A Feminist in Makeup

This  blog post is going to be the first post in which I unleash the angry feminist who enjoys ripping males apart whilst they stammer over the sexist opinions, this post will undoubtedly be easy to disagree with and argumentative- you have been warned. Nothing riles me quite as much as the suggestion that a woman cannot be a "real" feminist if she chooses to invest in the makeup and fashion industry. It seems to be a common theme of the moment that the only women who have their opinions valued in society are those that appear to be "serious" women, men, or society in general seems keen to split women into two clear categories- 

• Women who wear makeup, enjoy fashion and are attractive but are brainless and incapable of holding a valid view 
• Women who are plain, unattractive and uninterested in fashion but have strong informed opinions on varying issues.

Whilst a man can easily be fashionable, attractive, intelligent and thoughtful all at the same time, women are too often made into one dimensional creatures that are expected to fit a a perfect mold of "pretty but dumb" or "clever but ugly". Too often I see girls being labelled  as "just a pretty face" without them ever even having a chance to voice their own thoughts and opinions. I don't mean to suggest that it is only men who are at fault for coming up with these ideas of women, I think often women themselves spend a lot of time trying to fit themselves into just one characteristic, often we choose to be "clever but ugly" because it is easier than having to prove ourselves otherwise. I clearly remember my Grand Mother suggesting that interviews were easier for pretty, well dressed females than those who were qualified and intelligent but didn't look right. I find it increasingly frustrating that girls are under pressure to appear attractive and polished but yet we aren't put under as much pressure to achieve academically, or to be confident in our own personalities. Going for an interview as a female is a lot more daunting because you know that your appearance does count, that no matter what your looks are what determines your value.

Another common theme I've noticed lately is the idea that if you buy makeup as a female, then you are supporting an industry that is sexist, and thus you can't be a feminist. Although the fashion and makeup industry has a lot to answer to in terms of making women feel inferior about themselves, makeup itself is not something that marginalizes women. I choose to wear makeup because I like it, I enjoy applying it, I enjoy being able to make myself look different and I enjoy aesthetically pleasing things. Just because I choose to wear makeup it doesn't mean I'm insecure, or that I think women are ugly without makeup on. I spend my money on lipsticks because I like the way they make me look, not for any other reason. Likewise, just because I enjoy buying things that are pretty colours and saying things like "I want more of a blue toned red", it doesn't mean that I have no other interests.

 Too often I think fashion and makeup are seen as these futile women's hobbies that only shallow people can enjoy, as if having a passion for lipstick is useless because it what is seen as a typical girl hobby. Not only does this not take into account the amount of men who are interested or work in the fashion and beauty industry, it also perpetuates the myth that makeup and fashion are only used to make people look pretty. Makeup and clothes can completely change the way you feel about yourself and others, they are much more powerful then they are given credit for because they can literally completely decide how you feel about someone. Why is it that we value hobbies such as reading more than fashion or makeup? I think mostly it is down to the idea that "girly" things are hardly ever serious. Women are expected to enjoy shopping or baking but we aren't expected to use these things to our advantage. Many top designers and chefs are men, somehow when a man likes a "girly" hobby they are taken as much more seriously, they are suddenly professional and important. When it comes down to it, a white silk shirt is still a white silk shirt, whether a man or a women is looking at it. Women are expected to enjoy their hobbies but not pursue them, we are not supposed to take ourselves seriously. 

I am going to stop here as I feel I have already gone off on a thousand different tangents. But on a closing note, I don't by any means think all women should wear makeup, or love fashion, I just feel that those of us that do shouldn't be dismissed as "silly little girls" who are shallow and appearance obsessed. Your appearance should only enhance your personality, you can own as many lipsticks as you want but you will only be truly happy when you accept who you are, not what people want you to be. 

Go Your Own Way

I haven't done a huge amount of blog posting this week, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, my Nan came to visit from Saturday to Wednesday, I haven't spent a lot of time with her in the last ten years and I really wanted to get to know her better and not just sit on my computer, it is strange how you can connect with family so easily even if you hardly know them at all. This blog acts as somewhat of a distraction for the fact that I can't do much at the moment, but if by some miracle I suddenly have a new lease of life or develop a huge circle of friends I probably won't post as much. The second reason is that my head has been a big ball of stress over the last week, I have found out I need to pay £300 to take my A Levels next year despite sitting my exams at the same time, in the same place as every else at my old college. That combined with my general stress about applying for university, worrying about getting a job and sorting out my health has taken up most of my time and brain. 

It's not that I am ungrateful for all the things I do have like a family, somewhere safe to live and (some) money. It is just that there is enough pressure on young people as it is, without having to worry about how on earth I am going to be able to teach myself my A Levels this year, or how I can work when I still need to take two or three hour naps a day. It is very frustrating to have the motivation and ambition towards work, university and achieving something in life but physically being unable to do it. I spend a lot of my time worrying that other people think I am lazy for not having a job or that other people think I'm babied and spoilt by my parents, despite the fact that I know I am not lazy just ill and never receive any money from my parents other than my inheritance which I live off ( I don't think dead parents count). I suppose I should remember the saying "What Susie says of Sally, says more about Susie than it does of Sally", if anything this year has at least taught me to not assume that other people have it easy or make quick judgments about what other people do and just hope others do the same. One of the main reasons why I have taken blogging a bit slower recently is because I go at everything at hundred miles per hour and look at everything in life like it is a job. So, lazy? No. A bit full on and over enthusiastic? Always. 

