First, my disclaimer....

If you want a real makeover, Bridget's your go to gal. Trust me, all her makeovers are so precise, so dead on. If you haven't had the pleasure, get on her list! She has the wonderful ability to look at your face, figure out angles, what colors will really compliment you, and how to make you look absolutely stunning. I think she may be hiding some psychic abilities on us....

Me, on the other hand, can't match colors to save my life. When I think of colors for someone, it's purely selfish - it's all about what I want to see on a person. I can't say it's gonna make you look drop dead gorgeous, so be forewarned.

End of disclaimer....

Ok, so Robyn is afraid of sparkle. She has this ridiculous notion that she's too old. But she's also mentioned her hubby prefers her with a more natural look - and while I'm all about "the heck with men, do what you want", I'll throw him a bone and not go too over the top. But she definitely has that glamourpuss look to her - she could wear anything and look great.

I'm quite greedy and would like to see two different colors on Robyn. But goodness knows, that blonde hair and blue eyes really throws me for a loop....I don't even have any blue eyed blonde friends to practice on, unless I doll Ian up, and he won't sit still for makeup. So be patient Robyn, I'm really trying to keep your coloring in mind. And these will be super simple, just a couple of colors and very basic application.

You can put your foundation on first if you prefer, but you may want to wait til we've done blush. No advice for foundation, you know what color suits you best and I'm terrible with foundation shades.

Ok, the first is what I would consider a neutral look, just slightly amped up.

Eyes - take a nice light color, like Oyster (it's matte), Marigold, or Fiona, and sweep it all over your lid. You can even mix a smidge of Oyster in with one of the other colors if you'd like. Leave a little for final blending.

RockBottom in the crease and ever so lightly into the vee. Not light in the crease though, I need to see you in darker crease colors. So humor me. Mmmm, sparkly.

Teddy Wisp applied just above that, just a little up into the browbone, then brushed just inside the RockBottom vee, along the outer 1/2 of your lid. I hope that makes sense. I'm pretty sure you've got Teddy Wisp, but a color like Circe would be a good alternative. This should help blend the RockBottom and make it a bit softer.

Take remaining lid color (Oyster/Marigold/Fiona) and brush back over lid, into Teddy Wisp, and along browbone to make sure it's all blended well.

Mix a little white glam glitter - either Permafrost or Icing Sugar - with sealant, start where your brows arch and brush towards outer end of brows, a nice medium line following your brows. Just a smidge, a little goes a long way and I don't want it to overpower, I just want it so when you turn your head people go, wow, look at that sparkle. If you need to, dust the remaining lid color just over it to help blend it in.

Chocolate Mousse gel liner, applied in as thin a line as you can get, both top & bottom. Mascara - I prefer black but if you normally use brown that's fine, or even better a brownblack mix.

Cheeks - the very faintest amount of Firewoman, please. Don't give me that crazy look, either....how many ladies have said, oh, that's not for me, finally tried the Rocks Rouges and realized they're incredible. Apply it with a fiber optic brush either under your foundation, or put another dusting of foundation over it.

Lips - The browns, while not what I would consider dull or boring in any way, are quite neutral and I think it gives you a bit more leeway with a lippy. You normally do a very subdued lip color, but I'd really like to see you in Vivid. While Vivid is a bright, true red, I prefer a more bluish red, so if you feel it's not cool enough for your skin, adding a touch of I See Red (or Lulu)should do the trick. Line with Capri liner first, of course. Then Vivid, and ISR/Lulu if needed. Then get out those Glam Glitters and a lip brush. Add just a touch of Red Shadows to the center of your lip, smush them together as if you were blotting to really get it in there. Coating of lip sealant to set.

That wasn't so bad, now, was it?

I'd also like to see you in purple. Blue eyes can really look good in purple shades, plus, I'm just really a purple freak.

For this one, I'd prefer a light touch of Sinister Rouge under your foundation. Thank you.

