Makeup...Positive or Negative?

One problem that the makeup industry faces is that people argue that the company's advertisements are causing young girls to not feel comfortable in their own skin and have a low self-esteem because they do not look like the models they see in magazines and on television.  I strongly disagree that this is the case.  

Zendaya, a former Disney Channel star turned Covergirl model, once said “I wear it [makeup] for myself because I feel fabulous . . . it’s not to impress anybody else but myself.”  This speaks to me because I feel the exact same way.  When I really take the time to do my makeup it makes me feel unstoppable and that is such a great feeling.  

In my opinion, makeup gives women the freedom to be who they want to be on any given day.  It also allows women to feel beautiful even if there is something they are self-conscious about.  Some days, we do choose to go all out with our makeup or even give a theme to it.  A theme I like to do with my make up is a green smokey eye to represent my Hogwarts House which is Slytherin. I do not do this very often, but I enjoy it when I do take the time to.

Other days, we may choose to not wear any makeup at all which is fine as well!  We do not have to wear makeup everyday if we do not want to!  Makeup is about making you feel good about yourself and if you think an extra ten minutes of sleep would make you feel better than makeup then stay in bed for those ten minutes.

Sometimes, we just chose to accent one feature, such as the lips or eyes.  Occasionally, if I am running late, I will just put on chapstick. Other times, if I have a minute a bold red or dark pink lip and nothing else.  When I wear a vivid red lip, I feel like I can do just about anything.  

I believe that the makeup companies advertisements are just trying to give ideas and inspire people.  If a person is completely happy with how they look without makeup then that is great; however, not everyone is and a person should not be shunned for wearing makeup if that is what it takes to make them feel good.

Extra Special Reviews!

Ipsy is a mail delivered makeup service that selects a mix of five deluxe samples or full-size products that are based on your own personal beauty style.  When I found out about Ipsy, I immediately knew I had to have a subscription to it.  While I have not tried similar services, such as Birchbox, so far I have been very satisfied with Ipsy!

So, I have not yet received my November Ipsy bag, but I have recently gotten some great products that I thought I would go ahead and review.  A few of these products were actually from Ipsy, just not from mine.  My mom has an Ipsy subscription as well and she gave me a couple products she did not feel like she would use because she knows how much I enjoy trying new products!

★★★★★

Eyeko London Eye Do Liquid Eyeliner

The sample I was given is pretty large and is worth about $13.50 and the full size can be purchased here at Ulta for $19.

This is my favorite eyeliner I have tried that came from Ipsy! It is waterproof and has an amazing  applicator that is very precise and easy to use.  It goes on pretty dark, but the color can be intensified with a second coat!  I tried wearing the Eyeko liquid eyeliner while swimming and I was very impressed because it stayed in place and had minimal running!  I highly recommend this product if you are active and looking for a liner that can keep up!

★★★★✰

Eva-nyc Forget Me Knot Dry Conditioner

My trial size of this product is worth about $2 and the full size can be purchased here for $14.

I recently started a new swimming regime to prepare myself for an upcoming trip I have planned and my hair has been very unappreciative.  Pool water usually makes my hair a bit stiff and dries it out; however, one day I was in a rush to get ready after I finished my swim and decided to try out this dry conditioner.  It worked wonders and made my hair so soft.  I am very impressed with the results it yields, the only downfall to this product is the way it smells.  The smell reminds me of an old perfume and I do not care for it very much.  However, with the results it yields, I can deal with the less than desirable scent.

★★★★✰

Hikari Cosmetics Shimmer Bronzer in Radiate

I was given the full size version which is a $17 value and can be purchased here.

This blush went on well and was highly pigmented and looks good on a lot of skin tones!  The only problem is that I do not have one of the many skin tones it looks nice on if I use the darkest color on the bottom right.  I have pale skin and it makes me look washed out if I use that section; however, if I just use the other three then it looks great!  I do not wear blush very often, but if I do I will probably reach for this one from now on!

★★★★★

Bath and Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel body cream

The full size Ultra Shea Body Cream can be found here for $13.

Although not from Ipsy, I did receive a coupon for a free gift with any $10 purchase from Bath and Body Works.  While I did pick out several holiday gifts for others while I was there, I decided to treat myself with the free gift.   The free item I decided on was the Vanilla Bean Noel scent in a body cream from their special holiday scents section.  This scent not only moisturizes well, it also smells like fresh baked cookies and will leave people wondering where you are hiding the platter.  It is my new favorite scent from Bath and Body Works.  The Tahiti Island Dream scent was my favorite prior to trying the Vanilla Bean Noel.