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