Eyes - While my initial thought was to mix a little Snow and Ice together, you are a bit darker than me, and it might look too white on you. I would like a really light whitish shade though, perhaps you'd prefer to mix a little Oyster in with Snow (or Glimmer, Moon, White Wedding if you're feeling up to it) to make it a not-so-white-white. Apply all over lid.

Apply Still in Hollywood in the crease, and again, a little lighter in the vee. I really need to see that darker crease color. This is such a fantastic color - it looks good on both warm and cool tones, but also looks great on green and blue eyes.

Angel Bouquet (which I think you have too) applied the same way we did Teddy Wisp above, just over the SiH, just up into browbone, inside vee, along outer 1/2 of lid, to help blend the SiH. Alternately you can use a pink / pinky-purply shade like Baby, Edie, Angelique, Blossom, or more purply like Nymph, Kiss, or Iris . Using a purple shade really brings out the purplishness of the SiH, pink will tone it down a bit. See, I'm not always a dicatator. I'll allow substitutions.

Black Out liner, applied as thin as you can along the inner 1/2 of eye, then make it a bit thicker along the outer half. Apply to bottom as well. Brownblack or black mascara.

Lips - Don't want to go too strong on this one, but I don't want a really light lip. Line with something like Tulip or Poppy, then use Darling or Tender, or heck, even Rosebud would be good. Apply a good coating of whichever shade you choose. Take a little Ribbons or Valentine glam glitter and apply right over, all over lips, coat with lip sealant. A coating of Lush over it all would be nice as well, just make sure the glam glitter is dry first.


While this may be a bit more than you would wear on an everyday basis, like I said, this is all about what I want to see you in. So tell your hubby this is me sticking my tongue out at him and going "mwah!" While I hope it looks good, I subscribe to the theory that you could put mud on your face and look amazing. Have fun!!

Disclaimer not needed!
Your colors selections and pics are superb!
Very nice directions in this thread. I agree with the red blush - I use just a tiny bit and it looks good, I think. Helps me to see if color is too cool or too warm.

Cin, that sounds so cool. Purples with blue eyes are fabulous! You are dead on. And Robyn in vivid is really adventurous. There are actually a number of ways she can do it that would look great! Great idea for getting out of her box.

Pinky

Thank you Cin for providing me with a makeover. Although I have hundreds of AL samples, I'm lacking a few colors you mentioned here. Over the weekend, I'm going to do some research here on the site and see if I have any good substitutes. Then I'll get started putting together the new looks and hopefully have some pics up before too long. Wee. . .I'm excited to try out my new glitters!

Can't wait to see the results!!!

Please post pix!
--Natasha

Oh boy, oh boy, I can't wait to see these looks, Robyn! Please post, even if you think it's too much. I've said it before - I really think you have no idea how pretty you are! You do the beachy girl next door look so well, but I agree with Cin - there's a glamour goddess in there wanting to come play and we want to see her! This is gonna be fun.

Jeez, all this pressure....I hope the colors look good! (But like I said, Robyn'll pull it off flawlessly)

I'd have done a bit more, finding an outfit to go with it, but I've just been swamped with ridiculousness lately. And to top it all off, I got a new egg slicer. It had a warning about the blades (not strings, but blades) being really sharp. I thought, now what kind of dummy needs a warning label? Well, apparently me.

While washing it, I used a dishcloth (one of those Handi-Wipes) instead of a scrubby sponge, and sliced the tips of my middle and ring fingers on my right hand. Hurt like a you know what, blood everywhere. The middle finger's a pretty deep cut. So even with multiple Band Aids on each finger, it's a bit sore typing. But it cuts a mean egg!

Gosh, you girls are so complimentary that sometimes I don't even know what to say. I just get all vaklempt. It's interesting how people perceive you by your type written words and photos. My husband just now popped by looking over my shoulder and I read Lin's post to him. He shook his head -- and said "That's funny. You're more like a glamour goddess than a beachy girl next door." Perhaps in an effort to remain modest (you ladies really give the most generous compliments) and after expressing my preference for neutral eyeshadow, I have somehow come across to you differently than how I see myself. Quite the contrary. Here's a little beauty background on me just so my AL girlfriends can get to know me a bit better.

