FAKE IT 'TIL YOU MAKE IT
Jennifer Mejia
Social media can be a deceiving place. With photoshop, filters, and professional photographers and stylists for many bloggers, the rest of us can start to feel like old hags. Unfortunately, we don’t walk around in real life with the assistance of a filter. (Sometimes I need a filter for my mouth, but that’s a different story!) My 7-year-old son has a t-shirt that says, “Woke Up Like This.” Judging by the way I look when I wake up in the morning, I know why they only make that shirt in children’s sizes. So how do you show up looking beautiful to the world if you didn’t wake up like that? I have a saying that I love. “Fake it ‘til you make it!” That goes for a lot of things in life, not just how we appear on the outside to the world. But for this post, we’re going to focus on beauty that is only skin deep.
The photo above was taken indoor with flattering natural light. But it wasn’t photoshopped, no filter was applied, and it was taken after my makeup had been on for over two hours—a morning that included a taxi ride and a drive to New Jersey from NYC. I assure you that I looked NOTHING like this when I woke up. But I’m sharing my morning’s schedule so that you understand how good this stuff really is.
I have a few tried and true favorites that enhance my appearance when it doesn’t come naturally. So I thought I’d share them because we could all use a little help from an honest friend sometimes. So this is my confession that I don’t always look the way I look in my social media photos.
Let me start by saying that a glowing complexion begins with a healthy diet and proper skincare. But for purposes of this post, I’m going to assume you do that and start with the surface.
Let’s begin with the hair. Why? Because if you’re having a bad hair day, your entire day is in the shitter. Excuse my language, but isn’t that how we all genuinely feel? If you’re like me, you have gray hair to cover. I try to get to the salon every 8 weeks, but sometimes life just gets in the way. So when those wiry little suckers start to make an appearance, I use L’Oreal Magic Root Cover Up. You can purchase it at any drug store, Target and even on Amazon, and at under $10 per spray can, it’s the best deal in town when you can’t get to the salon. It’s available in seven different shades to get a fairly close match.
I have a confession…if you haven’t noticed in my photos. I have really awful hair. It’s baby fine and quite straight and limp. So getting body can be tough. But I have a secret weapon. Velcro rollers! I use a set that is 1.5 inches in diameter and about 2.25 inches long, similar to these so I don’t have curls, rather just lift at the roots and waves at the ends instead of being straight. Ideally, you would roll your hair when it is just dry (don’t overdo it). (When I have day old dirty hair, I roll it dry. I’ll get to that in a moment.) Blow your hair out with a round brush first, using whatever root spray or styling product you like. Then roll sections in the rollers and allow the hair to set while you apply your makeup and prepare your outfit. When you remove the rollers, you’ll have volume at the roots and waves. If you’d like to use a large barrel curling iron for more curls, you may add that step. I don’t use the curling iron around my face because I want more of a sweep instead of curls, and the rollers give you that. When my hair is dirty, I typically use three rollers: 1) my bangs, and 2 & 3) on the the sides on the hair closest to my face. I’ll apply heat from the hair dryer for about 10 seconds to each roller, and then I continue with my makeup and clothing. Then I typically pull the rest of my hair back into a low bun.
Beauty Counter Countertime Soft Cream
A few weeks ago, a follower of mine commented on my glowing skin in a photo where the dress was supposed to be the main attraction. Glowing skin is tough once the weather turns colder in NYC. I’m at the playground a lot. So there are a few musts to fake glowing skin on days when it’s dry. Always moisturize. I’ve been using Beauty Counter Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream, and I’ve been very happy. It’s light and doesn’t feel heavy on my skin, yet it sufficiently moisturizes and provides a dewy glow.
