Adventures
of a Makeup Misfit
********************************************
Have you ever been to a foreign country? When you
get off the plane you want to try everything. You look around at all the sights
and try to decide where to go first so that you get the maximum experience
possible. However, there are obstacles in your way, such as language barriers
and general lack of direction. To your dismay the people stare at you like
you're an alien, because honestly you are.
Well to my surprise, this is what buying makeup was
like for me. I entered the cosmetic aisle with all of this great optimism. I mean, I know
what I look like and I know what looks good on me. I've always been pretty
fashion forward, however, this experience for me was quite awe-inspiring. As I
approached the "great wall of makeup", it became clear to me that I
did not speak the language of the natives!
I walked up and down that aisle looking at makeup references and color palettes (my compass) and having no idea where was north. I quickly exited the area and called my sister who lives there so that she could give me directions. She giggled a little to herself, not because she was laughing at me, but because her, my mother and every other woman in my life speak makeup fluently. Me on the other hand, I never really showed an interest in makeup beyond a neutral lip gloss and finger nail polish.
I walked up and down that aisle looking at makeup references and color palettes (my compass) and having no idea where was north. I quickly exited the area and called my sister who lives there so that she could give me directions. She giggled a little to herself, not because she was laughing at me, but because her, my mother and every other woman in my life speak makeup fluently. Me on the other hand, I never really showed an interest in makeup beyond a neutral lip gloss and finger nail polish.
Well, as I was begging my sister for assistance, a
local ( she worked in the store) finally asked me if I needed help. By that
time, my sister had given me some pretty basic steps to reach my destination; manageable makeup that even I couldn't mess up. She first asked me where I was,
what makeup I owned and then told me what I needed to try. Considering I don't
have damaged skin or many breakouts and the only blemishes I have are freckles,
she told me to try a tinted moisturizer. This is basically lotion with color
added (who knew?!). She also told me to pick up some mascara, an eye pencil and eye shadow
that I was comfortable with. Thus began my adventure into the world of makeup
art.
For many people applying makeup is overwhelming. I
mean seriously, I looked at everything that I purchased and was thinking, what
do I put on first? I didn't want to look like a clown or the heroine from a bad 1970s movie. So
once again I called for reinforcements. I had my mother in the room with me and
got my sister on the line promptly. By this time she was in tears laughing at
me. Mostly because she's so used to me being confident and having things under
control or at least having a contingency plan. Well, I had nothing. Eventually,
with the help of my mother and sister, I found my place in the makeup world. I
am officially a Makeup Misfit.
This Makeup Misfit will share with you all of the
perils and fashion havens I encounter as I venture into the uncharted
territory of makeup shopping, application and the affects it has on me in my
life and skin. From the mind of someone who has never before traveled to the
lands of L'Oreal or seen a Covergirl up close, this will truly prove to be an
exploration for us all.
You can find Ani Baraka on Twitter @AniBaraka or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/IHEARTRetailTherapy
