As I Apply My War Paint...

Pardon my tan-tastically orange hands/ porcelain face combo. I do feel like a nob. 

Hello Girls.

I know the title sounds as alluring as that, however, I am not planning on writing an entire article about the pains of being a woman in society, I have dealt with the pangs of man-hate quite enough already and internalised those vicious ideas since I am all about gender equality. 

I thought I would revert to the softer tone of this blog, that being about beauty products and fashion. 

In hindsight, I feel that personally I have been objectified by men whether I have always been conscious of it or not, the female physique is a fascination motivating their diligence, nevertheless. Likewise, I am aware of the many women, struggling with this unfair development. With very little provocation, I have been subjected to the perversion of strange, unsolicited men in public, near my home and around the workplace. This has had an impact on my self-esteem. Not because the attention is undesired, but that it is paradoxical. It is on account of the fact that I have been attempting to improve my confidence, yet I behold the impression that my looks only entices the imaginations of unassuming men for one reason only. Just because I wear a lot of makeup and wear tight jeans is not an invitation for fornication. I barely reveal any skin when I am out and about, unless it is for an occasion, then I feel comfortable since in my mindset it is permissible. 

I am in no position to condemn the lifestyle choices of other women, it would be interesting if women began to "cat-call" men for their tight jeans and fitted shirts. After all, in this generation, we are gradually noticing the evolution of the status-quo; we are merging the genders in all lights, such as professions, family planning and of course, fashion. Therefore, it delights me to walk out the door every day, in faith that should I encounter rancid behaviour, I can either ignore the comments or play along with their hilariously irrelevant banter. Life is short, I say any form of admiration is a good experience, unless it is in a dark alley at night... Then you should run!

Furthermore, I do recommend this book I borrowed from the Women's Centre, Chaucer Street, Nottingham. To be honest, in my opinion, it took me a while to get into this book and it genuinely made me second guess my thoughts on feminism. After all, I have an athletic/boyish frame, and I am seeing more images of women with better curves, nicer chests etc. that break the mould of the typical catwalk super model. That makes me feel like both of these looks are unattainable for me. I know now, after tedious hours of soul-searching, that I can only ever be myself, and that is all I can ever be. This truth applies to all. Besides, I haven't seen any publicised photos that haven't been distorted in some manner, either by air-brushing, a filter or specialist lighting... Hell even I use flashes on my camera to disguise blemishes... who the fuck doesn't.

______________________________________________________

If you have read that you are one of the coolest people alive, or probably a very tolerant person of whimsical indie journalism.

Now we're done with the "hard stuff" we can talk in a different language.



______________________________________________________

I was intrigued by the contouring hype, so I thought I would dip my toes in with a very basic pallet, in addition to the purchase of some Miss Sporty. They had an offer on, buy 2 products and get a free clear mascara, that I use on my eyebrows. I needed a new liquid liner and I have to be careful what I put on my eyes due to allergies than can be potentially fatal. I use trusted brands.

The kit was from Collection and it was really inexpensive.

I bought this because it has an SPF and acts as a moisturiser also. I am quite fair skinned, so I needed to find a brand that provided the lightest shades in the store that was quite restricted since it was a smaller branch.

I needed a delicate blusher that didn't give me a face like I'd been slapped. I was recommended this brand - MUA.

The blusher is a very nice shade. Previously, I had been using a bronzer, but I gathered that it was too glittery and brown, and I looked worse for it. This has given me that English-Rose mode I have been searching for.

This is my all time favourite colour. It had been cast aside but I grabbed it and I fell in love with it. 01 Prohibition - Collection.

Another Collection lipstick. Equally moisturising and vibrant. "Mango Crush" is its name, but it seems more pink under certain lights, though it would pass as coral.

I bought this in the discount aisle. Don't forget to look in this space, because you can find otherwise, pricier labels for a whopping save, that aren't necessarily damaged.

John Freida Heat Protection Spray. An ideal leave-in conditioner for wet or dry hair.

I think this product is okay, probably equally as good as the infamous Tresemme equivalent.

I would endorse the investment of buying better eyelash curlers. I had some plastic ones for years and they were crap. These are cute.  Also, they are made in the UK. Support British industries, before it is too late. (haha)

Unbranded. Cancer Research (£4.50) It matches my hair, why not.

Impulse buy. American Apparel, it matches my hair. SNM.

Suede M&S Court/Chelsea mix. My all time preferred shoe. They go with nearly everything, they're ladylike, plus I can stand in these for ages without getting achy feet. £8 (cancer research)

This, yet another LBD, velvet with a scoop neck at the back, allows a modest amount of skin. With its long sleeves and skater shape, it is a classic design. It is suitable for most moods, places and people. Entrust in this, it is here to stay.

Fortunately, my current attire is on trend and that makes me feel fresh and reincarnated, and allows me freedom of expression. This is because the khaki green represents army colours, that is the war I fight daily in my journey to self-acceptance, in that I have fought a lot of battles with my heart and self-perception. (Heart being under the chest, and I already mentioned my chest earlier in the post, if you can remember)

The jeans are a unisex fashion. Like I referenced before, I like the idea of gender equality. I know women have been wearing 'pants' for about 50 years now. I like to feel my legs in denim, tights, leggings; as a woman I have that luxury (I am not suggesting that men can't, I just don't see many blokes wearing these items. Although I did see one groovy dude in black disco pants) My jeans are ripped at the knees, and apparently distressed denim is a thing. I like clothes that look a bit worn, because I feel like an old soul, so old bits of vintage and charity shop discoveries really embellish what I am about.