Dr. Brandt Pores No More Primer
This next step may seem counterintuitive since I just mentioned dewiness and glow. But nothing ruins a silky smooth complexion more than large pores. So my next step is to apply Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer. It gives my skin a flawless look and a sort of silky/powdery feel without stripping or overly mattifying it. And I feel like the silky/powdery texture helps my foundation to glide on more smoothly and more evenly.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Josie Maran Argan Enlightenment Illuminator
Now pay close attention to this part because I think this is what makes the biggest difference. For foundation, I combine two products: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation and Josie Maran Argan Enlightement Illuminator. Although I don’t measure, the ratio is probably 2/3 Armani and 1/3 Josie Maran. I drop both onto the back of my hand, mix together well, and then apply to my face. I use my fingers because I’m able to blend it better without losing half of it onto a sponge or brush. On days when I feel I need more coverage, I use It Cosmetics CC Cream instead of the Armani foundation.
Kieh'l’s Youth Dose Eye Treatment
Diorskin Forever Undercover Concealer
If there is one thing that makes you look tired, ragged, and strung out, it’s dark circles. So to combat these, I also use two products. Kiehl’s Youth Dose Eye Treatment is skincare and makeup in one. It’s an eye treatment but is also slightly tinted, helping to alleviate dark circles and brighten. For concealer, I use Diorskin Forever Undercover Concealer, primarily because of the texture. It’s creamy with just the right amount of moisture, and it doesn’t settle into the fine lines under my eyes. In addition to just under my eyes, I apply it to the inside corners for additional brightening and onto my eyelids where it acts as a primer for my shadow.
Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder
To set the concealer and for additional brightening, I lightly sweep on Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder (Translucent/Natural Finish) using a small brush (you can even use the concealer brush coming up next). It also helps to create a dry “palette” for eyeliner pencil under my lower lashes. And I sweep it again after applying the eyeliner to set it.
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage
If there is one beauty product that I can’t live without, it’s Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage. Like foundation, you find the shade best for your skin tone. I use a concealer brush to apply. You first apply the lighter shade over the spot you wish to conceal, and then apply the darker shade over to blend it all into your skin. It’s truly amazing, as I have a lot of age spots to hide.
For shadow, I love Urban Decay’s Naked3 Palette. I probably need to do a makeup tutorial, but until then, the message is that I use these nudes to create a no-makeup makeup look, brighten my eyes, and give dimension.
Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara
Mascara! If there is one thing that can help you fake that you’re awake, it’s mascara. I use Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara in Black. It REALLY volumizes and lengthens. I will be honest and say that I feel like it gets dry in the tube faster than other mascaras, but I put up with that because even dry, it still does a great job. It doesn’t flake or smudge. It is not waterproof but holds up pretty well with tears and/or time.
St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse
St. Tropez Tanning Mit
If you’re feeling a little pale and pasty after Summer, a self-tanner is a great idea to give your entire body a glow. I have used the St. Tropez brand for years, and I’ve remained loyal because it creates a natural tan, never yellow or orange. Always exfoliate the day before you plan to self-tan to ensure even application. And with the St. Tropez Mousse, you MUST use a mit or your hands will be stained. Trust me. After using, wash the mit with mild soap and water and allow to air dry after.
For my last tip, I’m going to get personal, but it’s for a good cause. I was not blessed in the chest. So there are many days when I stick on “chicken cutlets,” as one of my friends and former colleagues used to call them. It’s a silicone adhesive bra. The one I presently use is from Ricky’s NYC, which is now closed, but these appear to be very similar. They are wonderful because they stick on and can replace a bra if you have a blouse/shirt that would otherwise show its straps. And best of all, it can be used several times. Simply wash it with warm water and mild soap after wear and allow to air dry. The adhesive will be fine. Store them in the package to maximize the lifespan and preserve the shape.
And finally, a good pair of heels always does the trick. They make you look and feel thinner and give your legs more shape. Try the Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 100 or 85 for style, sexiness, and comfort. If you order, use code BAJENNIFER50 at checkout for $50 off your first order.
SHOP THE POST
So now that you know all of my secrets, will you look at me differently? Are you disappointed that I don’t wake up like this? Well, I’m 45, so that would be next to impossible. We all need help looking our best, so I’m happy to dish with my friends.
xoxo,
Jennifer