journal day: beauty is an opinion, not a fact

Journal Day Prompt from Dani of Sometimes Sweet

How would you say your upbringing or background has shaped your idea of beauty? Were you taught to apply makeup or do you hair by your mother or friends? If not, where did you observe what is now your norm as far as beauty practices? And although most of us have been inundated by different cultural beauty "norms" via the media, would you say that television and magazines have had a strong impact on shaping what you think of as beautiful? This week, write about your idea of beauty- how your background has shaped it and what that means for you today.

Growing up, I would say that I was definitely more of a Tomboy than anything. I played sports, didn't wear makeup and I even wore boy Dickies shorts (I know, I know. Gross). I didn't even start to think about "girly" things until I was in high school. That is when I started to wear makeup for the first time. I didn't really ask for help when it came to makeup, I just did what my mom did. My makeup routine consisted of: Covergirl rose blush on my cheeks, a little bit on my eyelids, Vaseline on my eyelashes - then curl them, and to top it off, Vaseline on my lips with a little bit of blush over it. Even as I'm typing this all out, I'm chuckling to myself. My mom pulled this look off, but me? No way. I looked so funny! I stuck with it anyway, because it was all I knew. 

Come Sophomore year of high school, I decided to throw some black eyeliner into the mix of my makeup routine. I was what you would call a scene kid. Basically, I was really into punk, hardcore and screamo music. Hence, the black eyeliner. I'd go to shows and see all the other girls (and, even some guys) wearing it, so I figured I'd try it out. I would cake that eyeliner on, too. Sigh. I'm sure we could get all psychological and look far more into the reasons behind this (hiding from the world, rebelling, insecurities, etc.), but really, I just liked that look.

Thankfully, just a few years later, I moved in with my best friend, Becky. Most of you know Becky is a hair stylist. As far as I've known her, she has always had an inkling for makeup and hair. In her earlier years of going to Cosmetology school, I became her "guinea pig". I definitely got the better end of that stick. She's a natural when it comes to these types of things. Becky took me under her wing, and showed me the ropes. I will say, I didn't always catch on though. I can remember having SO much trouble when it came to applying eyeshadow. And even now, if you know me at all, you will maybe see me wear eyeshadow once a year (and Becky was probably the one to apply it for me). We both went through this phase, circa 2007, where we'd wear BRIGHT eyeshadow. I'm talking orange and yellow. Becky pulled it off. I, on the other hand, just looked like a David Bowie fanatic. I just couldn't get it. Since then, I've just decided to stick to a very normal and basic routine. I'm totally okay with that. I'm so grateful to have someone like Becky in my life to show me the ropes. She still is that person for me. She still does my hair, and she still gives me tips on makeup. Every girl should have a Becky in their life.

 

orange & yellow
// 2007

keeping it basic & simple
// 2012

Physical beauty truly is about perspective. Each person is so different from the next. I can see my Pinterest feed and think, "how on earth does that person like that?!", and I know others might feel the same when they look at what I pin. But, that is what I think is so great about this world. Beauty is not a fact, it's an opinion. 

As much as I can sit hear a poke fun of my past, I really do appreciate it. I didn't really grow up caring all that much about what other people thought of the way I looked, or didn't look. I was raised to be true to myself, and if that meant being a Tomboy, or wearing David Bowie makeup, then that's what it meant. We all go through different seasons of life, and our appearance tends to reflect those seasons. Who knows, maybe one day I'll start wearing eyeshadow, and I can only wonder what that season of life will bring...

XO

Brenda

Products I Love

Okay, so I would never label myself as girly, but I definitely have my share of favorite go-to girly items. I love reading blogs about must have products so I figured why not share all my good secrets with the rest of the blogging world?

I'll start with makeup first.
I feel like I should make a disclaimer here... I am no makeup artist, and in fact I hardly spend money on makeup. So, this one is for all you cheap girls out there (like me!).

