What Makeup Means to Me

Hello Makeup Community! For my first post I thought I would tell you a bit about me and what Makeup means to me. The name is Kristen Golightly, I'm in my mid-twenties and am currently searching for my career path with the hope that it will be in makeup and beauty. I have loved makeup since I was very young, where I learned not from my mother but my grandmother. You may find that odd but my mother was never very into makeup until I was older and I was the one showing her what she should buy. It was my grandmother, or Mimi as I call her, that taught me how to apply makeup, helped me pick out makeup, and encouraged my love. I use to love sitting watching her as she applied her makeup while i would rifle through her supply draw playing with all her different products. She taught me the basics while my best friend later on in life taught me about color and different techniques.

I remember discovering Sephora for the first time, when my best friend K took me. When I walked in, I remember thinking I had walked into heaven and I have been hooked ever since. My first major Makeup purchase was the Urban Decay Deluxe palette; it was what started the whole addiction and passion that I have now. I became hooked on Sephora, especially Urban Decay products, choosing makeup over more practical purchases many times. K taught me how to play with color what different brands in Sephora had the best products and how to use each one. Little did she know that when she introduced me to Sephora all those years ago she was creating a makeup addict that would surpass her. Instead of having to reign her in for spending too much on products, she has to reign me in and remind me that I should put my money to more practical uses like savings and bills and what not.

 I thought Sephora was the end all be all of the Makeup scene until I discovered indie makeup companies. I realized I had been narrowing myself by just shopping at Sephora and missing out on all these other amazing products. I am hooked on trying as many different makeup companies as I can because I love the whole premise behind indie makeup. Most of the indie companies have amazing products you can't find else where and amazing personal customer service. The Facebook makeup company has introduced me to so many new companies in just a few short months. I just wish I had enough money that I could buy from all of them to try them all, but I limit myself to trying 1 to 2 new makeup companies month. A few of my current favorites are Pop Rox Cosmetics, Rag Dolls Beauty Cosmetics, and Carina Dolci Cosmetics. I also have to thank Facebook MUA's and other bloggers for reminding me about drugstore brands. I had become so obsessed by Sephora that I no longer bought "cheap" brands. the Makeup community reviews reminded me that certain budget brands have equal or better products than some higher end brands. I have fallen in love with NYX, which is quite dangerous since there is an Ulta only five minutes from my house. Whenever I need a little pick me up I stop my Ulta, which is a dangerous little habit for my poor wallet.

All of this new discovery of makeup has opened my eyes to the power of makeup. It is more than just making your face pretty; it is n art form and form of self-expression, Makeup has the power to channel emotions and show them through the look of the face. Helping to enhance a person's beauty is only part of what makeup does. For me, makeup is an outlet for all my pent up emotions and dislike of myself. It is a way  I boost my self confidence while creating art that is from my imagination. I am just a beginner and have many skills and techniques to still learn and perfect, but makeup gives me a drive to continue learning and perfect a talent. I use makeup as a way to express my feelings of the day. If I'm happy I'll do a bright and colorful look; if i want a barrier between me and the world I go for a darker look featuring black; if I'm sad I'll do no makeup or a minimal look, and so on. Makeup is a way for me to create art  while expressing my emotions.


Makeup goes beyond art and emotions, it's a way to connect with others and connect with other interests. I have discovered a whole community that I never would have without makeup. Facebook has this whole network of people that love makeup as much as I do, which creates an opportunity to share and learn from each other. I am so happy I discovered this online community because the MUAs I follow all support a similar message of no tolerance of rude comments or bullying. They all encourage each other to create and develop their skills. No matter the level of talent they always offer positive and constructive criticism. Becoming a part of this community has helped me gain self confidence and feel a part of something. Not only does makeup allow me to connect with others but it allows me to connect my other interests. I am able to write about makeup, which I love writing. I am able to craft by mixing products or creating jewelry and outfits around looks. Makeup inspires me to work on my other crafts to create cohesive looks that I have created all myself. It's amazing how makeup lets me incorporate many of my different interests while connecting me with new people.

With these new connections and inspiration I hope to better develop my talent by taking classes and becoming a pro MUA and a certified esthetician. Each day I try to teach myself a new skill and try a new technique inspired by one of the various MUAs I look up to. So many of them have great blogs and tips and are open to any questions you may have. I'm learning everyday and I'm hoping my skills are growing. Since I've discovered indie cosmetics I would love to become a promoter for one, which I think will help me develop my skills and build connections in the industry. My goal is to get a job at ULTA or Sephora so I can start learning in a store and work my way up through the company. My goal is to one day launch my own makeup and accessory brand and open my own boutique that would carry indie makeup companies and accessories.

With this Blog I hope to be able to help my career and my writing skills, while helping me make more connections with the makeup community. I'm just starting out so I thought a blog would be a great way to reach out to others and document my progress. I also feel I can offer a unique perspective to the community by being a beginner and a writer. Not only do I plan to post reviews of products, looks, updates on new techniques I've learned and the other makeup blog topics but I also would like to take my looks and looks from others and write poetry or short stories based off the look. Makeup is just another form of art, which has always been inspiration for writing. If you can look at a painting and create a poem or story why shouldn't you be able to do the same from the art on someone's face.

I hope you'll join me as I start this journey in to the makeup community as I continue to grow and learn. I'm always open to advice and constructive criticism  but note that ABSOLUTELY NO BULLYING OR RUDENESS WILL BE TOLERATED! I want this to be a safe space where everyone of all levels can come and share their looks, advice, art and whatever else they want to share. I can't wait to share with you my looks and writing and give you product reviews. If there is ever something you want to see or you want reviewed just let me know! I'm hoping to make new friends and build contacts so don't be afraid to reach out to me! I'm excited to start sharing and I hope you'll share this blog with others! Thank you for reading and I hope you'll follow me!