Girl! You do YOU!

I just performed an un-sexy dance (fully clothed in my grandma pj’s) for my husband to the tune of “All About That Bass.”  Strangely, it got me thinking…  I’ve always been a fairly outgoing person, but I definitely suffered from low self-esteem in my younger years.  I didn’t feel as free to be myself (my random/quirky self) as I do today.  I feel sad about that.

I realize this blog is beginning to reference a lot of songs, but have you ever heard “Ooh La La” by The Faces (Rod Stewart)?  Some of the lyrics are as follows:

I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger

And, dang it!  I really do wish I knew what I know now….you know, when I was younger.  I’d tell my younger self to stop trying to fit in with people that aren’t going to matter in a year.  I’d tell myself to travel more and take more (not super risky) risks.  I’d caution myself away from a few people that I knew weren’t good for me, and who’d definitely prove that point later on.  I’d remind myself that rushing to grow up is actually doing my youth a disservice.  And so on..

If you’re reading this and of that influential age…GIRL!  Just do you!  I’m fully aware that this is going to sound like a load of horse manure, but just hear me out.  I mean I’m almost 30 and that qualifies me as being your elder, just saying.  This is the only time in your life where you are allowed to be 100% selfish.  And please, be selfish!  You want to study abroad?  In the words of Tim Gunn, “Make it work!”  You want to try out for a team/musical/band/Sasquatch club/etc…  Do it!  You want to wear that crazy blue eyeshadow?  YOU WEAR THE HECK OUT OF THAT BLUE EYESHADOW!

Did you know that only 15% of people still have the same friends in their 20’s as they did when they were teenagers?

Also, only 30% remain in relationships with their high school sweethearts.

I just made those statistics up, but I’m almost positive they’re true.  Well, 80% positive, at least.  My point is, the people you’re trying to impress or get the attention of in the present most likely will not matter in your future.  Remember that.  It’ll help you keep your focuses where they need to be.  Have fun and be young, you little fetuses!  There are so many people out there who wish they could do it all over, myself included.  Don’t grow up to be one of those people.

And to my young friends out there who are afraid to let their true personalities shine because they don’t feel they’ll be accepted.  Know that the people who truly matter will embrace you for you.  Shoot, I love ya!  You’re swell!

Work your quirks and stay weird, loves!

-Rachel

Your creepy cheerleader.

4-Year-Old Makeup Artist

I had the idea today to let my 4-year-old do my makeup.  He loves art and is always trying to get his hands on all the colorful things in my collection.  Little did I know, I had been raising a tiny prodigy.  His work is more on the editorial/runway side of the spectrum rather than the commercial side.  He chose to do a bold, blue eye paired with an autumn berry lip.  So vogue.

I feel these pictures do not do the finished look justice, but at least you have a little glimpse of his masterpiece.

I was lucky enough to get my picture taken with the artist afterwards.  I’m honored and humbled that he took the time to pose with me.  He is a busy, busy little man, after all.

I did get the whole process on video.  So if you’d like to watch the art unfold, then click the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YyjGMiFsIc

Warning:  WORST video quality EVER.  Sorry.

Enjoy!

Mega Lashes and Marital Clashes

While growing up, I always had this strange habit of making weird faces at people.  In fact, I still do.  I like to see just how ugly I can get my face to look.  My mom used to try and scare me by using the old cliche, “If you keep making that face, it’ll get stuck that way!”  I didn’t care.  I lived on the edge.  The wild side, if you will.  I’m honestly not sure why I do it, other than the fact that I find it hilarious.  But I was thinking today…what if my face actually got stuck in one of my grotesque expressions?  Like THIS:

Or THIS:

I’m just saying, that would be pretty intense.  Do you want to know an evil little secret?  I get extreme satisfaction out of terrorizing my poor, sweet husband.  Sometimes, if I’m the first one awake, I like to throw one one of these contorted looks and wait for my husband to wake.  That way, THAT’S the first thing he sees.  MUAHAHAHAHAHA!  Living with me is a complete nightmare joy, I’m sure.  I’m lucky he loves me as much as he does.

Ok, enough dilly-dallying.  On to the point of this post!  I have found my holy grail when it comes to my eyelashes.  I bought this combination a few weeks ago, and I honestly don’t know where it’s been all my life.  Well, it’s been at the store..but I just didn’t know about it.  It’s Tarte’s Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler ($19 at Tartecosmetics.com) and accompanying mascara, Lights, Camera, Flashes ($23 for full-size at Tartecosmetics.com).

They. Are. AMAZING!  I wasn’t sure how I felt about the mascara at first, but I’ve grown to love it!  It plumps up my lashes in one coat, and definitely adds a good amount of length.  The best part about it is how it applies-smoothly and evenly and without clumping.  I feel it’s quite hard to find a decent volumizing mascara that doesn’t get “blobby.”  That’s not a word.

Now, on to the lash curler.  I always figured that every eyelash curler basically did the same thing.  I never thought that one could outperform the other.  I was wrong.  Tarte’s Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler evenly curls every single lash.  It doesn’t tug at my lash line, and it doesn’t take much pressure on the handle to achieve a decent curl.  My old lash curler seemed to unevenly “kink” my lashes instead of curling them.  I also had to go over each eye repeatedly with the tool to get the look I desired.  I’m honestly so thrilled.

Here are some before and after pictures:

No mascara.

No mascara.

After curling/Lights, Camera, Flashes.

After curling/Lights, Camera, Flashes.

After curling/Lights, Camera, Flashes.

Mind you, this is with one coat of mascara.  Good job, Tarte!  I’m impressed!  Also, I think it’s ironic that I’m wearing a Benefit “They’re Real” shirt in these pictures.  Oh, the irony!  Anyway, give this combo a try the next time you’re at Ulta or Sephora.  Or skip the wait and go to tartecosmetics.com!  You won’t be disappointed.

Stay weird!

-Rachel