I grew up in California and gorgeous Northern Idaho, the daughter of an HVAC mechanic and a... professional manicurist. :) I loved visiting my mom after school and hanging out in the salon with all the ladies and nail polishes and hair dies and hair cuts! I have memories as far back as memories go of my nails being painted and coloring my own hair with a plethora of colors from my box of markers. I remember my first set of highlights, when I began waxing and finding my relaxation in tanning (don't worry! I was in high school by this time).
Shopping, on the other hand, was not my parents influence. My mom's love of shopping is about equivalent of anyone's love of root canals! This was the doing of my grandmothers, both of them. One values it as a treat... Something to do when her girls visit or if the afternoon gets a little boring. The other one is a beacon of being put together beautifully and classically. Each one put her own spin on shopping and beauty that has influenced me to view it as something exciting, fun, and second nature.
Now to the good stuff! My essentials.
I LOVE M.A.C.! Everything by them is fabulous! Not everything by them is practical. But, everything by them is FUN. What I like about them is the limitless possibilities, their new ideas, and their philanthropy. Plus, their employees know their stuff! By looking at the website, one can get very overwhelmed. No worries! Their artists are here to help! (Note: looking for a fun and possibly free afternoon? Schedule an appointment at your nearest M.A.C. counter for a free makeover! Each counter has different rules that apply, but overall, they will do your face, eyes or lips for free and give you tips and pointers until your hearts content. I usually get lured into buying something, since everything is amazing)
Mary Kay ain't just yo mama's shellac. OK, before I begin this I will say that Mary Kay reminds me of my mom and is a constant reminder that I am inevitably becoming her. However, they make good stuff, and there is a reason they've been around since the classic pink cadillac (which is still an incentive for their reps, just a little newer and flashier). Plus, like M.A.C., Mary Kay is a beacon for women's right and the betterment of women everywhere. Win-WIN!
YouTube is a wealth of knowledge and spending an afternoon watching makeup/beauty tutorials is NOT a sin. Actually, its great! The beauty industry never sleeps, never stops, and there is always something new, fun, and better to learn. Here's a couple favorites:
- MICHELLE PHAN!!!!! Absolutely genius! She can turn anyone's face into something fabulous, something fiercely. Plus, she's sweet. Like, the kind of sweet where you really want to be her best friend and have makeup parties and sleep overs with champagne, chocolate, and chick flicks. She's also big on cultivating beauty inside and out, which is something I am big on as well. Her music's great and she's super thorough. She also represents Lancome. Favorite tutorials: Lady Gaga's Bad Romance Look & the Tim Burton look...
- Mommy Madness (a.k.a. Marissa Garrett). A friend of mine who shares my love of beauty products, and a pretty mama herself! Unlike me, she has the courage to vlog it. She has taught me so much!
Have FUN! The best part about beauty is your enjoyment in it. If it's not fun for you, it will show! So, do what you like! Really, its not the makeup that people see, it's the confidence you wear underneath it and the beauty you hold in your heart. Go out, explore, and find a look that's unique to you.
XOXO!
Ali
