A woman that isn't afraid to be her authentic self, exudes confidence which makes her beautifully unique.
It is no wonder the beauty industry is such a dominant and growing market, when women from all over the world, regardless of age, color or race believe that makeup will make them feel more beautiful. However, what I have learned in my 10 years in the beauty industry, working as an Education Executive for both L’Oréal and Christian Dior, is that a woman’s real beauty resides inside of her, far more than it does on the outside.
The misconception for most women is that they need a panoply of different makeup products to make them look beautiful. This myth tends to make women shy away from makeup either because they can’t afford to buy so many products, or simply because they are overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. Therefore, it can sometimes refrain them from doing anything at all, which in turn can make them feel less confident in themselves.
Over my career, I have seen so many women come to a beauty counter at one of the major retail stores, get their makeup done by a makeup professional, be sold a dozen beauty products, to then go home and find themselves at a loss the next morning when faced with a myriad of products. Most women are not natural makeup artists, nor can they afford to have a personal one show up at their doorstep every day before taking on their day.
Here is the truth. Here is the undeniable secret.
Less is in fact more when it comes to makeup.
Coco Chanel said, “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”
A woman that isn't afraid to be her authentic self, exudes confidence which makes her beautifully unique. She does not need to know how to create a smokey eye. She does not need to know how to create a cat eye. And she does not need to have dozens of makeup products layered on her face. The simple act of adding just a couple of key products will empower her confidence and in turn bring out her most authentic beauty to life.
In my experience, the most important step to a makeup routine is to start with a face moisturizer. This step will properly prepare the “canvas” on which the palette of colors will then be applied to; much like a painter chooses the right “canvas” for his painting. A well hydrated skin is the basis to any color that will be added. This can be followed with a light touch of foundation and a blush, some mascara and a color to the lip. These simple 5 steps can make any woman shine. It is not the makeup that makes her light up, but the confidence she exudes when those products brighten her complexion. It is the woman herself that rises to the occasion and shines through, not the myriad of products she applies.
The magic comes from within and from being her true self.
When a woman finds an outfit she feels good in and adds a light makeup touch to her complexion, her confidence, determination and the drive to succeed is unparalleled. That woman is ready to take on the world!
About Larissa Sunquist:
Larissa Sunquist is an SFC volunteer. She has worked for L’Oreal and Christian Dior Beauty as an Education Executive for over 10 years. She has a passion for empowering women to feel more confident in themselves and elevating their skills to the next level. She is excited to join the SFC community as a professional development coach volunteer and hopes to help put a smile on clients' faces as they choose an outfit that elevates their confidence.
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