Friends have been joking around about whether or not we're bothering to wash our hair and change out of our nightclothes, let alone apply a little mascara or lipstick.
But I have to say, although I'm going semi-rogue, a little light lippy brightens my day, at least whenever I catch myself in the mirror. It may sound silly and sometimes I wonder if we'll ever feel much of a need for makeup and dress up clothes again, though in truth, it's how we feel about ourselves as we potter around the house, walk the neighborhood or make those limited essential trips to the store that can make or break the mood of a day.
It inspires me when I look at women's personal style and design photos from the World War II era, how they pencilled in their fake stocking seams and piled their hair into the mode of the day. I'm not going that far with my daily get-up and I'm not saying that we're facing those sorts of fashion shortages, yet, but I am advocating that we make some sort of effort to keep spruced up and that this is for ourselves, mostly, though I do enjoy seeing others who've made some sort of an effort to brighten the world with their color coordinated workout gear, clothes that actually are intended for outdoors, or whatever.
My makeup bag consists of about four items and they're pretty much the same beauty staples that I've used on my face for years. I've never been one for piles of beauty products, preferring to stick to the best quality favorites that enhance rather than draw too much attention to their application. A great lipstick or two or three that works with our individual skin tone is key.
I turned to my local resource for such matters. Fellow Petaluman — custom makeup and style guru Jennifer Robin, author of Growing More Beautiful: An Artful Approach to Personal Style. I asked Jennifer to share a few words on what she thinks about makeup in such serious times as this.
"We usually put ourselves together to be seen by others, so this is a huge shift," says Jennifer. "There is no right or wrong way to get dressed, so opt for what makes you feel good. I put all my soft, comfy lounge and active wear together and created a mini wardrobe for myself. Wearing color makes me feel cheerful, as does coordinating my “outfit” with my eyeglasses and earrings. I’m taking a break from most makeup but a rosy cream blush and lipgloss brighten my “indoor” face up a lot."
Jennifer says: "Be kind to yourself as you care for your appearance during this stressful time. See if you can find the humor in your hair growing out, your waist possibly expanding. I’ve started taking silly selfies of what I’m wearing on my dog walks because it makes me feel more normal. This is also a rare opportunity to step back and consider how cultural demands for beauty perfection have affected your self esteem. Perhaps you will be ready for a positive attitude shift going forward."
Many of Jennifer's custom makeup products are artisan, hand made and many are organic. "I make them as they are ordered, so unlike most commercial cosmetics they don’t sit in a warehouse and then on store shelves before they reach you."
"If someone wants to chat about the products and receive my color recommendations, I am happy to waive my consultation fee," says Jennifer.
If you’ve always wondered what a professional makeup artist would recommend, now is your chance to find out. Jennifer is able to provide many products in addition to what is on her web store, including good basic skin care and sunscreen products, important for all the walks we're taking and time spent in the yard.
Send Jennifer a message and she'd be happy to chat about your needs. Please check with her first about availability before placing an order on her website. "I’m well stocked but occasionally need to make a substitution," she says.
Also, her lipsticks are all photographed in front of sections of her original artwork, making it fun to browse. "Everything on my website, especially my blog and gallery, makes for inspired reading and viewing," Jennifer says.
Jennifer Robin
Clothe Your Spirit Image Services
Author, Growing More Beautiful: An Artful Approach to Personal Style
707-479-4027
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