BILLY

From time to time, I come across a benevolent soul who tells me I have nice skin. For years, my gut reaction was to point out the 17 reasons the benevolent soul was wrong. It usually resembled Ms. Schumer's version (adult language and all. If you haven't seen it, it's delightfully graphic):

Through much inward reflection, I have learned to say something like “thank you” instead. It saves time and so far no one has exploded from my brazen acceptance of their compliment.

While I’m tempted to turn this into an analysis of why so many girls are convinced they are hideous and subsequently spend well into their 30’s and 40’s learning to accept their body/face, I will not. Although, really quick, wouldn’t it be great to get rid of "body acceptance" as an agenda item of the female experience? Permanently? Imagine the time and energy it would free up!

For now, I’m going to keep it light and discuss the makeup I’m using to trick people into believing I have nice skin:

Giorgio Armani Designer Lift Foundation: This foundation brand is still the best in my book. The “Luminous Silk” gets a lot of prizes from magazines and makeup artists, but I think the "Designer Lift" tops it by a mile. I have an oily t-zone and the "Luminous Silk" was a bit too luminous. The "Designer Lift" has the same luminosity “Luminous Silk” provides, with a bit more coverage. I honestly think it changes the texture of my skin. It seems pricey, but one bottle can last me a year. If you use a foundation brush you only need a drop (a drop!) of product for your whole face. So good.

Becca Beach Tint Shimmer Soufflé: Becca is a brand that doesn't get enough attention. Let's change that! This blush is a cream, but not gross-creamy. More light weight. I guess like a soufflé! It brings natural, flattering color with some built in highlighter. In my personal makeup product hierarchy, blush ranks higher than mascara for waking up my face. This is the one I've been reaching for most often as of late.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed: Another winner from Becca for the radiance factor. I have the Rose Gold, and plan on getting the Opal. I use it to highlight my cheekbones and have been pleased with how, well, radiant, they look. I thought I was buying it for special occasions, but I have wound up wearing it whenever I feel like looking fresh. Best highlighter I have ever used.

Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer: Receives a ton of awards as "best concealer" by makeup artists. Again, the price may seem scary, but one tube lasts me more than a year. It's very pigmented, but light so you don't need a lot. I use it in my t-zone as well as under-eye. Lives up to the hype.

If putting on all of these items takes you more than 4 minutes, stop checking your texts because that's all it should take.

What makeup makes your face look good?

Keely