Some days, we all wear a mask. Sometimes it’s literal—foundation, concealer, a bright red lip, even a fake smile. Other times, it’s an emotional one. I’ve learned to stop judging and even envying others by their highlight reels. Every single person has issues we don’t always share out loud. For me lately, life just feels a wee bit HEAVY – the news, social media, my day job, family issues…it’s all gotten a little overwhelming. This is why I am thinking about Beauty for the Blues.
Now I know what you’re thinking, “Jennifer, you just took a fabulous trip to St. Maarten! You post pictures on your Instagram of your cute happy family. How could you even say something like this?? Your life doesn’t look heavy!” And you would be partly correct, I understand that.
But here’s the thing, even the “happiest-looking” people can be hiding a storm. And everyone’s storms are personal and valid – there shouldn’t be a competition amongst each other of whose struggles matter more.
Raising three teenagers is hard. Very hard, very tricky!! I remind myself and my three of this Dolly Parton quote whenever we as a family deal with personal struggles and disappointments lately: “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” I realize that I am blessed with the wonderful humans that are my kids and husband.
But I also know that when we have dealt with uncomfortable situations and life lessons, and made it out onto the other side, those hard times make me appreciate and love them more and more every day.
These smiling pics above are from our recent trip to Knoxville, TN, for my middle son’s baseball tournament. On this day, they had lost pretty badly – baseball is a humbling game! But we were glad to all be together, visiting a new city for us, despite the loss.
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That’s why I wanted to share something from the heart today: the beauty products I reach for when I’m just not feeling it. These aren’t just tools to “cover up”—they’re little acts of self-care that help me feel a little more me again when life feels heavy.
I know applying makeup can’t change the world, but for me personally, I give myself permission to use certain products I know can definitely lift my spirits. Here’s a look at some of my everyday products I will pull from a million times over because I trust them…
1. Complexion Products That Bring the Glow Back
My pick-me-ups: Maybelline Instant 4 in 1 Glow Perfector, $11, the name says it all. I’m in the shade “light medium.” // Natasha Denona HyGlam Concealer, $30, shade R2.
There are days when I feel totally dimmed inside, so I fake the glow. A few sweeps of this Maybelline product that’s been around for some time now, is the easiest way to prime, conceal, blur, and brighten my complexion. I just click up the product (kinda fun) and swipe all over, and blend in with my fave complexion brush. It makes me look, and slowly feel, more alive.
Then there’s nothing better than spot treating the hollows under my eyes and around my nose, with a few strokes of concealer to give my face an instant lift. Using this combo of the glow perfector and the ultimate BK Beauty concealer brush, $24, give the prettiest finish without the heavy feeling of traditional foundation.
2. A Fragrance That Feels Like a Hug
My scent of choice this summer: Sol De Janeiro Cheirosa 40 hair and body mist, $38.
Scent is deeply emotional, and a comforting perfume or fragrance can wrap you in a memory or a better moment. This specific scent exudes sultry, delicate, but also playful notes of vanilla, jasmine, and black amber plum.
Whenever I wear this, someone compliments me on it, which is also a huge mood lifter! Since it’s not one of my more expensive perfumes, I’ll even spray it in my hair before I head to the gym, because why not smell better while working out??
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3. An Eye Combo to Brighten Exhausted Eyes
Try this: Hourglass Voyeur waterproof eyeliner in shade “Chestnut,” $28. // Natasha Denona My Dream Palette on sale at Sephora now – $48, reg. $68) // Maybelline Sky High mascara, $9, in blackest black (but comes in many shade options)
When I’m feeling emotionally drained, it’s always gonna show up in my eyes. And this red-brown-plum shade in “Chestnut” is always a mood lifter for me because it’s such a rich and vibrant neutral that makes my brown eyes stand out and is also pretty on green/hazel eyes.
And if you ever see me without mascara on, you probably better run because I’m not in a good place!! Ha ha!! I need lashes to feel human. I started buying this Sky High after seeing my teenage daughter and all her friends using it! It does give the longest-looking lashes, and it’s affordable!
Grabbing a fun, luxe palette like any from Natasha Denona, with illuminating and intense shades, is also a true pick-me-up.
4. A Cheek Color Worthy Of Smiling About
This magic wand: Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand in “Pinkgasm,” $42.
I don’t look very happy when I’m missing blush. This combo liquid highlight and faint wamr-pink blush, gives a seriously radiant vibe, without having to work hard for it. I mean, with a shade name like it has, you know it’s gotta be a good time on the face – ha ha!
5. A Lipcolor That Says “I’m Still Here”
My go-to: Maybelline Lifter Gloss in “Heat, $10” – it’s slightly sheer, hydrating, and gives life back to tired lips.
When I’m feeling down, I always reach for a glossy happy lipcolor —usually a juicy berry like this one. There’s something about gliding on something shiny that just instantly lifts my mood, even if no one else sees it but me. If you’ve been wanting a fabulous everyday lip gloss shade that will go with anything you wear, like pink, green, brown, or purple, get “Heat” – you won’t regret it.
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6. A Luxurious Body Blur to Love The Skin I’m In
Currently obsessed with: Westmore Beauty Body Body Coverage perfector, $69. Shade “natural radiance.” // Xtra large body makeup brush for application, $10
Taking 5 minutes to slather my skin in something that magically transforms my blotchy skin into a smooth and luminous looking surface is actually a lot of fun to see. I know this stuff is pricey, but gosh, it works so well. I swipe it along my chest, and tops of my shoulders, and my veiny legs when they’re exposed.
If you struggle with splotchy skin, this is a definite confidence boosting product, and once it dries down, it does not budge!
Honorable Mention Beauty Bright Spots
You gals KNOW I love my Impress press-on nails, $9. This style, “fearless,” with its little white flower details, makes me smile. // A large hoop earring, $15, always makes me feel myself. The bigger the better. // Anything polka dot printed is a mood lifter. Similar black and white dot dresses from Gap here, $115, Shopbop here $199, and Target, $55.// My zodiac charm, $78, Aquarius, and clear choker necklace from Sequin have the perfect mix of gold and silver, so this combo always works with my outfits.
Here’s the beautiful thing about makeup and beauty rituals—they don’t have to be about hiding. They can be tiny acts of reclaiming yourself. Of saying, “I’m still worthy, even in this hard moment.”
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So if you’re reading this and feeling low, know you’re not alone. And if a swipe of mascara, a spritz of perfume, or a pop of lipstick helps you get through the day, that is not shallow. That is self-respect in action – it’s Beauty for the Blues.
Beauty doesn’t always fix what’s broken, but sometimes, it can help hold the pieces while you heal. Share with me what your go-to beauty pick-me-ups when you’re feeling low? I’d love to know.
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