Make-up.

I remember in high school, I was in the school play. Normally, I'd been on the Stag Crew, which I adored. But for various reasons, I was not on crew, but refused to leave the theatre entirely. So I was on stage.

I had to put on make-up. I'd never worn make-up before. Never.

Then I went to Rocky Horror, and Dave, who was a make-up artist, got me addicted. When I went to college. I still adored theatre. Obviously, as I became a theatre major. And then, I took a rarely offered class on make-up design, because I'd no idea how to wear it. The very first day, we all were instructed to put on base. Four of the women in the class dove right in. I stared at my make-up and looked confused. The man next me, Johnny B, was just as lost. The professor helped him, and then turned to me, shocked that I had no idea what I was doing. I always found it amusing. Sexism is everywhere, people, even at a women's college.

I've done some projects since then -- mostly Masquerades at conventions -- although I did get paid to do Halloween make-up for a local event and got paid for it. I was also the make-up specialist for The Body Shop in the local mall for a while.

I have a giant tacklebox full of make-up. Tackle boxes are generally cheaper than make-up boxes, and they're wormproof! Not that worms are likely to get into make-up, since you normally don't take a make-up kit fishing, but I digress.

My friend Hippygoth and I have considered starting a make-up business. I think it would be a lot of fun.

Philosophy

Street make-up is not about making yourself look pretty, look better, whatever. It's not about looking professional, either. Make-up can enhance, but you will never be beautiful just because you wear make-up. You will only be beautiful when you are secure in yourself. Make-up is not a mask, and you do yourself an injustice if you use it as such.

Theatre make-up, which is what I'm better at, all things considered, is about playing a role. It has a specific purpose, for a specific time. The problem is too many people seem to believe that they can use street make-up as if it is theatre and change themselves into someone else, someone better. It's a lie.

Links

• http://www.thebodyshop.com/
• http://www.spacadet.com/
• www.sephora.com
• http://www.emakemeup.com/links.html
• http://www.caresscents.com/
• http://www.jabberwocky.com/
• http://www.urbandecay.com/
• http://www.kevynaucoin.com/
• http://www.stagesupply.com/books.html

I will add more links as I get them. I know I have more stored somewhere on the computer.