Why I wear makeup.

So I wear makeup almost every day, and whilst I make no judgements as to whether you do or don't, I thought I'd show you the difference it makes to my face. This is pretty much my standard daily routine broken down into each step. It probably takes about 7-8 mins to do this without having to stop to take pics obviously.

1: Liquid foundation base. I use Rimmel Match Perfection in 100 Ivory as I'm rather pale naturally.

2: Concealer and Highlighter. I use Rimmel Match Perfection in 010 Ivory under my eyes, around the darker tones around my mouth and nose, such as my fulcrum.

3: Pressed Powder. I use Rimmel Stay Matte in 001 Transparent, applied everywhere (especially under my eyes) with a thickish brush. I don't mind the 'made up' look, for me, I'm happy for people to know I wear makeup. 

4: Blusher. I'm using Boots Natural Collection in Rosey Glow, applied with the fattest brush I have to just under my cheekbones and under the edge of my jaw, tapering down onto my neck. 

5: Highlighting eyeshadow.  I'm using my Lumier Eyes Shadow Compact in its palest shade. Kind of hard to see on this pic but it's on my brow bone under my eyebrows and in the inner corner of my eye near the tear duct.  It's a pale, shimmery cream colour.

6: Eyeshadow. I'm using the same compact as before. Colours applied with my finger are a russet and a darker chocolate brown, mostly to the outer edge of my eyelid. 

7: Liquid Eyeliner. I'm using YSL's Shocking Eyeliner Effet Faux Oils in 1 Black. For me, more than anything else, is where you need to invest in a good one. Mostly I can use anything on my skin, but this has great staying power and precision of application.

8: Mascara. I'm using Rimmel's 100% Waterproof in 002 Brown Black. Personally I like to interchange the colour of my eyeliner with brown too, it just slightly softens the look, knocking it back a little. 

9: Lip Stuff. This is a daytime look for me so I'm wearing a very subtle dab of Maybelline Super Stay 14hr Lipstick in 560 Continuous Cranberry, applied lightly and smudged with a finger with a top of Maybelline's Super Stay 24hr Conditioning Gloss on the top for a little softness, as the lippy can feel a bit dry.

10. The finished look. Or rather, half of it! I can appreciate my personal style is quite doll-like at times, but for me, makeup reflects how I either feel I look, or improves how I feel. Not wearing makeup for me, is like having forgotten to brush my hear or my teeth, it's not the end of the world if you don't do it, but you feel better for it. 

Over time, I've come to realise I have a bit of rosacia on my cheeks and chin, so I'd prefer my face to match the paleness of the rest of my body, though obviously working outside has slightly altered my level of care to the time I take on it. I've had to ensure I wear waterproof mascara being out in downpours all day at times. I probably wear less or paler eye shadows these days and as my skin is getting older, moisturising beforehand is fairly essential, and how I apply eyeliner has adjusted as my eyelids loose elasticity.

Cheap eyeshadows are getting less forgiving and are starting to crease and my skins pores are more obvious. But this is how I see myself, so for me, makeup will always be a big part of my life. I find the application mostly soothing and transformative in a positive way. Some days I wish I had different features or better skin, but ultimately I enjoy being in my skin and the things I can do to it.