I started doing my own makeup from the minute I was tall enough to reach my mom’s vanity. The very first product I ever used was an eyebrow pencil, and I somehow managed to cut my eyelid with it. Fortunately, I was willing to potentially go through that pain again and again because of how fascinated I was with makeup. Growing up as a child with an accent, I was shy about expressing myself verbally. Pop culture icons like drag queens and older Kpop idols inspired me to find ways to express myself with makeup. Below is a timeline of my makeup “eras” from middle school to the present. I will be summarizing my experience during each “era” and then giving specific advice to each “past me”.

• The Harsh Beginnings

  I wish I could say that I have no regrets about my makeup choices in the past, but there are many. I have naturally thick brows that I completely obliterated during my middle school years. I also hadn’t found a proper technique to apply eyeliner yet.

  If I could give this version of me any advice, it would be to stock up on gel eyeliner pots. The types of eyes I have require a type of liner that can withstand friction.

  

  

• Daily High School Makeup

  Yay! My eyebrows are back, but I really didn’t know how to do anything well except eyeliner and eyebrows at that point.

  My advice for this version of me would be to venture into other products with neutral tones. Maybe wear a few eyeshadow shades just to test the technique. The use of neutral colors is also more forgiving than brighter colors.

  

  

• Creations Out of Boredom

  Now, this is where the fun starts. I have the technique down and I am now experimenting with bright and unique color combinations.

  My advice for this version of me is to not take the process too seriously. I went into public with almost every one of my “experiments” and I would always feel insecure that my application didn’t look absolutely flawless. This took the fun out of the experience, and I regret not living in the moment more.

  

  

• Learning How to Polish

  At this point in time, my technique was quite solid. I knew how to conceptualize a look and how to execute it. The last part of the puzzle was polishing the final details.

  My advice for this version of me is to continue to broaden my idea of makeup. I was following trends and basically copying looks I had seen on pinterest or instagram. I think I would have appreciated my looks more if they were modified to fit my own tastes.

  

  

• Present Day Face

  All in all, I continue to love makeup as much as I have in the past. This is something that I love doing everyday. As someone who admittedly gets bored easily, it actually surprises me how much I have stuck with this hobby.

  My advice for current me is to continue the hobby. Makeup is something that I know I will never get tired of doing and I truly appreciated the confidence it has given me.

  

  

Finally, I want to give a piece of advice to anyone reading. Makeup is about trial and error. I have had friends and family ask me for “tips and tricks” on makeup, but that information can only help someone on the surface level. Everyone has different skin and different reactions to different products. My #1 tip for anyone wanting to start doing makeup is to trust the process. As time goes on, anybody will start to notice what techniques are right for their face shape and which products or colors enhance their skin tone. Of course, it is always important to remain positive and enjoy the experience.

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