Today is the first day where I have really noticed the growth in my hair, I can now tie it up in a bun with very minimal hair pins and look worryingly similar to old pictures of my Dad. I have been growing my hair out since February, mostly because my medical condition makes the thought of someone touching my head seem like a horrific punishment. But also because I have had a pixie cut since I was thirteen, I briefly grew it out before but now I feel like I need a change, something a little more feminine and softer. I am luckily that my hair grows incredibly quickly, my aim is to get it past my shoulders by this time next year which I will easily achieve. Although my hair grows fast I do have to look after it and use the right products otherwise it grows into a giant tangle that  looks like a strange wavy mullet- attractive I know. This outfit was chosen for another day of house work, dog walking and constant worrying. I am resisting the warm weather and am happily pretending it is freezing despite the factual difference, I want it to be Christmas- therefore I will dress like it is Christmas ( a logical theory). I like the trousers but I do always feel a little bit clown like in non tailored trousers, they are also a tiny bit big for me and seem to balloon a bit comically for my liking. I would definitely recommend Fashion Union for Primark priced pieces that are of reasonably high quality and follow the trends.

Coat- Asos 

Top- Primark 

Trousers- Fashion Union (at Asos)

Shoes- Dr Martens 

University Stress

Winter has finally arrived, or so the weather reports have been saying on and off for the last month- although I'm told that this time it definitely is staying cold. Winter brings along many possibilities that summer can never give, I can stay inside all day and avoid the world with a reasonable excuse, I can buy more coats than anyone would ever possibly need and I can get my hot water bottle out without being mocked by those who don't feel the cold as much as me (everyone). I have already previously written a blog post gushing over why I love Christmas and why, in turn I love winter so I won't blather on anymore about that topic. Yesterday was one of those brilliant winter days where the sun is shining and there isn't a drop of rain, or a gust of wind all day but it still cold enough to need to wrap up warm. My Mother and I took the opportunity to walk Rosie our new puppy for an hour on two, resulting in me falling face first down a grassy hill and the puppy being momentarily terrified of me and what I was doing. My Mum did manage to capture this moment on camera but I have decided to keep it to myself to protect any pride I have left.

Unfortunately the last few days have been the kind of days where I'm not really fit for anything, my health issues make it difficult for me to achieve anything and over the last few days I have spent a good majority of my time sleeping. I won't start a therapy session right here and now but I do feel unsettled by a lot of uncontrollable things in my life at the moment. Currently I am having to think about the reality of applying for university this year, it is tricky to strike the balance between being realistic about your abilities and remaining positive and upbeat. In typical "me" fashion I am throwing myself into every single possible task as a way of distracting myself from what has been a fairly shit time. It is strange to look back over the last year and think how many things have changed and how much I have changed as a person, there is a sense of inevitability in my situation but it doesn't really make it any easier to deal with. 

On to lighter subjects- yesterday I decided to dress practically for the warmth, opting for a more comfortable outfit. I have always despised the idea that dressing comfortably should take priority over looking good, I used to put myself through all kinds of minor discomfort to look good. However, since being ill I have despised wearing tight things as they tend to feel like little needles digging into my hip bones and body, something which isn't very desirable. I bought the joggers pictured as I thought they would be comfortable, warm and maybe fit into the sports luxe trend, I'm not really sold on them completely but they are fine for dog walking in Somerset. I am also wearing my extremely battered and destroyed converse, these really shouldn't be worn anymore as they have holes in them, are falling apart and are no longer even vaguely white in colour but I just feel like they go with everything and I have a strange attachment to them. I am also wearing my newly purchased MAC lipstick in Russian Red, I am still cringing over spending this much on lipstick but it so beautiful. I ate three meals, had a nap, drank and went out wearing one coat of the lipstick and it didn't budge at all. I have never really appreciated high ends products, believing you are paying for the brand name over the quality a lot of the time, but this is one expensive item I think is worth the money. 

As a last note I would like to apologise to anyone who is neurotic as me for all the pictures in this post being different sizes. My brain is completely stressed out and muddled today and I just couldn't make them look how I wanted them to look. I realise the majority of people won't notice this but it does set my perfectionist side on edge!

Coat- Asos 

Shirt- Topshop 

Top- Urban Outfitters (sparkle and fade)

Joggers- Topshop 

Converse 

Lipstick- MAC Russian Red 

Cara Delevingne Inspired Makeup

If you haven't heard about Cara Delevingne over the past year or so, then I can only presume you have been under a rock sheltering from all forms of media. Everyone wants to be her, know her, look like her or parade around with her being your girlfriend. Obviously I do not look like Cara Delevingne, if I did I would not be poor or single or living in Somerset, alas some us have to rely on something other than looks to survive in life (not entirely sure what I'm relying on- a talent for catching all illnesses?). That being said, I thought I would attempt to create a makeup look based on Cara Delevingne's makeup- I've changed a few elements to make the look more suited for my face but this a look that anyone with a heavy brow can attempt as it doesn't involve a brow highlight.

