Beyonce once told us we can wake up and be flawless, but is that really true? Can one actually be flawless? According to one source, it takes about $120,000 a year to “wake up like this” but can us regular townspeople be flawless too (for an affordable price)? Let’s find out.
I’ve already discussed the dirty lies people hashtag like #nofilter and #nomakeup when you clearly filtered the shit out of that photo and / or blurred out your entire face. But this isn’t about that, it’s about this whole wave of effortless beauty and style that looks like nothing yet there’s a lot behind it. For example, that source I told you about? Elle did a little research and if you take into consideration the fashion (that simple Celine sweater that costs roughly one month’s rent for a one bedroom apartment in NYC), beauty (super exotic facials that are just as expensive as they sound) and health (personal trainers don’t come cheap!) categories, it takes just under $120k to look like you’re not trying. Crazy, right?
And although I’m mostly discussing beauty here, this goes for the style department too. I’ve read quite a few stories about how Normcore is on its way out but just by seeing what people are currently wearing, it still seems to be very much in. Normcore (as well as Athleisure) is sort of the fashion way of saying I woke up like this.
In general, it’s now a thing to promote editorials and ad campaigns as “untouched” and “no makeup.” Now of course we have no real proof but things like this seem more real than most of the other fashion photos out there…
Bella Hadid poses with no makeup AND the photos are apparently untouched for CR Fashion Book.
Daria Werbowy appears to be makeup-free Celine Resort 2015.
A no makeup beauty look for Marc Jacobs Spring 2015.
So what I’m trying to say is yes there are things you can do to live a more effortless life, but sometimes it takes more effort to do so (more beauty products, hair appointments, trips to the dermatologist, etc.) So would you rather look effortless (which takes more) or live effortless (which takes less)? I’m down for any beauty products (specifically skincare) that will make it so I can wear the least amount of makeup possible, as I’m no expert at applying any sort of cosmetics. Like one time I applied top eyeliner successfully and you would’ve thought I won the lottery…that’s how exciting it was for me. Putting little effort into your hair is pretty easy, as long as you’re not crazy about coloring it all the time (as it can suffer from some crazy damage and in that case, it needs more attention). Personally, I just use some sort of serum (been on the David Mallett one for about a year now) and a texturing spray (I switch between Bumble & Bumble and Oribe). For face, I’m all about a tinted moisturizer or BB Cream (I included some of my favorites at the bottom of this post). Sunscreen is a must, as you have to protect that beautiful face of yours! So make sure it’s either in your moisturizer or you can buy a separate one. Clarins kills it in this category.
When it comes to this “flawless” look people speak of, it’s mostly about the skin, but I truly think it’s all about the eyes. Looking awake, without having to use eye makeup, is key. But we can’t all get 8 hours of sleep every night, and sometimes we don’t drink as much water as we should, so what else is there to do? I’ve been using eye cream for about ten years now, as dark circles are sort of a thing in my family, and I wouldn’t go another day without it. Although people use them for various reasons (decrease fine lines, reduce puffiness, etc.), if you’re going for the “awake effect” then get something with a brightening component. This will automatically make you appear more refreshed, and if you pair with a good concealer and powder, no one will ever know you got home at 5am and somehow got yourself to work by 9am (coffee helps…so does an eyelash curler).
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So if you prefer dewy skin to a smoky eye and undone hair as opposed to a fresh blow out, then it’s time you do a little shopping (which I made easy with my top picks below). And if you have any favorite beauty products that make your effortless look that much easier, share the wealth. Also be sure to let me know in the comments what kind of beauty and style you prefer — all done up or all done down? Perhaps somewhere in between? And would you ever spend $120k a year to look “flawless”?
Images via Fashion Gone Rogue & Pinterest
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