Get Ready With Me…We May Be Here A While

In general, I’d say I’m a “less is more” kinda girl. Before you go calling me out (looking at you Mom and Sis) let me explain. On a daily basis, I wear just enough makeup to conceal sleep deprived dark circles or pizza induced puffiness, I wear the most comfortable clothes that I can possibly get away with while still resembling a grown up, and I sometimes brush my hair. (Shoes have always been the sole area of exception for me. The higher the heel, the bolder the design, the {unfortunate truth} higher the price, the better.)

Lately however, with the help of my newfound YouTube Community, I’ve been inspired to branch out and explore all the wonders the beauty industry has to offer, on a whole new level. I first discovered the joys of makeup when my older sister took a job at Sephora and I found myself swimming in her leftover gratis products, but my daily routine was still pretty minimal- moisturizer/SPF, foundation, concealer, eyeliner, maybe mascara and done. I swear that has tripled in the last month! Look at that dressing table! (I did a whole video on that vanity on my YouTube channel, here.) Eyebrow products, highlighter, bronzer, eyeshadow, setting spray, powder, and a plethora of lip products now grace my face on a regular basis. I’m certain, like with all the explorational stages of my life, I may look back on some of these moments and cringe, but I don’t really care. I’m having so much fun playing with new looks and different effects on my face that I’ll risk making a few mistakes along the way. That’s always been my tactic toward new endeavors so why change now?

Another thing I’m glad to say hasn’t changed is why and for whom I play with these alterations to my appearance. When it comes to my love of fashion and beauty, it has always been for me. Whether as a creative outlet, confidence booster, passionate side project, or form of self expression, they have remained a constant and positive part of my life. Ok, except maybe that time I insisted my mom let me chop my hair to my cheek bone. Outside influences (aka my friend Katie who rocked a bob like no other) may have prevailed there.

We often discussed our “body project” in my Women’s Studies class last semester and I can truthfully say that after months of internal assessment and all the I knowledge gained about the power of societal influences, it is a choice I make because I enjoy it. Many things beyond my appearance define me. If I was stripped of all my products and most of my closet tomorrow? I would still be me, and I’d be just fine. Bored and in need of some new hobbies…but fine. 😉

Jacket: AQUA (similar) | Dress: ANGL (similar & less expensive!) | Booties: Kelsi Dagger |