
People-watching is a secret hobby of mine, and I know I’m not alone. We’re all weird af. I’m super curious about everything, and humans are the most interesting things in this world. One commonality I noticed in my people-watching excursions is that introverted or shy people usually use their outward appearance as a way to express themselves. They experiment more with beauty and fashion in ways that are seemingly opposite of their personalities. I think it’s their way to communicate who they are with the world without having to say much. This led me to realize that although I’m not an introvert, I do use makeup to express myself and my moods. I look forward to new makeup releases because they allow me to bring something new into my creative arsenal. And that’s how I convey and constantly reinvent my spirit to the world.

Creative expression isn’t a new concept, so I don’t know why this was such a revelation to me. But I think because my everyday look isn’t edgy or straight off the runway, I didn’t realize that it was still one of my forms of expression. But I do reinvent myself every time I try a new eyeshadow color, or a new lip combo. Not only do my makeup looks adapt to what I’m wearing, they also change with my moods and feelings. For example, when I’m feeling extra fabulous and happy I go for a glammed out makeup look. And when I’m in a somber mood, my makeup is a little more subdued. In essence makeup is an art, and art is an emotional expression of the imagination. So retail therapy for these new makeup products is a necessary self-care expense. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.
FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA CHEEKS OUT FREESTYLE CREAM BLUSH
The FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush is bold to the eye in its package, but gives your face a soft hint of color. It’s a lightweight, smooth cream blush, with a sheer finish that sinks into your skin giving you a fresh-faced look. And it’s water and sweat- resistant, so it stays put. Also, it comes in 10 colors that are all buildable and easily blended. And you know Fenty Beauty’s motto is inclusivity, so these are perfect for all skin tones. This blush is what you need for an everyday easy glow.
NARS LAGUNA BRONZER POWDER
This NARS Laguna Bronzer Powder is a hefty edition of the cult-classic bronzer shade. It’s packed beautifully with a wavy design and a glitter overspray for show. And if that’s not fancy enough, it has the signature Nars French Polynesian Monoï de Tahiti oil scent. This bronzer is a revered favorite because it’s made of finely milled powders that are packed with gold shimmer. The fine powders allow for a smooth application that blends well for an even and flawless complexion. And as any great bronzer should, it gives you beaming, natural-looking tanned skin. And to boot the summery glow lasts all day long.
COLOURPOP SHE’S GOT SOLSTICE EYESHADOW PALETTE
The COLOURPOP She’s Got Solstice Eyeshadow Palette is the perfect array of flattering metallics and mattes. The palette contains transitional shades of golds, pinks, corals, neutrals, greens, and browns with cosmic names. They’re pressed powder eyeshadow shades that give a soft focus effect. And archetypal of COLOURPOP, the eyeshadows are super pigmented and it’s affordable. Application is a breeze because the shadows have a silky smooth texture so they glide on easily. This eyeshadow palette is a no-brainer.
URBAN DECAY MOONDUST GLITTER LIQUID FACE AND BODY ILLUMINIZER
The URBAN DECAY Moondust Glitter Liquid Face and Body Illuminizer is everything in its name, giving you a head to toe sparkle. The body shimmer is flooded with duochrome glitters and pearlescent pigments for ultimate radiance. It comes in 4 shades, is lightweight, and the liquid dries instantly upon application. Put the shimmer on your legs, arms, and add a pop to your décolletage if you’re feeling fancy. Just glow, girl.
ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS LASH BRAG VOLUMIZING MASCARA
The ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Lash Brag Volumizing Mascara really gives you enviable lashes that you’ll want to boast about. The mascara comes in a creamy, pigmented jet black color, and has an hourglass-shaped wand to fully coat each individual eyelash. The result is strikingly intense and full volume lashes. Yet it’s lightweight and easily buildable so you can be as dramatic as you want to be. Additionally there are polymers in the formula that prevent clumping, and also conditioners to soften your eyelashes. But ok, that’s enough bragging.
It’s funny how people-watching helped me figure out something about myself. That irony is also now my excuse to keep doing it. Just like I’m going to continue to keep up with the latest new makeup releases, and indulge when I can. As long as I am learning more about myself and my creative expression, don’t judge my methods. Like I said earlier, we’re all weird af.