Every Thursday, Peaceful Dumpling will answer your question about veganism, healthy eating, lifestyle, fitness, wellness, relationships, and more! Send us your questions to contact [at] peacefuldumpling.com or using the Contact form below.
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I’m in a makeup/beauty rut. Everything in my vanity seems so tired and boring, and yet the prospect of finding new products and colors is daunting especially as I’m concerned about ingredients. Makeup isn’t really emphasized among my friends and colleagues, either, so I find that lately I’m putting less and less on my face even though I might benefit from some coverage, gloss, and pigment to liven my pasty complexion (and disguise the signs of fatigue). What’s a girl to do?
Thanks,
Made-Under
Dear Made-Under,
Oh, the makeup rut. Even the most hardcore of beauty junkies have experienced it. One way to revamp your routine is to introduce a few key products. A simple switch or two can go a long way. Eyeshadow and lip color are especially effective to this end. For example, if you have blue eyes, a coppery eyeshadow can really make your peepers dazzle (check out our eyeshadow color suggestions and more eyeshadow inspiration.) And we all know that there’s nothing like a new red lippie to feel like a new woman. In sum, turning to new colors—or even a single new color—can bring new life to a seemingly tired palette.
Aromi Lipstick (vegan and cruelty-free) in Flirty, a vibrant yet cool red that works with most skin tones. $17
That being said, I also know that a bold eye or lip may feel a bit out of place among your social and work circles. If you haven’t tried the “no-makeup” makeup look, I suggest experimenting with that a bit, focusing on evening out your skin tone and texture, and bringing light to the high points of your face, adding a natural contouring effect. The no-makeup look is perfect for products that aim to truly nourish your skin—not just hide it. For example, you may want to find a BB cream that provides light coverage with a mineral sunscreen component—or a sheer cheek/lip stain combo with antioxidant-rich argan oil. Think of makeup as an opportunity for enhanced skincare. The right products will boost your glow for the short and long term.
The whole point of this bit of experimentation is to find the look that makes you feel like you, but better. “The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy”–so said Yves Saint Laurent, but who is to say a little makeup can’t add that look of passion (since we need a little oomph now and then)? This “signature look” will make you feel not too done or too faded out, and you won’t become bored by it because it makes you look great. It suits your personality and lifestyle as much as your style. Try brainstorming or Pinterest-researching about this, so you can hone in on your idea (colors, mood, texture, era, etc) before we move on to yet another important subject: Makeup shopping.
It can be daunting—especially if you’re looking for products without un-friendly chemicals, that don’t test on animals, and perform beautifully. *Sigh* On the flip side of this dilemma, narrowed options may make the selection process a bit simpler. I like to remind myself that my high standards for makeup help me easily eliminate unworthy options 😉
Here’s my suggestion for conscious makeup shopping: check out Spirit Beauty Lounge. It’s an online boutique that features exclusively natural products (from hair to makeup to tools). Not all products are vegan (some contain beeswax), but a good number are. Ingredients lists and customer reviews are provided for each product. Petit Vour is another lovely online store that offers all vegan, mostly natural products. Petit Vour is also a beauty subscription box, so if you’re looking to discover new brands without having to commit to any full-size products, it’s a great place to start. Usually there are 4-5 samples in a box—and sometimes 1 or 2 full-sized items among the sampling. Once you’ve found a few brands (or stores) that you really trust, makeup shopping becomes less mentally draining!
However you decide to tackle this makeup rut, don’t be afraid to experiment. If you find that wearing makeup becomes more and more appealing, you don’t have to hold back! Wear what you feel comfortable in—regardless of how your friends do their makeup. Best of luck!
Love,
Peaceful Dumpling
Also on Ask Peaceful Dumpling: How to Quiet the “Should” Voices
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Photo: docmoreau via Flickr
