As a minimalist, I love a monochromatic makeup look. Its simplicity is almost intoxicating. But when I'm brushing crap onto my face I'm equally as interested in the implications that come with it. Makeup talks. Even a whisper of it loudly touts personal values we never knew we flaunted. And I don't know about you, but that alarms me. Even when I'm not sabotaging my credibility by sticking my foot in my mouth, I could still be writing it all over my face.
While alarm does little good here, I do like to be conscious of how I present myself – it pays. Making deliberate choices about my appearance means more control over the personality features I convey to the world. However, it's through the ignorance of some that I've had to reflect upon the role of makeup in my life. Let me explain:
Many times I've been reprimanded by men for the amount of makeup on my face. The comments are often veiled in innocence: “You're beautiful; you don't need to wear makeup!” Or they're shamelessly confrontational as illustrated in this joke of a text I once received – “Wipe some of that makeup off your face ;)” – where the presence of a semicolon and a parenthesis have never puzzled me more.
I've heard utterances of this sentiment a few times, yet I'm always left in a stupor, unable to articulate a meaningful response. Was that a compliment? Was it an insult? Soon surfaces an anger that doesn't seem justified. But yes, it was an insult disguised as a compliment; I've just been gifted a Trojan horse. When the cognitive dissonance thaws, I get a little sweaty and the thought comes: am I wearing too much makeup?
Ultimately, the answer is “no”. And, after some introspection, I arrive at other important conclusions that escape me in the heat of the moment. Luckily, I can articulate them now. Consider the next paragraph a PSA.
I want you, the men in my life, to remember the following words before you breathe some profound "compliment" in my direction: I don't always wear makeup to enhance my physical appearance, but I do always wear it as a medium of self-expression. When you express distaste for my makeup, it is no compliment to my natural beauty, but rather, an insult to my artistic work. When you suggest I lose the makeup, you forget: I don't paint my face for your approval. And you, who never wear makeup and experience no pressure to wear it, are not entitled to evaluate my use of the commodity. So, when you speak, make sure it's about the intentions behind the makeup and not about you.
Despite these words, ignorance will live on and spew forth still. There's good news though: I always remember not to give a fuck. I remember that I wear makeup for the same reason I wear work clothes to work and pajamas to bed – I simply dress the part. When I want to channel assertiveness, a cat-eye is a good option. When I want to stand out, I'll inject some color into my look. I'm constantly reminded that, used thoughtfully, makeup enhances the visual statements we want to make.
So, at last I ask, what does a monochromatic look say?
Each look speaks differently to each person, and this is one of many that says “editorial” to me. Like many, I want the lifestyle depicted in magazine spreads. Everyone sees these images – they're pervasive, and they're powerful. After enduring a childhood in which I often felt powerless, I seek to claim power now through my appearance. Of course, this type of power and the confidence that it comes with is ephemeral, but surely you've heard of faking it 'til you make it.
Many times I've been reprimanded by men for the amount of makeup on my face. The comments are often veiled in innocence: “You're beautiful; you don't need to wear makeup!” Or they're shamelessly confrontational as illustrated in this joke of a text I once received – “Wipe some of that makeup off your face ;)” – where the presence of a semicolon and a parenthesis have never puzzled me more.
I've heard utterances of this sentiment a few times, yet I'm always left in a stupor, unable to articulate a meaningful response. Was that a compliment? Was it an insult? Soon surfaces an anger that doesn't seem justified. But yes, it was an insult disguised as a compliment; I've just been gifted a Trojan horse. When the cognitive dissonance thaws, I get a little sweaty and the thought comes: am I wearing too much makeup?
Ultimately, the answer is “no”. And, after some introspection, I arrive at other important conclusions that escape me in the heat of the moment. Luckily, I can articulate them now. Consider the next paragraph a PSA.
I want you, the men in my life, to remember the following words before you breathe some profound "compliment" in my direction: I don't always wear makeup to enhance my physical appearance, but I do always wear it as a medium of self-expression. When you express distaste for my makeup, it is no compliment to my natural beauty, but rather, an insult to my artistic work. When you suggest I lose the makeup, you forget: I don't paint my face for your approval. And you, who never wear makeup and experience no pressure to wear it, are not entitled to evaluate my use of the commodity. So, when you speak, make sure it's about the intentions behind the makeup and not about you.
Despite these words, ignorance will live on and spew forth still. There's good news though: I always remember not to give a fuck. I remember that I wear makeup for the same reason I wear work clothes to work and pajamas to bed – I simply dress the part. When I want to channel assertiveness, a cat-eye is a good option. When I want to stand out, I'll inject some color into my look. I'm constantly reminded that, used thoughtfully, makeup enhances the visual statements we want to make.
So, at last I ask, what does a monochromatic look say?
Each look speaks differently to each person, and this is one of many that says “editorial” to me. Like many, I want the lifestyle depicted in magazine spreads. Everyone sees these images – they're pervasive, and they're powerful. After enduring a childhood in which I often felt powerless, I seek to claim power now through my appearance. Of course, this type of power and the confidence that it comes with is ephemeral, but surely you've heard of faking it 'til you make it.
The Look
Allow me to preface this by saying, I'm no makeup artist. In fact, I'm only just beginning to flirt with the limits of products I already own. My experimentation is more conceptual than technical, but I hope to refine my skill as I document looks like the one here.
I aimed for a finished look that was polished all around, low maintenance but impactful, with muted and harmonious colors. Following the suggestion of many beauty authorities, I was inspired to put one product to multiple uses. Bronzer went onto both my face and eyes, and I applied lipstick of a similar hue. I did some highlighting only to enhance tonal variation.
This concoction is perfect for the conscientious individual who appreciates nuances of a limited color scheme.
Contour and eyeshadow: NYX Matte Bronzer in Deep Tan
Highlighter: NYX Prismatic Shadows in Girl Talk
Lipstick: Clinique Different Lipstick in Tender Heart (with face powder pressed on to mattify)
Click through my favorite monochromatic looks below, and, if you're feeling ambitious, try this wet-look hair, too.
I aimed for a finished look that was polished all around, low maintenance but impactful, with muted and harmonious colors. Following the suggestion of many beauty authorities, I was inspired to put one product to multiple uses. Bronzer went onto both my face and eyes, and I applied lipstick of a similar hue. I did some highlighting only to enhance tonal variation.
This concoction is perfect for the conscientious individual who appreciates nuances of a limited color scheme.
Contour and eyeshadow: NYX Matte Bronzer in Deep Tan
Highlighter: NYX Prismatic Shadows in Girl Talk
Lipstick: Clinique Different Lipstick in Tender Heart (with face powder pressed on to mattify)
Click through my favorite monochromatic looks below, and, if you're feeling ambitious, try this wet-look hair, too.
Can you relate to my experience? Send me your thoughts and interpretations of monochromatic makeup.