Now, I think the Rev. is correct- a lot of women put on TOO MUCH or don’t know HOW to put it on. I’m NO PRO at this (as I’ve just started) but I put on just enough to “smooth” things out. I don’t EVER want to look like a CAKE at the face nor like I’m going to MELT at any time! I only use the POWDER foundation as a light application and it does me just fine. I just hope that my skin doesn’t start reacting badly to it.
As for your “advice”- I don’t think there was ANYTHING wrong with it. As long as you approached her with your advice in a respectful way, she should’ve calmed down the “tude” and just took it and went on about her way.
A million women all over the world are now weeping...
ReplyDeleteLOVE this answer sista girl!
ReplyDeleteDon't lose any sleep over it, ok? LOL
ReplyDeleteBut that doesn't mean I have to like them, Give me a nappy (small tight hair curls) headed woman and I will love her to death. LMBFAO!!!
ReplyDeleteI went to the MAC counter years ago for a New Year's Eve makeover. By the time we were heading out for our party that night, one of my eyes was swollen shut with an infection! Some MAC counters re-use the brushes and don't clean them properly. Dipping lipstick in alcohol and rubbing it dry with a tissue is NOT sanitary enough for women to put to their own lips or even to scrape off on/with an applicator.
ReplyDeleteWe learned the ins-and-outs of the sanitary application of makeup between multiple customers when we were in our licensing class, and it is no joke, and there are so many rules you have to remember, which is one reason I would NEVER let a public dep't store counter touch my face or the face of anyone I care about (and most MAC sales reps are supposed to be licensed, but I think they get busy and careless and make more mistakes than are acceptable).
I believe in using a clean, fresh, sanitary SAMPLE of all types of cosmetics when working with a customer's face.
It's great you've found a product you can use regularly! I've noticed some MAC counters and reps are better than others. I stay away from the over-crowded ones.
I'm going to have to try this MAC make up, since so many of you swear by it.
ReplyDeleteI've been using L'Oreal True Match foundation (it's a liquid but it's super-light!). And I use Mary Kay's powder foundation to give me a more blended and natural finish.
And on THAT note, I'll bring my own fresh from the store set of brushes and applicators when I finally go to the MAC counter.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried MK's new mineral powders (loose or pressed?) I like the pressed mineral powder. Gives an even overall look.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried it yet! I'm going to keep that in mind for my next order though.
ReplyDeleteI hear you on this..... the lady used a new makeup wedge on my face and she did a DAMN good job on applying it! I thought I was a new woman when I walked out of there! I'm VERY happy with this product and just HOPE that my skin doesn't start rejecting it.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to depend a LOT on how you cleanse your face in the evening. LUKE WARM water! Some women like to use cold or hot water...it really should be tepid, room-temp.
ReplyDeleteAnd when I say rinse your face with at least 30 splashes, I really mean count up to 30 full splashes. You would be amazed how much product remains ON your skin and IN your pores when you do a basic washcloth rinse or only a few splashes. If makeup is coming off on the towel you use to dry your face, your face is not clean! Washclothes tend to push day-old product INTO your skin/pores (even if it's wet), so rinsing thoroughly is a MUST!
Good Luck!
WOW! Thanks for the info! The only soap I can use to wash my face is DOVE, so I wash my face every night before I go to sleep and put my medicine on. Can you recommend a good MOISTURIZER (over the counter because I'm not into MARY KAY, AVON or anything I have to have a REPRESENTATIVE to purchase. I want to be able to GET IT when I WANT IT). *smile* I can also use NEUTROGENA products, so if anyone uses their products please let me know how they work for you.
ReplyDeleteI use a makeup removing cleanser followed by my Dove cleansing cloths. I have oily skin so I follow that with an astringent & moisturizer.
ReplyDeleteThe makeup removers remove product from the surface of your skin (they are made with "slip agents" which literally slide against the surface of your skin, removing what's in it's PATH, but not what's in your pores).
ReplyDeleteThe cleansing clothes actually do more harm than good by literally forcing residual product INTO your pores while you think you are removing product.
Nothing replaces 30 splashes with clear luke-warm water. Trust me!
And if you're following your routine with astringent, they are designed to tighten your pores, so all you are doing is locking residual product into your skin under the surface, which can lead to breakouts.
I've been using Biore Pore Perfect exfoliating wash w/acne medicine in it! I swear this stuff works wonders if you have large pores. I was using Proactiv at one point for my break-outs, but that junk don't work for me! Every time I see that commercial I flip out, because I wasted my money on that stuff.
ReplyDeleteNowadays, I'm using Avon's acne care line for oily skin types (green bottle), and I use their oil control lotion to moisturize. It gives me just the right amount without me looking too shiny!
So noted! Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteWell, since I'm an MK consultant with combination skin, I use the TimeWise Moisturizer in the morning, and the Oil-Free Hydrating Gel in the evening.
ReplyDeleteI understand that a lot of MK and Avon consultants don't have product on hand to do immediate delivery, but there are plenty that do!
