Me, last night.
Well…more like me yesterday afternoon at approximately 5 p.m., give or take, because that’s when people in Toddler Town have dinner.?♀️ And while other people in the restaurant were enjoying their sushi dressed like actual adults, I was sporting my (Connor’s) stethoscope and pink sprinkle doughnut glasses, but I digress…
It being Caturday and all, I hope you’re relaxing right meow. If you feel so inclined, here’s some light reading for you…
-
When I was a child, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which was on the air from 1968 to 2001, was one of my favorite shows, and there’s a new documentary out about Mr. Rogers’ life called Won’t You Be My Neighbor, with fun factoids like…until her death, his mom knitted all of his zip-up sweaters. Also, Mr. Rogers had a thing for the number 143, and he maintained a weight of exactly 143 pounds throughout the last 30 years of his life.
-
This article was an eye-opener: It discusses the consequences of farming (like deforestation and water pollution) and sourcing some of the ingredients that are commonly used in beauty products. According to the article, child labor is often used to farm and process cocoa, mica and shea butter.
-
My favorite read this week was this piece about how one young woman used to think her mother’s devotion to outward beauty was oppressive, but the woman changed her mind when she reached adulthood. From the article…
“In South Korea’s ultra-competitive, image-obsessed society, beauty was a physical marker of one’s commitment to success. Beauty was a weapon that could be deployed to fight patriarchy, a source of power for getting ahead despite patriarchal constraints that limited options for women. As the head nurse of an operating room in South Korea, my mother went from having nothing to living her best life. She commissioned custom-designed outfits for her curvy figure, ensuring she always looked impeccable. For my mother, beauty meant empowerment and independence. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1976 and losing her career and independence, beauty was one thing my mother could maintain. No matter how hard things became, she got out of bed every morning and performed her beauty regimen with precision and allegiance.”
-
I would LOVE to see this exhibit at the V&A Museum in London called Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up, just to see her makeup. She wore Revlon, Coty and Talika!
If you go, you’ll be able to see her bright pink Revlon blush, her favorite lipstick (called “Everything’s Rosy”), and a nail polish in “Raven Red.”
-
British makeup brand Jecca is new to me, but I’ll be on the lookout for it, and apparently it’s on L’Oreal’s radar, too.
It was started in 2015 by makeup artist Jessica Blacke, who began offering makeover sessions to the transgender women in her hometown of Cardiff, Wales, after hearing some of her clients talk about how they felt overlooked by the big beauty brands. In response, she launched her own online store with products that cater to specific needs, like covering “beard shadow,” which is when facial hair growth is visible under the skin.
Thanks for the ear worm, Jennifer!
How to wear one foundation three different ways
So, who’s gonna bake these with me?!
I’m #sorrynotsorry about posting that chocolate chip cookie recipe, by the way, because it would be absolutely wrong of me to have to make it alone. Be a friend and bake a batch with me. 🙂 Please? COME ON!
In other news, today’s my and El Hub’s 12th (!) anniversary, so we’re heading to the East Bay to have lunch and catch a movie. Whatever you’re up to, have a spectacular rest of your day and a wonderful weekend. Talk to you soon.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Independence Day! 
