A makeup blog can be skin deep, but Makeup Madeover is not….
Why The Makeup Blogger Is Now Makeup Madeover
The Makeup Blogger published its first blog post in 2008. A decade later, our world is a very different place. And while you can’t avoid change, you can actively choose to evolve—so I’m choosing to steer this long-loved site into a new direction, as Makeup Madeover.
The beauty conversation is becoming more robust, inclusive and progressive than ever. The election hack got me to reconnect with my feminist ideals and affection for the underdog. We are at a precarious moment challenging the status quo. Social norms and old beauty standards defined by the patriarchy that have kept women feeling lousy for too long can kiss off. As someone with a beauty platform, I am making conscious decisions (on the daily) to support organizations like Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, Time’s Up and Press for Change.
Makeup Madeover will curate a much needed fresh, inclusive conversation around beauty that gives voice to ALL women—particularly multicultural and women of color–through content that uplifts, inspires, educates and entertains with intelligence wit and wisdom.
What to Expect From Us
Makeup Madoever is a destination where beauty is dynamic — not defined — where makeup is for fun and self-expression — not fixing and perfection.
We love dishy topics — and we’ll post how-to’s and tips on makeup, hair and skin care. Need your makeup to last through a hot makeout sesh with your soulmate du jour? Cried after every single haircut until a hairstylist figured out your hair code? Yes and yes!
We’ll also cover cultural topics that relate to aspects of beauty in a way that’s conversational and real. For example: does it perturb you when your co-worker copycats your signature cobalt eyeliner look like it’s no biggie? Or do you post your “idyllic” European getaway on Instagram when it was actually more like Eat Pray Love?
We recognize that makeup and beauty can be perceived as contentious topics. (e.g. why is Alicia Keys getting trolled for not wearing makeup on the red carpet?) We will not shy away from that or pretend it’s above reproach and will continue the discussion in authentic way through lived experiences of real women.
Where Makeup Madeover Will Get Our Information From
Some of our expertise comes from industry professionals, but it also comes from our community, whether it’s our readers, friends or family (grandma knows best… most of the time). We recognize self-made beauty influencers, and we also value the professional skill sets and insights of career makeup artists and hair stylists. Ultimately, at the end of the day, no one is here to talk down to anyone. There are numerous ways to contour or minimize the appearance of acne—and solutions can come from all over, not only people with titles or licenses or huge social followings.
Roots and Representation Matter
My parents are Vietnamese immigrants. I grew up in a small town in Oregon with a modest minority population. The lack of Asians on TV and magazines limited my world view of what I could aspire to in order escape my homogenous suburban life. I didn’t relate to many kids in my community, which didn’t help matters. I didn’t know I could have a career in photography, fashion or film. There is no reason to feel like an invalid, like I did, when you’re Asian and don’t care to learn about bicuspids, derivatives or other snoozy subjects. Like other people of color, I felt invisible, voiceless and cut off.
Growing up in the 80s, I wanted to be like Madonna, Lisa Bonet or Alyssa Milano, who were infinitely way fucking cooler than any “model minority.” I rocked huge white lace bows in my hair and pink mesh gloves without fingertips.
Diversity matters. We must step (or click) outside of our own comfort zones to evolve. Otherwise, we atrophy and that’s a bad look—for anyone.
With a new purpose, Makeup Madeover is a fun and safe space for women to delve into the nuances of all of our beauty stories, especially for women of color who have been marginalized for too long. The stories that can improve our capacity for empathy most often come from those who have been silenced.
Why Me? I’m a Makeup Artist (but More Than That)
As a makeup artist for over a decade, I worked with all different types of clients—from brides to celebrities and socialites—and became a repository for their beauty confessions.
A common thread among them (and all of us) is that everyone has their “thing” about their facial features, real or imagined, which can cause feelings of inadequacy. It doesn’t matter if it’s someone’s perception because to them, it’s real. This preoccupation with insecurity can hold someone back in tangible ways, e.g. social and romantic isolation or even not pursuing a certain career path.
Do you know anyone like this? I do. And because I’m codependent, this quagmire is especially bothersome and I am compelled to help find an antidote.
I see how makeup’s magical powers can transform and empower a shrinking violet into an uplifted, fun person. Universally, we all want to be seen. There is a primal desire to be attractive and that is a magnificent thing, but women don’t own it enough. Raise your hand if you know a woman who has a difficult time receiving a compliment.
We Want To Hear From You
If you don’t have fun while contemplating hair goals and adversity, you’re hanging out with the wrong-ass crowd! We are a blast and geeking out over this content treasure trove. Join us, tell us your tales and we’ll bring them to the interwebs. Collectively, on our terms, the beauty convo will be Madeover.
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