Put your face on

Until last week, I could probably count on one hand how many times I’ve worn make-up this year.

I went to a wedding in April (that’s a make-up occasion), and a Christening in May, and (scratches head …..), oh yes, I got a Commendation from a Chief Constable in April (hmmm, why is it that I only make the effort when the event involves a church and/or authority???)

It’s not that I don’t think make-up has it’s benefits, because I know it can hide a multitude of sins and if you know how to do it right, it can make your best features even better. The problem is that I’m just not very good at it. I even went to a make-up class a few years ago to learn how to apply make-up. Unfortunately my smokey eye looked more like punched in the eye when I tried to apply the techniques at home.

So when I met with Julia for my next love coaching session we talked about self-image.

You can probably tell already that I’m a bit of a no-fuss, bare bones type of gal. (I was going to write lady – but I haven’t done the femininity session yet!) Maybe it’s my Australian roots but I generally don’t beat around the bush. I’m not a game player. What you see is what you get. But with baby steps Julia has challenged me to begin wearing make-up every day.

I am not permitted to leave the house without “my face on” – with the exception of the gym (because let’s face it that really would be pointless!).

So I blew the dust off my make-up bag, discovered this amazing all-in-one stick that I’d forgotten about that you can use on your lips, cheeks and eyes and with a bit of mascara – viola! Nailed the challenge.

But true to form – nothing is ever that simple. That was step one. It would seem that me and the multi-stick will be having a very brief encounter (although I feel it will always be my reliable, faithful, friend).

I was then tasked with getting lips with colour, something that makes me feel more feminine (ooh! I’m heading towards the femininity session). So with that, I went in search of an expert, because let’s face it, I’m a bit rubbish at this stuff. So in a shop named after a rapper famous for a song called “every little step you take” I found my comfort zone.

Jess the make-up artist was lovely. She worked me out quite quickly, did a bit of basic razzle, dazzle on my face and didn’t overly complicate things by using 10 different brushes to apply it. Like Bobbi Brown, she explained I needed to learn in small steps. So I’m going back next week for a free make-over where she’s going to teach me some more tricks of the trade. I even now have an official “face record” so I can remember how to apply things. (Who knew these things existed??)

So I left with my “new face on” and the recollection of a quote from Julia – “the better you look, the better you’ll feel about yourself.”

So far, so good.