Girl, You Don't Need Makeup

Jul 16

One of the hardest things about finding your voice online and being true to yourself is exactly that. Being true to yourself. Our lives aren't filtered, they aren't rehearsed and they surely aren't forgiving to those ten little toes in your internet footprint because well, perception is everything. Running a business and using social media platforms means you have to be cool all the time - to some. It's not real.

For a couple months now there have been some awesome campaigns starring your favorite internet sensations posting selfies with no makeup, and then there was this parody featured in Elle with Amy Schumer. I've been dying to do it and contribute because most days, I wear none at all and when I do of COURSE you'll see more photos. But let's be honest, I don't have someone to do my makeup daily and with my schedule, I don't even have time to afford myself the luxury before most big events. Another great one is 30 Days No Makeup. They even have meet ups! What a great way to let women embrace their image of their own face and body without feeling they have to compare themselves to unrealistic expectations. And then, there are the celeb selfies with no makeup on like this. But have you seen this video?

[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyeTJVU4wVo&w=854&h=480]

So, I'm going for it. Blasting the no makeup face on the internet and showing the drastic made up face, too. Yes, I look completely different! What a great way to showcase the talents of one of my closest friends and superstars in business, Gaby Torell who doesn't wear daily makeup herself but is a pro when it comes to mastering the art of subtle (and drastic) transformations.

Here is my before and after photo, and my every day face with all its imperfections - melasma, sun spots and wrinkles I've earned. #girlyoudontneedmakeup

Note: It took an hour to achieve the look on the right

Now, here's a little about Gaby, the girl behind the magic. This look has never been achievable for me with my own two hands. It takes a pro.

How long have you been doing makeup?

11 years

What is your favorite look for the everyday girl?

Natural and dewy skin, bronzer, blush, with a couple coats of mascara and your favorite lipstick. Sometimes the less you wear the more you stand out.

Who are some of the celebrity clients you’ve worked with?

I feel like everyone I've worked with is a celebrity in their own way. I treat every client the same with one goal in mind and that is to enhance their beauty and make them feel even more beautiful. If you must know a few of my celeb clientele past or present include Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Leona Lewis and Keri Hilson.

What are your secret weapons as far as "must-haves" you’d like to share with readers?

My secret weapons are my brushes. Flawless application starts with clean and well kept brushes. Invest in soft brushes! A good moisturizer like Embryolisse which is very emollient and will allow foundation to glide on. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer is a staple in my kit and a matte bronzer like Guerlain Terracotta.

How do you balance mommyhood with being an independent, woman owned business?

It's very simple. I make my family a priority. If it means not taking a job, so be it. There's some things that are more important than work.

When I told Gaby I wanted to do this, it was mostly because as a mother of three girls I wanted to show how much it takes to achieve the look that people see. Let's make one thing clear, there's nothing wrong with makeup. But, it's just as okay NOT to wear it and we are just as beautiful without it: