#power makeup

You guys know I love over thinking things, and last week I had a good opportunity to do just that. I had a pretty important meeting upon which the future of Pemberley Jones hinged (Sort of? Not really?) But because I always dress simply I don't have a female equivalent of a power suit, so I needed a confidence boost. As usual, I found it in my makeup look. 

I’m going to do my best to keep from letting this deteriorate into an essay on social constructs of female beauty. But let’s face it, most women are deeply burdened with unspoken messages about how they should appear to the world. Because of this, I personally think we each have to go with whatever makes us feel the most powerful. If pretty and girlish gives you an advantage, work it, girl. If masculine or sexy work for you, embrace it. 

As far as I’m concerned, society doesn’t get to send us mixed messages, and then be judgmental when we acknowledge receipt. Personally, I’m learning to shut up both my brain and my mouth about women’s appearances as I age. It just isn’t an efficient way to size people up. Life is too complicated for that.

On the other hand, I know that I’m being judged and that’s what got me thinking. You may be wondering, what do I think I have to work with? Funny you should ask, I was blessed cursed with a rather severe looking brow. And, as a cautious introvert, I know I sometimes appear reserved upon first meeting. (BRF, anyone?)

Despite what my eyebrows might suggest about me, I’m actually a pretty friendly person. I love to laugh, probably more than anything. But do people pick up on that at a first meeting? I don’t know. Regardless, that morning I decided to let my brows be my brows. Groomed and arched in a way I can’t really fight anyway. 

It also turns out that I subscribe to the Robert Palmer/80‘s red power lip as shown above. (Oh Girrrrl, I am aware of the irony here.)

Do I really choose over and over again a look worn by vapid but gorgeous models who are insignificant in their sameness, dancing sexily but speechless around a stage to promote some ridiculous short dude's song? Yes, I am fully aware of my contradictions. Why did this represent power to young little me? Are men just powerless because women are so awesome? Let's go with that...it's too early on a Monday to go breaking brains.

I just can’t deny that sitting in front of these two videos for so many hours of my youth shaped my ongoing makeup feels. That look had POWER over my developing aesthetic, and ever since I was allowed to wear lipstick, red has been my power shade. Any tinge of self-consciousness that it also added that morning, I decided would keep me appropriately self aware. 

(Am I laughing or crying? You'll never know!)

(RMS Beauty's "Un" Cover Up and Bite Beauty's Pomegranate Pencil.)

I decided to go with a clean face using RMS Beauty’s Un Cover Up, and attempted said power lip with Bite Beauty’s Pomegranate Pencil and a deeper red liner I had in my kit. Next, a smattering of water proof mascara, because let’s face it, this could all end in tears, right? (It's ok, they're usually tears of laughter.)

Ultimately, in keeping with my much talked about olfactory-centric leanings, one of the best confidence boosts I got going out the door, was Forager’s gorgeous perfume in Woodland  (c/o). Smelling good makes me happy, and happiness makes me feel like I look great.  Confidence has never come easy to me, but I’m working on it. So, now that I’m obsessed with this idea, please, please share:

What’s YOUR power makeup and power scent? What do you wear to intimidate, manipulate, or simply feel powerful? Let us know in the comments! 

Items marked c/o were provided to me for my consideration, without obligation. I'm in love with this perfume, you'll be hearing more about it soon!