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wearing makeup

May 11, 2012 @ 7:35 AM

Prior to being a beauty therapist, I worked in finance. I worked in a huge trading room in London, which had no windows. I used to get up around 5.30am (it was dark) and go home when it was dark. I would spend half an hour applying make-up, and remove it each night when I got home. Then I thought.... I could have half an hour extra sleep if I didn't apply make-up. So I went to work naked.... a bare face (I was wearing clothes). At first my co-workers asked if I was feeling ill (as looked pale). But they got used to my bare face, and I enjoyed that extra half hour sleep.

Then I returned to Australia and became a beauty therapist. I rarely wore make-up. I bought a beauty salon, then a 2nd one - and I rarely wore make-up. People would comment how good my skin looked. It was quite smooth, even and clear. Good skin care products helped with that. My gorgeous husband loves my bare face. I think he was taken aback when he saw me on our wedding day as I had the full 'face' and hair done. When we go out special, I make an effort and put on a 'face'.... and I feel great when I do.

from Prevention Magazine - March 2012

In the last 20 years I've not had any great desire to apply make-up regularly. I'm a busy woman, and half an hour of applying make-up could be spent in so many ways (even sleep - given that I've had 3 children within 5 years, and I have not had a full nights sleep in 6 years).

But I was reading an article in Prevention magazine the other day that really touched a cord with me (the March 2012 edition - image on the right). It was highlighting the benefits of wearing make-up... and had an image of a before/after make-up face.

Hillary without makeup

What about Hillary Clinton (US secretary)? She recently went "a la natural".... and copped a bit of criticism in the media. It's a bit rough... she's a busy woman too. But this before & after photo can show the difference of a little bit of make-up.

As I get older, my skin is becoming a little blotchy. There are fine lines, although I'm managing to fight them off quite well. I realised that I feel better with a little bit of makeup, and I look better too. I think a touch of makeup can give a 'polished' look, without over-doing it. I realise that I don't have to go the 'whole hog' and apply a truckload of make-up. Just add a little glow and some neutral colour to my face.

I could create a 5 minute routine.
- A light foundation, tinted moisturiser or a swish of bronzer.
- A touch of mascara,
- a light coloured lipstick or gloss.

There are things that also help my routine. I've had my eyeliner and eyebrows tattooed. I originally did this 20 years ago.... and recently had it touched up. I am going to get my lips tattoed soon too.
I can tint my eyebrows and eyelashes.
I could even put fake tanner on my face to give it an even glow.

So... from now on.... I will have a small makeup bag of the bare essential make-up products and I plan to make more effort in the mornings. When I go to the shops, or read books at my sons school.... I will have a warm glow to my face.

I would love your thoughts & comments on this. Feel free to leave your message below.

Here are some products that I use/stock:

Tinted moisturisers:
Fresh Look Protective Day Cream w/ SPF20
Anna Lotan Triple Benefit Cream w/ SPF30

Make-up:
Anna Lotan Concealing Powder w/SPF17
Anna Lotan Plumping Lip Balm
Make-up products - coming soon

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I haven't work makeup in years I found it too heavy. People would comment on my clear skin. When I developed burning red cheeks I tried a redness concealer and foundation to hide it but that felt like it burnt my skin. Then I rediscovered AHAVA and the redness has diminished. I read this recent blog posting and discovered you were selling makeup and decided to try some foundation in the hope the last of my redness would be hidden. It's light, feels good and hides the last of my red. Yay!

I'm surprised how many people have come out (via my facebook page) and said they normally go "bare". I don't feel so alone now. Michelle... something you should consider is the Anna Lotan triple benefit cream... it's a moisturiser, SPF 30 (broad spectrum) and it's lightly tinted - which would help any 'flushing' of your face when you're working your butt off (of those of your clients!). I'm finding that as I age... I'm wanting to smoothe out my skin tone more.

I'm like you Jodie, I don't wear a lot of makeup and when I do I like it very simple, foundation, mascara and lipstick. I really only wear this when going out for lunch or somewhere special. But for everyday use I don't wear any and as I'm moving to an outdoor career as a personal trainer I don't feel I should have a face caked with makeup as it will be worse for my skin to sweat under the makeup. But I certainly make sure I have sunscreen on.

I am in my 60s & have never been a great one for makeup but I find that my 'age' certain shows now so if I go out I usually only blend a little liquid makeup around my nose area, a light blush, eye shadow and lipstick. I only ever wash my face with water, never anything else but I do use a moisturiser and always have. Yes I use Ahava - the reason being I have extremely sensitive skin and usually get a reaction but I have none from Ahava Timeline.

I honestly used to feel the same way as you. BUT, now am loving putting my face on. It's like a nice wake-up call for me to start the day fresh! Of course being a beauty and fashion blogger helps but still, I do have my lazy days & it's those days I keep it minimal with my BB Cream, mascara, lipgloss and a hint of blush. It gives my face a nice "pick me up".