I wear considerably less makeup than I did 10 years ago! During that season of my life, beauty blogging was my full-time gig, so I spent my days swatching, testing, taking pictures and pushing my makeup skills on the daily. It was no big deal for me to cruise around the ‘burbs casually with show girl lashes on a Tuesday (see pic above).
Back then I’d go all the way with all the things. For example, a “casual” look involving base consisted of primers (yup, plural), a couple layers of opaque foundation, concealers (at least two, always) and powder. The more complicated and involved the process was, the more I loved to do it.
I also remember my hair taking a long time back then, too. I spent a lot of time in the salon during what I affectionately call “my blonde era.” LOL!
Anywho, I still do modified versions of some of the looks that I wore then; take this pic from 10 years ago, for example. My liner these days is not nearly as intense, and I totally take shortcuts when it comes to the lid color by opting for an eyeliner worn as shadow. It has a kinda-sorta-similar vibe though.
Do you wear more or less makeup than you did 10 years ago? How has your style changed (or stayed the same)?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. It’s the last day of summer for my little bean. We’ve been taking advantage of this time by playing at the pool and eating popsicles!
Today’s a busy day for her, so I get to be her chauffeur.
First, I’m taking her to a meet-and-greet with her new teacher. After lunch, she has a hair appointment followed by a trip to the frozen yogurt shop. In the late afternoon, there’s a welcome party with her dance team.
I don’t feel as emotional as I did last year when she started kindergarten, but I definitely still feel an ache that marks the passing of time. She won’t be this small forever, ya know?
Jane says
I am definitely wearing less makeup than in previous years, especially in the summer. I have found that I have no need to wear a full face anymore and try to keep it simple.
So, talk about being emotional about going back to school, Zack is going back for his Senior year at Ithaca. To make it even more emotional, he is driving back by himself to his on-campus apartment. It’s about a 4 hour drive. I can’t believe how fast his college time has gone by, but I admit, it’s nice to know that we only have one more tuition payment left.
Be well.
Mandy says
Hello Karen! I understand completely with the emotional roller coaster that comes with being a parent. My son started 4th grade and my daughter is in the 3rd grade (school started on the 10th here). I am so happy to see them with their friends and thriving in school…but my heart still wants them small. It’s funny how you can’t wait to have them out of diapers and potty-trained…and then when it happens you are longing for them to be little again.
During the pandemic, I wore less make-up. A lot less. And now…I wear more than ever. I turn 40 (😜) next year and I am struggling with accepting the aging process. I know that it’s natural and a part of life…but I can’t quit trying to stop it or at least slow it down. I’m always wanting that “magic” product that makes me look younger.
I have changed how I wear my hair. I have embraced my waves/curls. I used to blow dry my hair every night and straighten it every morning. I have fairly thick long hair and the time I spent fighting the waves was ridiculous. Now, I rarely dry my hair and only straighten it occasionally. With work and the kiddos…I barely have time for it.
Love the photo with you & Connor….beautiful smiles ❤
Enjoy the last day of summer vacation!
Linda says
I wear way less makeup than I did 10 years ago. I worked through the Pandemic (I’m an RN) with an N-95, topped with a blue surgical mask, topped with a plastic face shield, and it just wasn’t very practical to wear makeup. I just wore mascara. Now I have retired, and wear only mascara, concealer, a little blush and a lip tint – plus it’s so very hot here in South Florida.
Vita says
Gorgeous then and gorgeous now!
Noemi says
More!
Brigid says
I wear a lot less makeup now. At 64 a full face just makes me look older, not younger. Most days it’s pretty basic – a sheer foundation applied with a sponge, a little GloPlay blush by Mac, a sheer eyeshadow that doubles as a highlighter for cheekbones, mascara and lightweight nude lip color.
Mary J says
Less. Now more seems too much! Unless it’s a formal “ish” special occasion!
Karen O says
Less has always been more. Big fan of your blog. Thank you! 🙂 You look more gorgeous and radiant than ever!
Sherry says
Karen, I absolutely love your hair in that pic from 2012!! Very flattering!!
Nikki Wogoman says
More and higher-end. I started shopping at Sephora about 4 years ago, and started getting birthday and Christmas gifts from Sephora around 7 years ago.
Pamela says
So going back to 2012. Did I wear more or less makeup that year? It depends on what part of that year. Prior to August 13 I wore more cosmetics and did more detailed eye shadow looks. After my first son was born on August 13, my makeup consumption went downhill dramatically. I remember taking him to his first checkup at one week and I wore NOTHING on my face. I was not myself! But since both my boys are in school and more independent, I can put a little more care into my makeup application.
By the way, Karen, I thought that picture from ten years ago was you today! You don’t age.
Tatiana says
I wear about the same amount as I did 10 years ago, which isn’t very much unless we’re going out somewhere special like dinner, the ballet, etc. I’ve collected a lot more which has only begun to bother me during the pandemic that I have sooo much stuff. I try getting rid of it, but I hate just throwing it out (who wants makeup that’s been tried?) and when I look at all the pretty colors, I want to keep it all.
I’m more attentive to reapplying sunscreen during the day than I used to be, which is ironic because I worked outdoors back then.
Since I’m a day late, Happy First Day of School to Connor! Wishing her an enthusiastic, energetic and kind teacher who ignites a love of learning in her and her classmates. Hope she has a great year in first grade!
Rachel says
Less makeup now! I used to wear lots of different colors of eyeshadow and lipstick and now I have a pretty basic “5 minute face”. I really need to go through my makeup and get rid of some of the crazy stuff I will never wear again but it’s kind of sentimental in a way!
I love your hair in that first pic!
Have fun in first grade Connor Claire!
Anne says
WAY less makeup! My eldest is 8 years now, and ever since I had kids I just had to get more efficient with my time, which means playing around with different layers of makeup and eyeshadow isn’t happening anymore. I do wear the same vibe though, just much simpler.
Elena says
Definitely much less!
In fact, nowadays it’s just a good/non greasy/non ghostly sunscreen.
And that’s it.
Hard to believe I wore a full face makeup even 5 years ago… But moving on a farm, the pandemic with the masks, working in the food prep environment where we have to wear a hair cover (there goes any possibility of styling…) made it virtually impossible.
And I’m ok with it. :}