That said, I really can't recommend an OTC product because it's been years since I used them. But one of many things I learned in my licensing class (we did a 2-week segment on proper cleansing of skin) is that most moisturizers are made basically the same way, with the same base ingredients. I would just recommend going to your local Walgreens or Walmart and picking a line that works for you. If you're going to use Neutrogena, use all Neutrogena products. If you're going to use Biore', use all Biore' products. These lines are developed to work TOGETHER. And mixing and matching may seem ideal or economical, but generally you get the best results by using one line consistently. Just my experience and observation.
I tell women all the time, I don't care WHAT you use, just use it together and use it consistently!
Women are brand-hoppers and wonder why their face looks like war broke out on it! LOL!!!
Don't be a casualty of war! :-)
Now that's something I always do. This also applies to my hair care products.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting because I've always gotten the opposite advice for hair products. That every 3 months or so, you should switch up, so that you don't get build up and so that your strands don't become used to one particular product. That your hair actually benefits from something new every 90 days or so.
ReplyDelete*hmmm*
With THAT being said, I might try the Neutrogena line. That was one of the other products my dermatologist said I could use a LONG time ago. I'm always so SCARED to try someting new because of my OVERLY SENSITIVE SKIN, but NUMEROUS people tell me that I need to use SOME TYPE of moisturizer and cleanser, so I've been thinking about trying something.
ReplyDeleteAlso, has anyone used ALMAY products? I ask this because they are suppose to be "HYPO-ALLERGENIC" and the best makeup for sensitive skin. I THOUGHT about trying them a while back (makeup wise) before I found this MAC foundation. Just wondering if anyone else has used it and what their experience was.
Fortunately, I don't have to do it that often. I only switch every year or so & even then it's rotation of my top favorites.
ReplyDeletehonestly... I dont think you were wrong to make mention of the imperfections...
ReplyDeleteLove the make-up tips I've read here! I just really started wearing foundation when I turned 38. I had my youngest and that pregnancy took a serious toll on my skin... I have uneven tone and sinkhole sized pores (does anybody know how to diminish these???) so I have to do SOMETHING!
Mo, I have to agree with you here. I have a really bad discoloration problem being that my T zone is two different shades so I have to even buy two seperate shades of foundation because they don't even make my exact color. While i'm home though or just sloshing around town I usually don't wear make-up and sometimes just a tad of lip liner and my favorite gloss.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question I don't think you were wrong in suggesting it but it was a little harsh how she came back at you. Some folks are more accepting of their flaws than others.
I don't think you were wrong with what you suggested but I don't think black women need to put on makeup but I also will leave it up to them.
ReplyDelete*creepin in*
ReplyDeletenawl, you weren't wrong for telling her that! you know your craft, and what works best, and ain't nothing wrong with a lil MAC Studio Fix to "color in the blanks" maybe you coulda hit her with, lets do some pics with makeup, and some without makeup? and it woulda been received a lil better...
I don't think you were wrong either. As far as my take on make up, I do tend to prefer the au naturale look I am not adverse to make up when it is used as an enhancement of the natural beauty. When it is used too the point where you have to peel it off like a Scooby Doo villian (You see one chick in the club and take her home and it's like "OLD MAN SMITHERS" LOL), that's a COMPLETELY different story LOL
ReplyDeletegood blog...some people just can't accept constructive criticism and don't adapt to change...make up to me is like underwear don't leave home without it...i'm not complete without it...i only wear enough to enhance, not overwhelm me...i can't stand the cake face...
ReplyDeleteThat's funny
ReplyDeleteThis is my major issue right here. My natural face tone is mixed with an array of colors from rich brown, light brown and a reddish hue which kind of throws me off when looking for one foundation color in particular. I usually have to settle for 2-3 seperate shades of powder and apply them so that they all mix and contour my face perfectly without seemingly being too much and looking like a mask. I have tried several different lines and am going to start trying the minerals because it seems not so heavy on the face and i have really deep pours and am prone to breakouts if I don't watch it.
ReplyDeleteMore recently I have started purchasing my powder/foundation from KLS because she has some really pretty colors. It's just something Im trying out but am finding that her products are a bit pore blocking and heavy.
Mineral powders are generally good for this type of challenge because they are SO LIGHT! BUT, you have to have a steady and skilled hand to apply them properly, especially if you're trying to get highlighting and contouring effects. You sound like you are intimately acquainted with your face, so the minerals and your skills should work together to bring you a positive result. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteThis is where RINSING THOROUGHLY, again, comes into play. I get a lot of resistance from women on this one aspect of skin care, but when they TRUST me and rinse completely twice a day (30 full splashes with luke-warm water) they start noticing the difference within a few days to a week. Then they are hooked!
ReplyDeleteMost breakouts are from leaving residual (naked to the eye) remnants of product on our faces and then sleeping on them. Removing what you can see is only half the battle!
You were definitely not wrong for suggesting the make-up for pics. It's not like you told her "Chiiile you is butt ass ugly and need to cover that mug!" The make-up will help make the pictures come out better. Point blank. I don't even see that as criticism. You didn't tell her like my photographer says it. he is quick to tell a person "Take that powdery shit off your face. You're messing up my pictures." LOL She couldn't work with him.
ReplyDeleteAs for the daily thing, I wear lip gloss. I am addicted to it. Other than that, I may wear eye shadow a couple days a week. That's about it except for special occasions. I almost never wear foundation.