I keep my makeup basic. I have had the same routine for probably close to 5 years, and it works for me!
I won't go through all of the makeup items I use, but my two all time favorites are Mac Studio Fix Powder (C3) & Almay Eyeliner (Black).

My Mac powder is a must have for me. It lasts ALL day and it makes me feel fresh, even when I have to be at work at 7:30am! Mac is definitely not cheap by any means, but luckily for me I get a discount. But, I'd still totally recommend it for anyone looking for a good powder. I buy maybe 2 or 3 powders a year, so it's definitely bang for your buck!
Cost: (without a discount) $27

If you're like me and have been wearing eyeliner since you were 14, you'll appreciate this product. I feel like I've always been on the search for the best eyeliner. One that lasts, is cheap, and is easy to put on. I've tried everything out there, and nothing has ever made me completely happy, until I tried Almay. It's my favorite. I only have to apply it once a day, it's a thin, retractable liner and even comes with a tiny sharpener at the bottom of the liner! They have different shades according to your eye color, but my go to is always black (former scenester right here).
Cost: $8 (find at any local drugstore or Target)



Continuing with the beauty go-to items...

Makeup remover. This is another item I've searched high & low for! I've done everything from face wash that had makeup remover in it to oil free, with oil, even to the ones that just make you want to rip your eyeballs out because it burns so bad! Then, I found the one. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes.
If you want to save more money, you can get just the makeup remover in liquid form and use your own wipes. I prefer using their wipes because I feel I get more of the makeup off. After using these wipes, I feel so clean and refreshed. Unlike other makeup removers, my skin doesn't feel super oily or sensitive. It doesn't hurt my eyes whatsoever!
Cost: $5 (find at any local drugstore or Target)

What are some of your must have or go to items?

 If you post about them, share the link below so I can learn about other goodies out there!

XO,

Brenda

Creative Challenge Update Pt. 2

If you have been keeping up with my most recent blog entries, you'll know that I've been working on a 30 Day Creative Challenge. My purpose in doing this creative challenge was to find my inner creative soul again, and stimulate my mind, daily. It has definitely been a challenge so far. Some days are easier than others, and then there are even days where I just can not think of any new creative ideas. Nevertheless, I have only missed one day so far, so clearly it is possible to do something creative everyday!

Here is my second update to this challenge. You can find my first update here. I hope you enjoy these photos and hopefully can be inspired to do your own creative challenge! Remember, you can follow my daily progress on instagram (@brendaabel) and twitter!

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Day Five, Thursday 2/16
I created my own headband/hair piece
*Take a thin fabric belt
*Wrap it around your head twice
*Knot it once at the top
*Wrap it around the back & knot it

Day 6, Friday 2/17
I made Egg Toast
*Take a piece of bread & cut a hole in the middle
*Put the stove on low heat, & pour one egg into the hole
*Let it sit for a minute, then flip the toast over carefully
*Let it sit for another minute or so & you're done!

Day 7, Saturday 2/18
I did Becky's makeup
*Let me just say this was a challenge in itself, because Becky is in the beauty field,
so clearly she knows what she is doing, but I was up for the challenge!

 Day 8, Sunday 2/19

I made Sweet Hawaiian Dip for my friend Leah's going away party, 

which was Hawaiian themed, because she is moving to Hawaii!

[Here are the basic steps/ingredients, then you can click on the recipe link for more specifics]

*Mix milk, sour cream & instant vanilla pudding

*Add toasted coconut & can crushed pineapples (undrained)

*Add lime zest & lime juice

*Mix & refrigerate for 30 minutes!

*Serve the dip on a platter with fresh fruits for dipping :)

Original Recipe

Day 9, Monday 2/20

I wrote a poem, it's called Ninety Days

Day 10, Tuesday 2/21
I created a blog for my friend, Denise, who is going to be moving to London later this year,
so she wants to capture her journey leading up to it and also while she is there.

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& that concludes my update! I am definitely still looking for new creative ideas, so please send them my way! What creative things have you been working on lately? I would love to see your progress, and things that you've created, even if it's not for the 30 day challenge!