The Age Of Beauty

 Whilst I love the transformative power of makeup I’m definitely on team ‘less is more.’

“ I will find you… and I will blend your contour “… Bobbi Brown says it all!

Bobbi Brown’s tongue-in-cheek comment has me nodding my head in vigorous agreement. Is the art of subtly lost? Is this the first generation to indulge in a myriad of colours, styles and unblended techniques?… I think not!

As each decade rolls around, there seems to be a trend forming.  Following a decade of hardship, where style is understated and reserved, there is a decade of opulence and abundance. A makeup/hair revival.

A decade of excesses leads to a decade of adversity.  The style of the 1960s - coiffed hair, over the top lashes and eyeliner - was replaced by the laid back style of the 70s. Closely followed by the gigantic hair and colourful, glitzy makeup of the ostentatious 80s. Then onto the grunge rebellion of the 90s. 

At present we are in the midst of a makeup overload. Which makes me wonder, will the tides turn again?

The new trend of the vividly drawn brows, multicoloured eyeshadows, thick foundations, contouring and highlighting … “MORE, MORE, MORE!!!” 

“Is it really a ‘new trend’ at all? Haven’t we just taken a bit from every affluent era and rolled it up. Calling it a new look? 
”

The likes of NikkiTutorial, have started a trend. Educating and creating a massive following with their tips, tricks and huge personalities. These tutorials were fun and informative, although a little heavy-handed for this old gal’s taste. However, the technique and talent were definitely there. They gave the mass market skills to transform themselves. Reshape their faces, create fuller lips, widen their eyes and have a flawless finish. People were no longer floundering around in the dark, or relying on their mothers to teach them. These innovators created a beauty revolution. 

Then came the copycats… “If I do what they did, I will be famous too”. Sadly, these imitators have diluted the industry. Everywhere you look there is another person doing the same makeup tutorial, repeatedly.  Has the far reach of social media created a world of clones? Have we lost all individuality?

With all the new innovations in makeup and skincare, should we not be utilising this new technology? Using these products in the way they were designed? Should we not be trying to create beautiful natural-looking skin and perfectly groomed brows? We have access to tools that create hair-like strokes for the most perfect natural brow and highlight/contour duos that, with their strategic blend of highlight and shadow, can enhance or downplay facial features. But without subtlety, the result can be more drag queen than queen!

“Youth is the time for exploration, and that includes makeup and hair. Have fun, experiment, try crazy eye colours and bold lips. But don’t lose your way.”

Relish in your beautiful skin, don't mask it in inch thick foundation. Makeup is not a one size fits all game. Look at your bone structure, eye shape, brows, skin and streamline these trends to benefit you. One of the best tips is to - go outside - and look in a mirror. What we see in our dark bathroom mirror is not what the world sees. Colour check your foundation, blush, contour and highlight in - natural light! - Natural light is your best weapon. 

Written by: Leisa Welch