Last weekend I put on my Nike sneakers and sunblock to enjoy and to battle the Mississippi State Fair with my great-niece. It was hot!
Corn dogs with extra mustard, funnel cakes with powdered sugar, and even a chicken-on-a-stick flavored the day for our group as that little 4-year-old squeezed my hand tightly, my heart even tighter. It wasn’t until we climbed onto the Crazy Mouse rollercoaster that I was scared into a stupor. Up, down, around and fast we flew high above the fairgrounds with her arms waving in the air and my eyes shut. I think I aged 10 years on that kiddy ride.
Honestly, though, it was as I walked around stuffing cotton candy in my mouth that I began to notice the women around me and the things that age a person all too soon. One thing that adds years to the face is wearing too much makeup. Less is often more, ladies, when it comes to your favorite ivory beige foundation, colorful smoky eye and matchy-matchy lip liner. My suggestion is to pick one feature to accent — the eyes, cheeks or lips — and remember if everything is highlighted, nothing stands out.
Another makeup mistake I saw while people-watching at the fair and waving to Arley as she circled above on the Bumble Bee ride with her mom — not blending the makeup well. The magic of makeup is when it appears natural and effortless, so don’t age yourself with harsh lines. Keep an extra set of clean makeup brushes nearby when painting on that cheek color or contouring your eyelids, and blur the lines for a flawless application every time. Also, I love to swirl a light bronzer over the face for a finish that is simple and marvelous.
Somewhere near the petting zoo and ice cream stand, we walked past the guy who was trying to guess our weight and age, but you can stump him by not doing the following: Steer clear of under-eye concealer that is too light. Invest in good mascara that does not clump. Stop over plucking the brows, and always reapply your lip color after that candied apple.
Aside from being scared to death on the Crazy Mouse, it was truly an exciting day at the fair. Arley walked away with a giant pink and purple raccoon that her uncle won for her at the balloon dart game, so life was good.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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