Some of you already know this, but over the past few years, my wife Kristin has been involved with community theater here in Indy (which necessarily means I’ve been to a lot of community theater shows, but I don’t mind in the least). On Saturday, we went to a gala celebrating the 60th anniversary season of the theater where she does the majority of her volunteering. The main appeal for me was, of course, an excuse to dress like Carrie Bradshaw. But the food, drinks, entertainment, and general merriment with all the friends we’ve made weren’t so bad either.
Speaking of all the friends I have thanks to Kristin’s work with the theater, one of them is the fabulous hair and makeup artist, Danny Klingler, who authored the new Idiot’s Guide: Everyday Makeup Secrets. Yeah, I know published authors. No big deal.
Danny gave me a complimentary copy of his book, which reminded me that even though I do a decent job at my makeup, I’m really just playing it safe and doing the same thing every day. Apparently it’s OK – and even encouraged – to actually use all the colors in those eye shadow palettes. What?! Who knew? (Answer: everyone at Revlon, Cover Girl, Maybelline…) I always worried that more colors would make me look overdone, especially since I’m so pale.
But on Saturday I decided to trust the professional and I followed the step-by-step instructions for eye shadow application in the Everyday Makeup Secrets book.
(I don’t usually do my makeup at my dressing room table, but I also don’t usually use a book while I’m getting ready.)
What I like about this book is that it’s for everyday makeup. Nothing crazy, just the basics, so I wasn’t afraid of messing up catastrophically. I think I could still use some practice, but my look turned out OK! I used a new Revlon set of grays and blues that would probably work well for a smoky eye, but I went a little more subtle because these were already much darker colors than I’m used to wearing. I toned down my usual bright lip to keep from looking clownish, and I like how it turned out! I always look awkward in up-close photos, so just trust me that it looked good in person. At least, I think it did.
I know my review is totally biased, but you should listen to it anyway. This book would make a great gift if you have a young daughter or niece who’s just starting to get interested in makeup. I wish I had had this book when I was 13. I had no clue what I was doing back then, and I only have a slight clue now. And even if you’re a grown woman, there’s no shame in finally learning what shape your face is (the book will teach you how to figure that out too)!
similar Skirt // Tank // Clutch // similar Shoes // similar Coat (on sale) // similar Earrings // Bracelet
Please note that I received a free copy of the Idiot’s Guide: Everyday Makeup Secrets to facilitate my review.