I've been playing with makeup since I can remember. I have a photo of me from around 1971-72 (I was about 5 or 6) in which I artfully applied the most lovely shade of blue shadow. I've been a sucker for makeup ever since (just not blue eyeshadow). My mom has always worn makeup and I guess I just followed suit. I started out slow; just gloss at first, then blush and eventually, mascara, shadow (yes even purple e/s in the 80's), liner and foundation by the time I was in late high school. I'm one of those gals who won't leave the house without makeup on (unless I'm taking my daughter to school and I don't have to get out of the car). Even then, I wear dark sunglasses and put on lipstick or gloss so no one is the wiser. I don't go to the grocery store in sweats. I love wearing high heels and big hoop earrings, but my everyday summer shoe staple is flip flops or sandals. I had a date night with Jason tonight and I wore this new flowy top with "just below the knee" black capri leggings, high heeled black sandals and big sparkly hoop earrings. I also wore a magenta bra-tank under the blouse because it was sheer and low cut. (Date Night Blouse) Anyway, I have French manicured acrylic nails which I get done every two weeks and I get my hair colored every three months or so. I'm a little high maintenance but DH wouldn't have me any other way. He likes that I take care of myself because he knows it makes me feel good about myself and he likes seeing me looking my best as well. He just doesn't like seeing me in heavy-handed eye shadow and liner. For me, since I'm blonde and curvy, I want my makeup to look put together but not like I tried too hard. So I'm gradually incorporating into my makeup repertoire non-neutral colored shadows and some sparkle in a subtle way (thanks to all of your encouragement). And I'm having a ton of fun playing and experimenting with makeup again and sharing it with you all here.

Sincerely, your sexy confident AL girlfriend (who's starting to have fun with makeup again after years of beige and brown)!

BTW Cin: I love the comment you made about me looking amazing even with mud on my face. I love your wit. And I'm sorry about your unfortunate run-in with your egg slicer. I hope you heal quickly.

Oh one more thing. . .DH is starting to get curious about you all because I talk about you so much. Tonight over dinner I was telling him about my cyber makeover (DH: "What's a cyber makeover?") So now I refer to you all as my AL friend Cindy, my AL friend Natasha, my AL friend Lin and Bridget and so on. And then he starts asking where you all live and I then I go down the list again. Cindy's from New Jersey, Lin's from Texas, Natasha's a henna artist and face painter in San Diego, Bridget's in Montana. . .and then I start telling him about Bob and the other shop keepers and how they aren't even telling Bridget about the meetings. And after I keep going on and on about you all, DH does not even once look at me like I'm insane (I love that man). He likes that I have you all because he understands with being a SAHM, some days you ladies might be the only adult female conversation I have (not counting the clerk at Target or my nail girl). Okay, I'm done going on and on. Thanks for listening to my late night sleepy head verbiage. It's after 1 a.m. so I'm off to bed.

I think many of our husbands scratch their heads over our cyber relationships at first, but soon realize it's a good thing. Many of us are SAHM's, and when you're with your kids all day you sometimes feel like your brain is turning to mommy mush....so it's nice to sit and gab with some of the most terrific women ever. We all have our differences, and we all have things in common - it's nice to be able to sit and talk with real, honest women who can relate to our daily experiences and give good advice on a wide range of topics.

I think we also go through various phases, much of it revolving around our kids and our own ideas on getting older. Is this hairstyle age appropriate? Can I wear this color lipstick? Am I too old for a short skirt? Will my kids be embarrassed if I show up to their game wearing this outfit? I think often when the kids reach an age where they don't need their mommies for every little thing, we sit back and think, wait, where did those last x number of years go, and when did I get to be this age? What happened to me? What do I do now? It's nice to have a little reassurance and feel like you haven't lost yourself in the whole process.