The main feature of Cara's look is a flawless bronzed face with heavy eyes and brows. I started off by moisturising my face with my usual moisturiser to make sure my foundation had a smooth application and didn't look cakey. In the photo below I have zero makeup up- being a ginger this means I appear to have no eyebrows or eyelashes, try not to be alarmed we all have our flaws. Generally when attempting flawless skin I like to keep the use of makeup brushes to a minimum as personally I feel they leave noticeable brush marks and can make the foundation appear very obvious. Thus, I have used my hands to apply all the liquid face products so they would be warmed up by my body heat and be in a thinner layer, I did use a makeup sponge to concentrate on my under eye bags but if you don't need a heavy coverage  foundation your hands will work well.

I first used an illuminating primer to set a base for my foundation- this isn't a necessary step but Cara does have a very ethereal and dewy finish to her face which is easier to achieve using a primer. I then used a combination of two foundations across my face and under my eyes to create a flawless finish, luckily I don't tend to suffer with blemishes but if you do then you may find a heavier coverage foundation better for this step. Another key element to most of Cara's makeup looks is that she very heavily contours to make the most of her gorgeous bone structure. My natural bone structure is of course no were near as perfect as a supermodel so I simply followed a "C" shape from my brow bone to under my cheek bone with a bronze which helped give me a healthy glowing look. I also applied a powder highlighter and blush to the apples of my cheeks, nose and cupids bow to add yet more of that healthy glow that is a key feature in most of Cara's makeup looks. If you possess heavier cheek bones then you could add a harsher contour powder by your cheekbones to emphasise your natural luck.

Although Cara has very heavy eye makeup it is generally made up of a few very natural eye shadow shades that most people will own. I applied a Maybelline colour tattoo onto my eyelids and up into the crease and the outer corner with my Real Techniques domed shadow brush which I blended out with a light matte brown into the eyebrow. I then applied a dark brown into the outer corner and slightly into the crease to intensify the natural shadows on my eye. The main trick behind this makeup look is to continue blending out the eye shadows until you are happy with the shape and feel the colours seamlessly lead into each other.

I then used a combination of brown and black kohl eyeliners on the tight line, lash line and water line to create a really dark smoky look. I then blended out the eyeliner underneath the eye using a small eye shadow brush with the same matte brown eye shadow until I felt that my eyes stood out enough. You could add some winged eyeliner at this point if you want to have a more polished look but it appears that Cara is primarily wearing eyes shadow and eyeliners on her eyes.



A major feature of the makeup is some super heavy dark eyelashes to frame the grungy eye shadow, if your lashes are naturally sparse then you could add some individual lashes here but I've used my natural lashes as it is more wearable. This is one look were you cannot make your lashes too clumpy as the heavy eye shadow really needs framing by something equally as intense. My advice for achieving this is to first curl your eyelashes as it will make them appear closer and heavier together. I then use a combination of a lengthening mascara and a volumising  mascara building up the layers until I feel that the lashes look dramatic enough, using two mascaras is a brilliant way to get both volume and length without forking out for an expensive product. 

Now onto the brows, of course Cara Delevingne has some pretty amazing eyebrows which look naturally amazing. There is almost no point in me trying to re-create her exact shape as I would probably end up looking more like Chewbacca then a model. I followed my natural eyebrow shape with a pencil and then filled the rest of the brows in with my MUA brow palette, I would go for the shade darker then you normally use. If you own a spooly then try brushing your brows upwards to mimic Cara's really messy brow shape. Less plucking is better if you are attempting grungy makeup.

I left my lips without any colour as I have seen Cara with nude lips, red lips and natural lips wearing this look, it really depends on what situation you are using this makeup look for and how confident you are with lip colours. I think this look is perfect for a night out as the primers mean that is won't be melting down your face too quickly and would probably last through most "activities". I personally would also happily wear this look out on a normal day but it could be easily toned down with the use of less bronzer and eyeliner. Let me know what you think and which look of Cara's is your favourite. 

Products Used 

L'Oreal Lumi Magique- Pure Light Primer 

Revlon Colour stay- 110 Ivory 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum- Lightest Shade 

L'Oreal Illuminating Powder- 01 Rose Boudoir

Miss Sporty Ohh Tan So Fine- 001 I am Blonde

B. Glowing Blush- 161 Just Peachy 

Colour Tattoo 24hr Maybelline- 35 On and on bronze 

Rimmel London Waterproof Kohl- 001 Black and 012 Bronze

MUA Undressed Eyeshadow Palette 

Superdrug own Eyelash Curlers 

Bourjois Mascara liner effect- 81 Noir 

Max Factor Wild Mega Volume- Black 

MUA Pro-Brow Kit- Blonde

MUA 3 in 1 Extreme Contour Liner 

GOSH professional eyeshadow brush 

Real Techniques Brushes- brow brush, domed shadow brush, multi task brush