Tiredfairy mentioned in her Notoriously Boring post that she hasn't been wearing much makeup at her new job. She's surrounded by men, and doesn't want to push it too far, in keeping with the casual environment. To me, it seems like she's at that restless point where she wants to do something but isn't quite sure what.

I have so many ideas for her - ranging from wild to incredibly insane, but I'll start her out slowly. Kinda ease her back into the habit of getting all dolled up everyday before I push her over the edge, so to speak.

She mentioned that she's added some retro pieces to her wardrobe, which is fantastic. Can't go wrong with those, and a 50's/pinup inspired look is ALWAYS in style.

So here we go!

You mentioned you feel you look tired in your photos - have you tried the pink cream concealer under your eyes? (NO, I'm not saying you need it, I'm just saying if you feel you look tired that may help brighten you up) It may be too dark, you can also try a bit of rose coquille brushed under your eyes instead. You can even dust a little over your face to brighten you up as well.

Now, you all know I'm terrible at foundation choices, so tiredfairy, go ahead and put on your usual foundation. For blush, I'd like just a bit of a pinkish color, not too light, not too dark. Pomegranate, Beauteous, Sweetheart , or even a wee bit lighter like Candy, just applied light and sheer, right on the apples of your cheeks and very lightly brushed up along your cheekbones.

Eyes - EVERY shade in the Eye Plush collection will work so well for a pinup inspired look. Yeah yeah, usually everyone says you need a cream shade, but this is pinup inspired, so a twist is a great way to make it a bit more modern.

I like so many colors for you, but to bring out the blue in those gorgeous eyes of yours (which I initially thought were green, but she explains they're blue with a gold ring) I'd like you to use Petit Fours all over your lid and just up into the crease. On the browbone, I'd like some Fiona. It works well with the finish of the Plush shades, and is that 50's creamy color without being too white or too cream. That's it for shadows!

Liner - Black please. Either Black Out gel or mix up any black shadow of your choice, apply on the upper lid only. Thin at the inner duct, gradually getting wider as you get to the outside edge. And you can even give it a little upsweep, the little cat's eye, at the end. Just a bit though, no Amy Winehouse please.

Curl your lashes, then mascara - black and lots of it on the tops please. Just a light sweep on the bottoms.

Lips. Traditionally, a red lip, but I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable walking into a room full of guys with a vivid red lip. So we can tone that down. How about Gala (Ok, so that's probably not that toned down, but it's not drop dead red!) I'd love it with some Enthrall gloss over it, it lightens it up and gives a nice sparkle. Try it a couple of times and before you know it, you'll be reaching for Vivid with some Tantalize gloss.

Put on that polka dot dress and pair of pumps and go to work! How about Lippy's Devil Dolls II dress?


It's a bit gothier than a traditional polka dot dress, but still works. Crinoline isn't too poufy, which is good. You don't want a dress with layers of tulle or crinoline, you want something a little closer to your body. Too much pouf will make you look short. You can easily put a black cardigan over it to dress it down. I do have trouble sometimes determining what's work appropriate, since I used to turn up at work in all sorts of outfits.

How about a pencil skirt? They're available everywhere, and you can add a nice blouse with a bit of lace detail to go with it, or a sweater. Again, with pumps. (Clothing pics from Pinup Girl Clothing, good site with reasonable prices)



I like the print of this dress - green skulls!

Again, keep the pouf to a minimum.

Or a pencil skirt with a wild print, you can pair it with a t shirt for a casual look

I do this all the time - mainly because I have a hard time finding shirts that fit - but I do love it, it definitely "goths it up" a bit. You can always pick a more subtle t for work and toss a wilder one in your bag for later. A little black cardigan would look great over this outfit too. Uh oh, I think I'm straying from my tame idea....it's just because I have so many things I NEED to see you in!!

But that wasn't so painful, was it?

Now, should you decide that you need to hit the clubs after work, you can very easily add/change a couple of things to give it a little goth flair.

Add a darker crease color - there are so many that will work, you can go crazy. I'd love a little StillinHollywood, it'll bring out the blue. Or go purple and use LadyStarDust, PurpleRain, or just about any purple for that matter! If you want to stick in the pinks, try Boiling Point. Since the rest of the shadow is so soft, you won't need much, just a sweep or two with a fiber optic brush in the crease and just slightly above. You may want to add a tad more Fiona to blend too, but may not need it with the FO brush.

Let's darken that lippy too, simply by adding whatever shadow you've chosen as a crease color and brush it onto your lips, very sheerly. Dab a lip brush into the shadow, and keep brushing back & forth so it's not a big blob of super dark color. Even if you're wearing the red lip, adding the shadow will make it that darker gothy burgundy red. The Boiling Point won't make it that shade, but will give you some incredible hot pinky lips which will also look great!

And do a fast shoe change. Regular black pumps are fine for work, but let's pick something a bit stompier for evening. From Snaz75



Stompy with lace, from Pleaser/Demonia?


I hope some of these ideas work for you. I admit, it was tough since your Notorious post was the only pic of you that I can recall!!! You're really doing a great injustice to us all by hiding yourself. (You know I always have to get my bit of yelling in these makeovers somewhere!!) It just makes me crazy that we have so many lovely ladies who don't see their own beauty, when it's so obvious to the rest of us. So, I would like to see more pics of you in the future please. Your face is just so beautiful, you have such an innocent look with that hint of devilishness in those eyes.

This sounds awesome! I love that it A. is exactly the kind of "retro" look I was thinking of but couldn't think of how to accomplish and B. a lot of fun and something I can actually work into my regular "bare" look.

It's been so long since I posted a look...I think the last time was a makeover from Bridget which was great. I get camera shy a lot. :}

I should go closet since I know I have some things that fit into the more fun suggestions here...and I think it's good to dress yourself up once and awhile even if you're only going to work.

I'll post pics as soon as I can, my in-laws are in town this week so I'm super busy. But I'm really excited to try these! Thank you Cin!

::hugs::

-Mariah

Also, with my eyes, it is really is hard to tell what color they are sometimes. Someone once asked me if they were purple! I have no idea how they could even look that color...:}

Whew, I'm glad you like it. I know some ladies are probably scratching their heads thinking "wear THAT to work?" but you being in a very artistic field means you get to be a bit unconventional.

And just remember, you'd better start posting pics!! You're too lovely to hide.

I love the green leopard print skirt! The minute I saw that I got a Cramps song in my head.

You do the coolest makeovers, Cindy! I can't wait to see Tiredfairy-she's such a pretty girl.