Prepping and priming

I have a love-hate relationship with make up. Most days, if I could, I would avoid wearing anything more than chapstick altogether. But I'm getting to that point in life when I look like two different people with or without make up, and in spite of my dislike I do actually have a pretty impressive collection and enjoy playing with colors or getting all dressed up for a night out. No matter what kind of mood I'm in though, I dread the first couple of steps of my routine. It's like the punishment before the reward of eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara.

First, the primer. You'd think moisturizing after you get out of the shower would be enough. Nope. The perfect foundation requires a silicon-based primer underneath in order to go on smoothly and stay on longer. And believe me - if it didn't I wouldn't waste my money or my time - it does make a difference. Next is the foundation, which I always have to wash my hands after I do because I hate the feel of any of that sh** left on my fingertips (yet I put it all over my face...?). Then comes the under-eye concealer, then the eyeshadow primer. Eyeshadow primer is a new thing for me, but again, it seriously does its job or I wouldn't bother. It's amazing how much better the color looks (and lasts) on top of a good primer.

There goes half my time. Creating the perfect palette. When I start to use lip primer we can all worry. It'll mean I've gotten too old for lip gloss and have started to wear lip liner and lipstick. Won't that be fun.