Topic of Discussion
It’s fascinating to trace the path force travels on a shattered face of glass, or to even distinguish the gradient of colors skin makes when bruised. We begin here. A close examination of the wound itself will give you clue of the offending tool, and even perhaps the perpetrator of the injury.
Just as an elementary exercise of cause and effect. A series of events resulting in the next.
For example, welts. Ridges caused by a long thin flat surface like a belt. Those gouges are from the buckle. Almost perfect circles on skin? Textbook, it’s a cigarette. A cursory knowledge of the properties of color will tell you how long flame lingered.
Then there are the countries formed by blunt force trauma. Their national anthems have different words, but they mostly march to, “This is your fault, this has always been your fault.”
But that’s not what we’re talking about. The body merely responds to impact. You could have fallen down stairs, or run into a door. Capillaries break, leak. Things swell, turn blue then eventually heal. The body forgets, most of the time.
The forensics of abuse catalogues the incidents, organizing neatly an embarrassment of emotions. Data filed away for analyst or poet. This is where it happened. Analyst nods, and scribbles. Poet runs fingers over the spidery ruptured vessels. Car rides in heavy traffic were high wire acts.
But that’s not what we’re talking about. This is the matter after the fact. (Not the how do I tell you you’re not why I flinch.) We’re just talking about what happened, Ma’am.
Beauty Lurking: gaghra bench | Heidi Lender’s photography
Maybe she’s born with it. by JesseRosten.com
Nah, I’m pretty sure it’s fotoshop by adobé.
Fotoshop by Adobé from Jesse Rosten on Vimeo.
Crossposted from http://www.irrationalfitsofbeauty.comBag Lady, Part Deux
Actually, I think I’ve written about what goes into my bag so many times. Each time, a confession. Here, I am at my most sappy.
But this year, and the last weeks from the previous year, this is what’s in my bag.
But don’t think that I’m not meticulous with what goes into my bag—because this resonated largely with me.
“When you can find whatever you need with your eyes closed, from your lipstick to your hand lotion, you feel light on your feet and self-reliant, like you’re on top of the world,” said Julie Morgenstern, a professional organizer based in Manhattan. “It’s your power on-the-go.”
from here
That’s pretty nuts, ano? But hey, if it quacks.
In other news, I succumbed to the new year ritual and cut my hair—my porn star locks are now either a mullet or hmmm, a mullet. My stylist cut six inches from my hair—he said, “I cut 2011 from your hair.” Which is just as effective as this:
and what does it say that camp and men in crisp short shorts just makes everything right in my world again? (yes the weather girls of it’s raining men)
all together now—I’m gonna wash that man right outta of my head….and send him on his waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!
Crossposted from http://www.irrationalfitsofbeauty.comJust hibernating.
Hi. You might have been wondering about the wondrous adventures of Anina Diva La Rue (who obviously has to think of a better drag name,) so I want to say Hi for a bit.
If you’ve been reading the blog for the two years-ish that it’s been up, I have dry spells. This might be a dry spell—this might be a transformation—and like a phoenix, I will rise up from the ashes with a feather boa and lipstick on.
But right now, make-up just doesn’t cut it. It still surprises me how much better I may look (and some guys—oh Lord, I’m the girl who likes guys in mascara and eyeliner, I do oh I do,) with some shpackle on, but for the past weeks—my face has been bare. I will say though that my skin may not be flawless, I do feel it’s definitely better (hear the product placement) and Face Canvas is all that goes on it. My hair whoop whoop yay is still big and lovely (here’s the next one,) chalk that one up to Clear and Present.
So what is a girl like me to do? Well, I’m still obsessing (on a pasty white Brit who likes jumpsuits no less) but now it’s about the funny. especially since a lot of my life isn’t funny—it isn’t like tragic sad oh woe is me (not at all) adulthood is turning out to be a lot of dull things, a hum of tedium, the repetitive and invasive need to make money—like a chronic headache. you don’t really whine—why would you? you’ve known worse (ever had a toothache? now that’s an angry mothafucka shitload of pain.)
It doesn’t help that Christmas isn’t exactly the joy-filled love fest. Though I will give you this (because it is a gift.)
Things may change around here, but it won’t be abandoned forever I promise. I hope you’re all safe and well. Kisses.
Crossposted from http://www.irrationalfitsofbeauty.comAnd there is life outside of make-up.
And it seems the dull reality of being a writer on your own dime has begun to rear its inevitable head.
Pretty Powerful or Echoserang Phrog Philosophy.
I have a very romantic relationship with beauty. Is that redundant? Is beauty itself a romantic idea?
At the base of everything, I got into make-up because I wanted to be pretty (and pretty enough to be liked.) And in the way that other people understood pretty. Whence I came from (yes, sadya that archaic word!) pretty was straight hair, bright, almond-shaped eyes, a tiny nose, fair, smooth skin and soft pink lips.
