Part Four: 30 Year Health Check

Alright, this is my last post on products I use as I enter my 30’s this year. Mostly, because I’m tired of talking about my personal hygiene. But also, because I’m sure you all are tired of hearing about my personal hygiene, too.

(By the way, it took me three times to spell hygiene correctly in that sentence.)

(Hi, I’m an English teacher.)

In the past couple of years, my make up use has changed a bit. Some of that is because I have different needs for make up now than I did before. Now, I don’t need coverage so much because, thankfully, I don’t deal too often with blemishes these days. My make up has also changed as I have become a real adult and can now afford a little bit nicer quality. I don’t spend money on lots of things anymore. I’m not a brand name wearer and I can’t actually remember the last time I went shopping for anything other than what was on my grocery list. But I still treat myself to good make up now and then. I figure if I’m going to be smearing it on my face, then I’d like it to be somewhat good quality.

So, let’s begin, shall we?

I start with a loose powder by – who else? – Mary Kay. I use the MK Mineral Powder Foundation (my color is Ivory 2). I really like this because it goes on really lightly, but it still sets with nice coverage. I’ve never worn foundation or even really a pressed powder, but I imagine that this gives you comparable coverage. I just prefer the lightness of the loose powder.

After the powder, I brush on Bronzing Powder by MAC. I am a huge MAC fan. Before my sister started selling Mary Kay, that was the only brand I used, really. Of all MAC products I have used, this bronzing powder as blush is my favorite. It goes on like blush, but it doesn’t really cover like blush. Instead, it just sort of highlights your natural cheekbones. I’ve worn this for seven or eight years, and I love it.

For my eyes, I normally use MAC eyeshadow, but my Grandma gave me this great eyeshadow box and I have been using it for FOREVER! There is no brand on it, so I have no idea where it came from, but I love the colors. I wish I could give you more information, but that’s all I’ve got! I really love the metallic colors. I wear them muted for daytime and play them up for night.

After shadow, I use a dark brown eyeliner so that you can tell I have eye sockets. I have strawberry blonde eyelashes, so if I don’t paint ’em up real pretty like, then I look a bit freaky deaky. So, I use eyeliner to help give my eyes some definition. I go with Maybelline for this one because I like the pencil. It’s not sharp so I’m not worried I’m going to stab myself in the eye. And it’s early to put on. Plus, it’s cheap.

For mascara, I use Mary Kay’s Lash Lengthening Mascara. And it is awesome. This stuff goes on really lightly and never, ever clumps. Plus, the wand is simple and straight. I hate funky shaped mascara wands! Plus, I really like this mascara because it washes off easily. It’s waterproof, but it comes off clean with an eye make up remover. All good things from a mascara.

The last two products I use for make up are the same kind of lipstick, the Frost line from MAC. I really like the Frost lipsticks because they are the perfect blend between a full lipstick and a shiny gloss. They go on with the full coverage of a lipstick, but the colors are a little lighter and shinier than traditional lipstick, so they look a little more like gloss. I have them in two different colors. First, I use Ramblin’ Rose. I use this one mostly in the spring and summer because it’s a little pinker. Right now I’m wearing a new color called Sequin, and I love it! It is very similar to Ramblin’ Rose, but a shade darker, which makes it perfect for autumn and winter wear.

(Is it weird that I change my lipsticks by season? You can tell me. Is it weird?)

The last thing I do before I walk out the door in the mornings is spray on some yummy smelling goodness. On a daily basis, I wear Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker. I love it! It smells bold, but still floral and girly.

On date nights, though, I wear Clinique’s Happy because it’s Chris’s favorite. It’s what I wore in high school and I think it reminds him of making out between classes.

Well, there you have it, kids. I turn 30 this year and, as you can see, that’s impacting so many areas of my life. I’m getting healthier, fitter, and taking better care of myself. And, so far, it’s been pretty awesome, actually. I feel better about myself and I’ve got more energy than ever before. Bring on my 30’s!