When I lived in the city (NY) I only went out for like a bagel or coffee without my usual minimum of makeface. Now in a Florida town in between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, though, it’s super easy to go out for the day, or even to dinner, with no makeup whatsoever.

Getting sussed up isn’t always logical, no. Running errands with no makeup, no biggie. But then you run into a client, the potential sperm donor for your babies, or someone you haven’t seen in years and you find yourself saying ‘I’m just out running around today! Just left the gym!” I’ve always set my standards pretty low, but seriously am going to try to take it up a notch from here on out.

Here’s my minimum of makeface checklist:

1. Under-eye circles or other major skin discolorations covered.  They’re the boldest display of a no makeup day and can make you look tired or depressed (even) when you’re not. A light concealer patted in should blend enough with your skin not to need it to be combined with foundation or powder or anything. Dab a lil of that concealer over any pinkness you may have around the nose area too. If it’s too thick, combine it with a little moisturizer.
2. Blush it up. A little rosey cheek goes a log way in making your face.
3. Chapstick or gloss. Rough lips seem… unhealthy. And no judging here, I’m an avid lip-biter myself who, in a weird nervous habit rivalry, could tango with any hardcore nail biter or hair twirler and quite possibly win.
4. Mascara. This one is optional based on your needs. The youngins’ don’t really need it as much as the more ‘sophisticated’ ladies whose eyes might be getting a little lost.

That’s it. That’s the minimum of makeface to keep you classy in the event of an incidental run-in. So easy, you really can’t not.

For another version of kind of the same thing, check out my previous post Making Face: How To Fake A Face.

This guy clearly doesn’t feel a need for a minimum of anything, including body hair. To each their own…

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