With very few exceptions, I’ve been partaking in a daily ritual since I was about 16.
I’ve performed it in front of an audience of acting students for a class exercise as well as with a dressing room full of other women, and sometimes men, getting ready to go onstage. I’ve even done it in front of a nurse a few hours after giving birth to my first child. Not to mention the many times I have done it with babies, toddlers, and even teens vying for my attention.
What is this thing I make sure, come hell or high water, I do? My makeup.
The types of compacts and potions I use have changed and morphed throughout the years. At first it was mostly drugstore brands, mixed in with a few pricier items my mom would buy for me at the mall. As I got older and made more money, I moved up to more expensive formulas with much prettier packaging.
The colors I use have changed too. Gone are the bright technicolors I first loved as a girl in my teens and early twenties who spent days in acting school and nights out at clubs, to the more muted and professional tones of a woman who worked in an office and spent weekends walking in the city with her husband.
Today I favor colors that work with my middle-age skin and my role as part-time writer, full-time mom of three.
My time in front of a mirror applying my makeup is my most sacred time. No matter where I need to be or how fast I need to get there I can almost always find time to do it. There have only been a few incidents in my life where I have been so sick that I haven’t wanted to put on at least some lipstick or mascara.
I instinctively open up my collection of containers and compacts. I look at my face as my fingers reach for the sponge I use to apply my foundation. I reach for a brush and start tapping and swirling it into the translucent powder and then all over my cheeks and forehead. Always making sure to go down to my neck. As I do this I watch my complexion get more even.
Now that my canvas is ready I can start to paint. Depending on what I have to do that day and how much time I have, I either brush on a little bronzer over my cheeks and eyes before I move on, or I more carefully apply blush and eye makeup. I suck my cheeks in and open my eyes as big as I can as I brush on whatever I chose to wear for the day. No matter what I always end with mascara and lipstick. Again, sometimes it’s just a quick sweep of the lashes and lips, other times I use the precision of a surgeon as I line my mouth or make sure each lash is covered.
My ears can pick up the noises outside my bathroom, but I don’t pay them much attention. I’m focused on what I’m doing, yet my mind is free to wander.
Some mornings my thoughts may go to one of the kids, or a project I’m working on. Sometimes I might think of an old friend or try to solve a problem. Other times I only focus on the task at hand.
After I’m done, I put my make up away, open the bathroom door, and allow the craziness of my day to begin.
Got to admit as I can so relate as I it is pretty much the same here with the time putting on my own makeup daily is also my own solitude and quiet time which has evolved over the years here, too. Just nice to know that I can so relate, as well 😉
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Nice t know I’m not alone!! xoxo
So important to
Take time
For yourself, however it takes form!
You are so right!!!!! For me it’s makeup for someone else it could be writing in their journal. xo
This is really something that I struggle with. Growing up with 4 brothers and a mom who never wore makeup is just seems so foreign to me. I rarely wear it, but when we go somewhere special. I would love to change that because I’ve gotten so lazy about my appearance. I rarely leave the house through the week so I seldom even get dressed (I live in my pj’s most of the time). I need to start taking more time for myself. I just don’t know where I would find it between taking care of mom and now I’m watching the twins (their 10 months old now) everyday while my daughter works. Half the time I feel privileged when I can use the bathroom without someone looking for me!
Rena it really seems counter intuitive when your life is as crazy as yours, but I don’t know how I would have survived all of these years as a caregiver if I didn’t take those few minutes. And actually I don’t need much to feel a little better, there are a lot of products that do double and triple duty. I realize makeup is not for everyone, but for me, it’s been the one thing I have been able to keep for myself.
I love the transition from blank canvas to made-up face! I agree with you, it’s restorative and meditative. We NEED to look closely at ourselves to feel connected to who we are. I swear my magnifying mirror has helped me accept the aging process – and spurred me to get my eyes done 3 years ago 🙂
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We all need full concentration when applying make up, right? Plus a little more alone time here and there never hurt anyone. ?
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Joy I think that is what I find so relaxing about it, I have to focus on me, even if it’s just two minutes to put some mascara and lipstick on. It’s really the only me time I really give myself. xo
Me too! Except weekends! No kids allowed either…no one has time for that!!
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Kristen we all need something, whatever it is. I know some of my friends really enjoy NOT putting on makeup!! Ha!
I have always seen make up as an inconvenience. Your description is much more soothing!
I think we all need something, whatever it is. My BFF is not a makeup person per say, but she does really enjoy doing her hair, that is her time. My mom likes to clean as a way to connect with herself. Thanks!
So true – must start the day like that… but now my two toddlers want to “help”… and put on their own make up… Oh the fun! And they are boys! It’s cute.
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That is cute!!! My daughter loves make up and lipstick kisses!!
I wish I was like this! I have never been much of a make up person. I have been known to say, that was a waste of make up, if I didn’t do anything fun that night! I love that you enjoy it and didn’t let go of something you enjoy just cuz you had kids!
Thanks Kelly! I think that is really it, isn’t it, keeping something, even if it’s putting on makeup for ourselves? I hope you have something that gives you a little peace and pleasure! xo
I found myself fascinated and impressed at the complexity of this ritual. And then I remembered that I saw a woman doing all this – while driving 55 in a 45 yesterday on the way to work. I think I like your way better, Kathy.
I’m with Rena – I don’t wear make up. At all. My skin is too sensitive. That being said, I do have my morning rituals and they are important to keeping me sane. It’s not about make up, it’s about taking care of ourselves.
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Of course! This is my story about my ritual, but anything we can find for ourselves is wonderful!!!! Thanks!
This is so well-written about such an everyday but also personal ritual. Next time I see you, maybe you can show me how to do foundation right. I’ve never gotten it so that it doesn’t look fake and so I usually just skip it. Gah.
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