Robyn, I'm with you on never leaving the house without makeup. I've run into more people at the grocery store, and have always been glad I was all dolled up. I'll NEVER understand the women I see at the market in their pj bottoms, no makeup, hair an unwashed mess. It might be "just the grocery store" but jeez, I don't want to look at a mess!

Can't wait to see you in these colors. You HAVE to get a sample of the Still in Hollywood. I insist everyone should have a sample, at the very least. I think it's gonna look great on you.

quote:

I'll NEVER understand the women I see at the market in their pj bottoms, no makeup, hair an unwashed mess.

Isn't that just depressing?!! I park in front of a grocery store waiting for my daughter's city van to pick her up to go to work and we see all kinds. I am so sick of the pj and huge furry slippers worn in public....it is so "years ago"....get over it!! but then I didn't think the wearing jeans with the waist around your thighs was going to last and that has been at least 18 years now!!!
I do see some great looking people in our people watching sessions and I am reassured humanity has hope.
I wasn't going to say this because it upsets me even now to mention it. I tell several people about the most helpful things I learn on this forum aside from makeup. I was at a middle school baseball game with my mom and I mentioned some goth gals here. I was so upset by my moms reaction...I can't tell you. I thought she was going to hyperventilate right there. I tried to tell her what interesting, wonderful ladies, moms, and personalities you have and she had that mind set of "depressed people wearing black (probably devil worshipers, too)". So, I know now not to talk about the Al forum in front of my mom because I want to protect my "friends". I usually get along well with my mom. She takes excellent care of her health and is always helping others. But!!she has her flaws just like the rest of us and her reaction was one I don't want to resurrect again. And, by the same token, I am very protective of my mom. So, sometimes silence is golden. Kathy

Try explaining to DH that we are driving up to St Pete to meet with Lin that I met online at my makeup forum. Bless his heart he went along with me and enjoyed it. Just the other day he asked if I still keep in touch with you all. Of course I do. I wish I had found this when I was a SAHM. I stayed home until Maranda started school, then ended up working at her school. (I think I was there too much they finally put me to work) hehe

I'm with you two Robyn and Cin, I can't run out of the house in just anything. I don't wear sweats, but I'll wear yoga pants. I love heels and I love flops. I love cute little dresses and I love shorts and a tank top. I'll dress very comfortable but I always look nice. Working at the school and living 3 blocks away from it I always will run into someone when I run up to Publix. My eyes disapear when I don't wear makeup and I look like a kid. My sister used to tease me about putting on makeup when we went to play softball.
I didn't always wear foundation until I found MM, but I always had mascara and a touch of blush.

I had lunch with the 3rd grade reachers yesterday. We sat outside at a big picnic table, we all brought something for the lunch. The 3rd grade team is very health concious (not like the 5th grade team). Anyway I was looking around the table and not one was wear makeup to speak of. If I didn't have you girls to talk with I'd go nuts. Not that I'm all made up that it looks like a lot of make up. I do play with my eyes a lot because the kids love it and it make me happy. Even at my age I love color and glimmer. When I was younger I always had color on my eyes, even tried the color mascara. I found an old BE loose eye shadow that is called sweet pea, it's bright pink reminds me of teeagekicks. It has to be about 25 to 30 years old. (I hear this stuff dosen't go bad) I guess I was ahead of the times.

I still dress how I want and I sure it is too young for others my age, but I don't care, I'm not trying to look young, just myself. Having my daughter when I was older helps. Okay enough of going on and on, back to Robyn. Thanks for sharing more of yourself, and I'm sorry but your hair and looks speaks loudly (I didn't want to say shouts) glamour goddess. We need more photos.
Can't wait to see the makeover.

Late to this party, and gotta say that Cin's makeovers will be amazing for you, Robyn! Cindy, you are so kind and generous with the compliments about my little makeovers, which I am SO far behind on it's just really mortifying. I'm so glad you are doing some too!!!

