As I started sitting down to write this week's article, I began to look back at all the articles that I had written over the last 14 months and I started thinking about why I write this article in the first place. Yes, my sobriquet is The Makeup Lady, but what does that really mean to others (and myself)? Why am I so passionate about makeup and all things dealing with beauty?
I thought long and hard and came to the conclusion that while I love makeup (because it's fun to buy, put on, play in and all those good things); I also love seeing what makeup can do for people. I have seen with my own eyes how makeup can transform a shy teenager going on her first graduation date into a beautiful young lady. I have seen how an ordinary woman can become a princess on her wedding day and radiate with beauty as she is dressed, all made up to meet her Prince Charming. I have seen women having a bad day get a compliment; I have seen a person who is on their sick-bed look instantly better and up to having visitors with a little powder and lip gloss. Let's face it. Most of you reading this are regular women like me; we're not Hollywood superstars, reality TV starlets or any of those glamorous celebrities who has a hair and makeup team to make them look fabulous on a daily basis. We have to get up and hustle to work. We may have kids, a husband, bills, and a boss above us or employees under our charge, and sometimes looking like the women on TV is a low priority. But, in spite of all of that I still want to inspire you to make time yourself to do makeup to the best of your ability.
I know... being stylish and fashion forward can be exhausting sometimes. I get it. Some days I don't even feel like getting out of bed and taking a shower and starting the day, let alone put on some eye shadow. But I made a promise to myself back in my 20s, and I said that I would never let myself look how I feel. Even though I may feel bad on the inside, I would put on something nice and do my makeup. One of the days that I got the most compliments in my life was the day after my boyfriend broke up with me. I had gotten up early and did my face so impeccably. This helped me to get over myself and helped me to focus on myself. No one even noticed that I was down. It is not easy, but you should give it a try. Believe me; I think I have heard every excuse under the sun why some women don't wear makeup.
"I don't have time..."
"It's too much work..."
"I can't afford it..."
"I can't be bothered..."
"I don't know how..."
You know how I sum up these excuses? You say these things because you are not making yourself a priority. My challenge, therefore, is for you to stop making excuses. If you are a makeup newbie – start small. Start with powder, lip gloss and experiment a little at a time. Or you can ask a friend to help you. Or, if you used to do it and stopped, go get some new colours and start again. Trust me. When you look great, you feel great, and when you feel great, there is something that shines about you. When you radiate happiness, people feel attracted to you and you may even brighten someone's; day. So, ladies, NO EXCUSES. Make time for yourself. Celebrate your beauty by adding warmth, colour and light to your face. If you're feeling down, never let your outer look reflect how you feel. Be fabulous, be glamorous and be yourself. It works.