I remember the first pimple I got when I was in the 7th grade. There were several miniature pimples that popped up all over my forehead, but I didn't really notice them. However, I remember borrowing my mom's foundation to cover several pimples due to photo shoots and cello performances. Even though the foundation would rub off easily because I would be constantly sweating, I still used it. In middle school, I wasn't too bothered by the pimples but rather the dark spots they would leave on my face because my skin was already so pale and sensitive. Five years later, my skin is unable to go back the the soft and smooth consistency it had been when I was in the sixth grade. As of now, I can't leave the house without putting the "paint" on my "canvas" and I am patiently waiting to outgrow this hormonal stage.
The worst came when I started high school. At first my skin seemed normal; I would get the occasional pimple on my cheek and I still had smaller pimples on my forehead but everything changed around February of 2012. Suddenly, I had pimples all over my face and my skin was constantly oily. Pools of oil surrounded my nose and my forehead was always shiny. I was confused and embarrassed so I even saved up to buy Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer to ensure that my face was flawless. However, my skin was oily that the foundation would easily rub off and shift all over my face. Step by step, I started using heavier foundations in order to really compress the oil from emerging from my face, and, by May of 2012, I was starting to use concealers as foundations. Yes, my acne was scary and gross. They sprouted out of my face like flowers in the springtime and I couldn't stop picking at them. I would scrub with towels, apply toothpaste all over my face, and read through hundreds of home remedies in order to "get rid" of my acne. I have tried almost every topical medication from salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retin A, tretinoin, clindamycin, to differin. This resulted in thousands of dollars including regular visits to several dermatologists in order to cure my acne. Even though I honestly don't know if these medications were effective, I was afraid to stop using them because I was afraid of the acne "purge" that would result if stopped.
Yes, I have used over 20 bottles of the Maybelline 24 Hour Concealer; gone through 6 bottles of the Makeup Forever HD Foundation in three years; and spent every passing period trying to cover each and every blemish that would stand out on my face. There have been times where I was unable to look a person in the eye because I didn't want to catch them looking at the blemishes all over my face. However, I tried so many different methods of applying makeup from brushes, to sponges, to waiting for my moisturizer to settle before applying foundation, and waiting for the exact amount of minutes before applying concealer. I wouldn't call myself I professional but I have watched over a thousand different makeup tutorials on youtube and learned so many different ways of applying makeup. I learned about all the different types of eyeshadow from roll on to cream; different types of foundation from liquid to airbrush to powder; different types of powder from translucent to mineral; different types of mascara from waterproof formulas to vibrating wands; different types of makeup brushes from flat top to kabuki to angled.
I learned to love makeup, and, as time passed, I had fewer blemishes so I gained confidence because I didn't have to apply as much foundation to my face and enhance my features using eyeshadows and mascaras. I would have to say, the best part of my day would be applying makeup. I feel so free and beautiful with even the smallest bit of makeup. All girls out there can make the best out of their imperfections. Don't be afraid to live for now and embrace the life you live.
All the love,
Val