Michael knows everyone here, too - I just say Jane in Texas, Lin in Texas, Cin in NJ, and so on, and he knows just who I'm talking about.

He's more comfortable with my gothy aspirations now that he's decided he's a closet Steam Punk himself. Never would have known that stuff existed were it not for the always broadening talks going on here!

Robyn, I think we've all decided you are a beachy girl next door type because you are A) GORGEOUS! B)Deliciously blonde, blue eyed and slightly golden skinned. C) Live in Cali. D) Look effortlessly beautiful every single time we see you! Beachy girl next door has a very specific sort of glamour to her, sophisticated and effortless, sometimes a bit boho. (Great blouse, btw!)

I've become more blase about not going out without being "done" in some way. I'm by nature not a slob, don't wear sweats out and about (unless I'm actually exercising, which rarely is the case), hate slippers used as shoes (don't get me started on that flipflop or croc waddle I see otherwise attractive women using to locomote - whatever it is they're doing, it's not walking! No slam on the shoes, just on the 'tude that sometimes goes with.) But yeah - with a sometimes vey early start to the day, I've come down here without a speck of makeup on and with wet hair to do chores. But I do primp a bit before opening the shops! Part of that is of course my feeling that precious few folks down here deserve the full on glam Bridget, and honestly, even my minimal primping is more than 90% of the women down here do themselves. Each to her own.

Anyway, Robyn, I cannot wait to see you in a smoldering new look!

-b.

quote:

Originally posted by Bridget:

Robyn, I think we've all decided you are a beachy girl next door type because you are A) GORGEOUS! B)Deliciously blonde, blue eyed and slightly golden skinned. C) Live in Cali. D) Look effortlessly beautiful every single time we see you! Beachy girl next door has a very specific sort of glamour to her, sophisticated and effortless, sometimes a bit boho. (Great blouse, btw!)-b.

Wow Bridget. Thank you. You truly have a way with words. Our family has a cabin in Santa Cruz (a No. Cal beach town) and those beach girls mostly look like they need a shower and to shave their pits. And I think of So. Cal beach girls as being tall, thin and tan and that's not me either. Without use of a sunless tanner, I am soooo pale. DH has lovingly referred to me in the past as "Flo" (short for flourscent).

quote:

Originally posted by Lyndz: Thanks for sharing more of yourself, and I'm sorry but your hair and looks speaks loudly (I didn't want to say shouts) glamour goddess. We need more photos.

Thank you, Lyndz. All of you ladies are so fabulous. I think you really do get me. There is a self-deprecating aspect to my personality but since coming on the forums, I have learned to not point out my flaws or shortcomings and just say "thank you." My "self talk" has improved greatly as well. Back in February when I joined here, I was obsessed with my wrinkles, cracks and fine lines. Now, I look at the overall picture and I really like what I see.

P.S. I wear makeup whenI'm exercising. *she cringes*

Robyn - I think we all think -- or maybe I'll just speak for myself -- that you live in california, you look like the quintessential glam beach girl. Not the teenybopper, but the grown up one who has a veneer of sophistication (well, maybe more than a veneer).

And I just about can't wait to see your makeover a la Cin.

Pinky

Calypso, I wouldn't be offended if you mom freaked over the idea of you associating with goths. I realize the general public's perception is generally negative. But you can assure her that I'm one of the happiest people I know, and I certainly don't have any interest in worshipping any devils. Devil dogs, perhaps, my are they tasty with that cream filling, but that's about it!

Bridget, I'm going to pile on more work for you - my SISTER is in dire need of a makeover for her wedding, I've got to sit her down, get a decent pic, and let you loose on her. I think she's afraid to let me near her....

Robyn, I'm glad to hear you realize to focus on the whole gorgeous picture!!

Hey, Cin - I'd love to play with your sister's face! PM me as soon as you get the pic, and I'll "do her up" right away!

Robyn, liking what you see in the mirror - looking at the reflection with true eyes that love not in spite of the "flaws" and anomalies but BECAUSE of them - that's honestly what I believe cosmetics are supposed to do for us. And it's sure what Aromaleigh stuff does for me! AL gets me toally fired up and loving what I see in my own face as well as the faces of others. Sure - I can critically analyze my features (or those of others) and take steps to "correct" those anomalies - that's just geometry and shading. Good tools to have ni the arsenal. But I don't think we truly look beautiful, let alone FEEL beautiful, until we love with compassion everything that makes us US.

Been doing some blog writing on this a bit lately...

-b.

Calypso, you should print the pic Cin posted of Ian's Halloween coostume - there's one of her trying to get him to pose that I just love. You could say "Here's a picture of a Goth Girl" and whip it out. I'll tell ya, that photo just oozes sweetness and gentleness and warm loving mommy feelings! I've found with my Mom that a little exposure helps a lot. I dearly love her, but she does have her prejudices. She's getting better, though. I really love that she's still expanding her mind at 75!

This forum is a truly amazing source of friendship. I'm sure when I get to FL one of the first things I'll do is spend a day at the beach with Lyndz! I have no doubt I could PM 20 of you that I'm going to be in your area and we could meet for dinner and a guided tour of your corner of the world. I know I've said this several times and I'm not sure people get it unless they've been without it, but this is a safe place of sisterhood and that can literally be life changing.

Robyn, trust me, when I said beachy girl next door I meant like Newport Beach or Monterrey - B described it well - that soft, golden, glowing, healthy, happy look. I love what you said about the self talk - whew, that's SO powerful - and something we have totall control over - gotta love that!

It's very interesting how we all evolve. I got into makeup at about 14 or 15 and really did it up every day. I'd wear 2 or 3 colors of eyeshadow and liner all the time. Always had my hair done - slept on those big plastic rollers every night and teased it up. Geez, am I dating myself here or what!!! When I was 21 I married a rock & roll musician and ran lights and played roadie for the band and really went over the top with the clothes and makeup - my favorite shoes were black velvet platforms with silver glitter. Then I ended up doing the back-to-the-lander thing and wouldn't be caught dead with chemicals on my face, in my food, anywhere. Now, finally, I'm settled somewhere in the middle - I guess the key is really that I'm comfortable doing what I feel like, not what fits in. I'll go without makeup in public, but my sweats and slippers don't leave the house. Well, actually, there have been times I've made a run into town for lawn mower gas looking pretty grubby! Yep, I believe the key is do what makes you happy. If I feel like sparkle, I'm doing sparkle, If I need to make a run in the middle of yard work, I'm going. If I'm headed ot the lake I'll pick up supplies in a sarong and flip flops!

I guess I've gotten pretty comfortable in my own skin - it's a process, but it's fun!

I am sitting here reading this thread, thinking how therapeutic it all is. You all are such wonderful people who believe in love and beauty who build others up and who are generous with their time helping each other. The women I have met here are such a blessing and I often believe I know you in person.

I must say to the 40+ gals, you make getting older seem a lot less daunting. You are all so beautiful and an inspiration. As I approach my 40s, I find myself panicking that I will wither away like a flower, so you help me realize that that it doesn't have to be that way and I thank you from the bottom of my

Robyn, you are beautiful! I can't wait to see your makeover!

quote:

Originally posted by desert sage:
I find myself panicking that I will wither away like a flower, so you help me realize that that it doesn't have to be that way and I thank you from the bottom of my

Not a chance - you're only just beginning to bloom!

Let me tell ya, good things happen when you hit 50! There's something magic about that number that really makes you start to appreciate the little things, get your priorities straight and value yourself. I'm loving the 50s! 30 was a let down - I spent years thinking I'd have life all figured out when I turned 30 - ha! 40 was a shock - I had to come to grips with the fact I wasn't any where close to where I thought I'd be at that age. 50's great. I'll let you know about 60! And y'all know that at 75 I'm buying a new swimsuit and going to the beach!