But when you start really learning about make-up and its techniques (and growing up basically,) you begin to understand that you have to take a long hard look at yourself and see what really is there. It’s not about redefining pretty, or even finding what is flattering (fuck flattering!) It’s finally seeing yourself and starting from there. And I’m not even talking about natural beauty—
This is why drag queens are just such paragons for me. Yes, you may argue that what you see is performance. But that’s exactly it. With all that they throw on, they’ve actualized how they see themselves. You’re seeing their imagination in front of you. Glitters, feathers, garters oh my! And that is such power, such courage.
I believe that we are the stories we tell ourselves. Then really, anything that allows me to change the story is worth learning.
Even if it is knowing how to have bright, almond-shaped eyes, a tiny nose, fair, smooth skin and soft pink lips.I think knowing that I can but won’t look like that feels like power to me.
So sure, I do want to be pretty, and yes, I’m still looking for love. But at least now, I can also be everything else.
Crossposted from http://www.irrationalfitsofbeauty.com
A compact story: And on the third day
she rises, takes the longest shower of her life, and puts on the most dressy she can find in her suitcase — which is to say something that does not resemble pajamas. She then plays Patti Lu Pone and takes out her makeup kit. Once she starts arching the brows with a dark brown pencil, she cannot stop. She makes it a little heavier than the usual. She curls and thickens the lashes with grayish brown mascara until they look plastic and false, like the ones used during performance. Then she lines the eyelids a lighter shade of brown, and layers them on with bronze shadows, and a touch of glimmer just under the eyebrows. She outlines the lips a fine deep burgundy and fills it with the brightest cherry red. A pinch to the cheeks, a sweep of rouge, and she is almost done, when the door opens. The doctor, followed by the day nurse, enter the room, and they both do a double-take. Their audible surprise calls attention to the caregiver who has been glued to the TV the entire time she has been painting her face. And he asks in surprise if she is going out, and where. She checks herself in the mirror and is almost shocked at how heavy her makeup is, how she looks almost unrecognizable, more so to these people who have gotten used to seeing her barefaced, in jerseys and leggings and cotton shirts, and now so heavily made up, so early in the day. Malakat ka? Makain ka? Yes, to someplace, to meet with some friend. She tries not to sound too defensive. She cannot think of a place to go or anyone to meet. She stays in the hospital the entire day, giving anyone who enters the door a mild shock, to see her on the couch reading, or next to the hospital bed tending the loved one, or in front of the computer surfing the net, surveying the facebook landscape, joining in on conversations without actually typing in anything by way of response. In heavy makeup.
Another story of hers, here.
Crossposted from http://www.irrationalfitsofbeauty.comLists-less: Lisa Eldridge, Make Up For Ever product recommendations, and Nars Blonde Venus
I’m happy to say that class went better today. And having a heavy meal before browsing through make-up counters is the best way to save money.
But I’ve been thinking about a couple of things, so you get a list. Click through for a glut of information!
1. Lisa Eldridge is a revelation. Here are my favorite tips of hers:
- When filling in/shaping eyebrows, brush hairs down first and begin with the arch. Most likely, it is the arch that you have to correct and which may feel the most artificial so with hairs down you have a “clearer canvas.” She also has a pretty interesting take on eyebrows in general.
though i will beg to disagree because i have an abundance of eyebrow hair that really really doesn’t belong on my face. I’ll throw this in because I love love love the pin up look and would do this everyday, if i had the time.
- A red lip takes some effort. Try her method.
2. I’m having a real love affair with Make Up For Ever products. I can’t afford a lot of what I want yet, and some are even out of stock because they’re thaaaaat in demand—but I still go inside the store to say hello. Yes, am really happy that in class we get to play with them. Here are some of my favorites:
- HD primer - I honestly am not sure about primers. I can’t vouch for them really making the make-up last, but they do make it easier to manipulate face base and the ones that color correct? I can vouch for the green tinged one, it really does neutralize redness. (but not completely, the cream correctors are excellent for that.) Sells for PhP1850
- Waterproof Brow Corrector (described as a waterproof eyebrow defining cream in a tube) - I love how this product just tames and fills in so so so naturally. If you’re used to pencils and powder, allow yourself to get used to this gel-like version. You also need very, very little. PhP1150 (i think.) Probably will be shade 2 or 3.
- Aqua Liner (described as High Precision Waterproof Eyeliner) - I swear by liquid liners because everything else seems to smudge. I’ve had to contend with thicker lines because I don’t have the steadiest of hands, until I saw how Lisa Eldridge applied liners—painting them on as close to the lashes as possible not necessarily drawing a single line. I have the one in brown and haven’t stopped using it since I bought it. The teal and hot pink are very, very, very inviting. Come in various finishes PhP1250
- Aqua Black - Make Up For Ever has a series of creams that can be used on the eyes, cheeks and lips (just make sure to check if they’re formulated for eyes/lips.) And I bet they’re fantastic multi-purpose additions to any pro or happy make-up lover’s kit. Aqua Black is aqua cream in black—I found that it is a fabulous cream liner, used with a very fine eyeliner brush, you can make very precise lines.
- HD Blush (Microfinish Cream Blush) - I discovered this on the first day of class—I’ve been looking at the bottles ever since they were released, but most cream blushes don’t last on me either—and when I snuck some leftover product on my face, I was hooked. You have to work with very little, like half a pump. I have it in shade 2-Carmine or Caught in the Act (on the Sephora website) which is a bright raspberry. Lovely subtle fragrance, blend quickly very quickly and you’re just glow-y. (Since this is a cream, make sure to use it before you seal in your base with powder.) PhP1750 for 10ml.
