Monday Morning Beauty: The Backhanded Compliment
Some people are masters of the backhanded compliment.
You know exactly what I'm talking about - "They" smile in your face and it all sounds so sweet. Then, after they've walked away, you realize you've just been dissed. Some might call this a #DriveBy. (Many times I've found these are people who seem to think they're villains on a reality tv show or something.)
One of my fav BBC's of all time is "I LOVE your makeup."
Translation: You're wearing way too much.
One way to guard yourself against this backhanded-ness in the future? Look for makeup that's subtle, that will have people complimenting you - as in "You look so pretty today." - and not what you applied to your face this morning. Can't guarantee you won't be flamed again, but at least, you won't be burned because you're wearing heavy mask-like makeup. (Btw, once one of my nieces was wearing so much at a family party I didn't recognize her. We had to have 'the talk' later.) That being said, here are 4 products that are all about a more true to you pretty, less about piling on paint and the polish:
Sometimes I don't have the patience to sit thru a manicure. (It may have something to do with the fact that nail salons and spas frown upon texting or scrolling your social media accounts while you're getting your nails done.) But I still want my nails to look nice, ya know? That's where this Julep Nail Treatment comes in handy. It's meant to be strengthening and anti-aging (if you care about that sort of thing), but I like it because it gives my nails a sweet sheen. Also, it doesn't give off an obnoxiously strong chemical smell like some other popular nail treatments I've used in the past. Yay.
PS - My hands have been in hot water a lot lately, so my nails could use some help. And people judge you by your nails. (Come on - You know that's true.)
Let me confess something: My face - and my nose in particular - gets really red. Especially in the bitter cold winter weather. (I don't want to play the blame game, but it's gotta be my English Irish ancestry. Sorry Daddy!) I've tried so many concealers (even those alien green ones that are supposed to counteract redness) and powders to camouflage my ruddiness I've lost track. Most either wear away too quickly or look fake. This powder is different. It actually works. Without caking up or making you look like an alien. To apply, you can use the puff it comes with or a fluffy brush - I just bought a new one at Sephora last week that I happen to be madly in love with right now. **Sigh**
PS - I'd never heard of this brand before I spied in on Sephora.com. So glad I did: It's a California based line that recreates vintage makeup from the 20's, 30's and 40's using modern know how. Neat, huh?
So excited to try this I shredded the bottom of the box.
I was toying with the idea of getting lip injections - until I saw the recent pics of former MTV Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham's botched ones. Those scared the crap out of me. So instead I bought this lip primer from Bite, which is supposed to prep and plump. Happy to report (that) it contains lots of all natural ingredients like argan and jojoba oils and no yucky stuff like parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMO's or triclosan. It definitely helped my lip color stay on longer and kept my lips from drying out, not so sure about plumping part though.
PS- It also has a built-in sharpener. One less thing to fumble for in your makeup bag, right?
Yeah, I was eyeing this lip mask online for the last few months. (FYI: It's a Sephora online only item.) Finally, I ordered and could not wait to unwrap and try. True Story: Once I did unwrap the tube, I had a heck of a time getting any product out of it. It took two hands to finally squeeze out enough to apply to my lips. #TheStruggleIsReal And, as you can see from the photo above (Could I be any more self-conscious taking these 'See I Did Try It' photos or what?), the color is understated. Maybe even a little too understated for my taste? It does feel uber moisturizing on. It just didn't wow me.
PS - Bite is a hot beauty brand these days. Everyone's buzzing about it. I might try one of their glosses or lipsticks just to be fair. Because I love makeup. And isn't giving that second chance sometimes part of the love equation?
PattyJ
PS - The best revenge you can exact toward all those masters of the backhanded compliments? Looking phenomenal of course. WINK.