- Uplight (Face luminizer gel) - A gel highlighter, they make you glow and shimmer!! I just tried this today at class and I have to say that it saved my look for the day.
Their lipsticks, lip pencils, blushes—everything rocks ha. The foundations work, too but make sure to spend some time asking about each formulation. The make up artists at the store are really helpful. Also research a bit ( I did. hahaha!) on what shades have a yellow undertone if you’re Pinay.
Here’s rough list of what may work for you if you’re Pinay. I know, I know so sue me. But because MUFE is very utilitarian but still FABULOUS—they use numbers and that can be confusing. I cross-referenced class discussions with information from Sephora and Temptalia’s foundation matrix.
FACE&BODY (waterproof, sheer coverage, dewy finish)
1.FOR MAC NC35
-
- 32
- 34 has a beige undertone, which sounds like neutral but try it just the same.
2.FOR MAC NC42
-
- 18
- 12
- 44
MAT VELVET+ (best for outdoor photography, for oily skin, long-lasting, full coverage, matte finish) ——methinks this is what I will stock my kit with.
1. Medium toned: 40 (consider 30, 35 and 55)
2. NC40: 65 (consider 70, 75 and 80)
HD Foundation (perfect for HD needs, medium coverage but is buildable, matte finish) —this,too!
1. NC30/35
-
- 123
- 127
- 140
2. NC40/42
-
- 153
- 170
- 173
3. Lipsticks are important to me because I have a huge mouth—I love revlon, Make Up For Ever and NARS lipsticks. But recently, I realized that because my NARS Blonde Venus (it’s one of the first things I wrote about here. NARS is my first love. Hahahahaha!) has been used such that I can’t swipe it on my lips, I haven’t touched it and have been struggling with nudes (smashbox’s double lip pencil in amaretto is good, too but Blonde Venus is the nude lip color for me.)
So I got a small plastic container and dug out the little lipstick bullet that was left. which turned out to be a lot so make sure to do this when you reach what you may think to be the bottom of your lipstick.
Anyway, I’ve been a little panicked because that’s all the blonde venus I have left. So I went to the NARS counter to buy a replacement one with a Gift certificate I’ve been saving for a NARS purchase (I know, i know. just NARS, it’s love. I told you.) to discover that they don’t have it in stock. Heart sunk. Except Mira showed me the velvet matte lip pencil in Calliope which was a slightly ruddier verson but may just be a good duplicate until they have it in stock again.
So my little lipstick twin lessons: Scoop out the lipstick bullet, there still is a lot at the bottom of that tube! Don’t fret when they say a product is out of stock, there are replacements to be found.
I hope something clicked with any of you!
Crossposted from http://www.irrationalfitsofbeauty.com
Chanel Nail Polishes and Your Dancing Fingers
I don’t think I’ll ever buy a bottle of chanel nail polish—though a bottle of polish lasts longer than you think. My bottle of Dashing Diva’s West Village (they describe it as a creamy milk coffee) is all I use for my hands and that’s roughly a manicure every three weeks—and it still seems pretty full. Though I do have tiny nails. But I do love them, especially Particuliere (which is pretty much a taupe-y, grey, brown) and wouldn’t hesitate to choose them in a nail salon that offers them. They do have an awesome sheen, their black is cool, too! Though black is black is black, right? Chanel Cosmetics though? Yeesh, real luxury. Especially their foundations and lip products—I also want to try their Soleil Tan de Chanel (Who else does cream gel bronzers?)!
But for such a traditional, stalwart luxe brand (in other words, matrona kung matrona,) this advertisement was especially fun.
Crossposted from http://www.irrationalfitsofbeauty.com
Oh absurdity, thy name is beauty.
I love, love, love high fashion editorials. The strangeness of everything. The frivolity of it all. So this just totally tickles me. Courage nga di ba?
This is the work of Yolanda Dominguez. What Poses is all about, from her:
“Poses” is a direct criticism of the absurd and artificial world of glamour and of fashion that magazines present. Specifically, the highly-distorted image of women that they transmit through models that do not represent real women and that avoid all those who are not within their restricted parameters.These images are virtually the only feminine reference in the mass media and they have a great influence in both men and women when building our roles in terms of behavior and ways of thinking. Using these impossible stances of the fashion publishing houses as a symbol of how grotesque and unreal this industry is, a group of real women transfer these poses to daily scenes: the queue of a museum, the supermarket or the bus stop, sparking off the reaction of the spectators (on the other hand, regular consumers of these images).
READ MORE ON HER WEBSITE.
Now that begins a conversation on what we consider to be everyday beautiful. It also makes me think about my intense desire to only appear in the real world in profile. Feeling ko lang I will always be beautiful, kung ganon. And in turn, my life will be perfect.
Crossposted from http://www.irrationalfitsofbeauty.com
The thing is, everything I do—I have a faint glimmer that it comes from somewhere else, someone else.
