It has sometimes been said that a good makeup artist can "do miracles" of transformation in someone's looks. Many of us are much more aware of the possibilities of makeup now than we were before social media became ubiquitous, because makeup tutorial videos are all over the 'net, and the additional ubiquity of the "selfie" has made your average non-performing-artist woman a lot more aware of the way she looks on camera than was once the case. All of which seems to have given rise to a fashion for very heavy, glamourised, noticeable makeup, that seems, to me, reminiscent of old Hollywood. I see women on the subway every day, going to work wearing thick, precisely drawn eyeliner and false eyelashes. So much for the once-touted "natural look" (which was really never all that natural anyway.)
So, I've been on this train of thought about miracles and makeup. I wear more makeup, now, than I did a couple of years ago, too. But it's not because I'm some sheep-like fashionista. Nor is it because I now know how to take selfies (and frequently do so; it's fun.) It's because the professional makeup artists who have done my face for ballroom dance competitions have enabled me to see, for myself (on myself) the truly dramatic difference that is possible. And my partcipation in the ballroom world has given me something of that mind-set. I want to look something like a dancer even when I'm not competing. I don't go out in full ballroom competition makeup on a daily basis (I don't have that level of skill, even if I wanted to) but there are many days, now, when I wear eyeliner and eyebrow pencil, eye shadow; blush. Those extra touches used to be saved just for dress-up occasions. On ordinary work days, I would just have some foundation, lip gloss and a bit of mascara. So, now my makeup takes ten minutes instead of five. Not a big deal. But, sometimes, when you change your face, you can change your mind a bit, along with it.
The Natural Look
So...where does "Mister De Mille" come in? Well, I've been having this phrase in my head lately, whenever I feel impatient with the processes of my life (whether it's in my church job, my dancing or any other area where I would like things to get better faster.) I find myself thinking, "I'm ready for my miracle, Mister De Mille." It is, of course, inspired by the phrase, "ready for my close-up, Mister De Mille" (though I'm not sure that any of the old Hollywood actors ever said that.) It's sort of a prayer, despite the fact that I don't actually think God's name is Cecil B. De Mille (though there is historical evidence that De Mille, himself, might have thought so!) It's just a little shout-out to the "Director" of this movie that masquerades for my life, that I am ready for...whatever it is I'm ready for!
Ballroom Glam (with my pro partner, David)
So, in those days in between, when I am neither lounging around the apartment in "natural look" nor glamming it up on the ballroom competition floor, there is this slightly more made-up, "new normal," which I create for myself, not out of any compulsion to "fix" my facial flaws (though I certainly perceive some) but because I am transforming myself from the outside-in, as a way of preparing to be "ready for my miracle (Mister Demille)" - whatever that might consist of on any given day.
My "New Normal" slightly more obvious makeup
I learned about changing from the outside in, decades ago, in my first acting class. Our teacher would have us become the character in stages, while putting on the costume. I enjoyed the exercise and came to know the technique as one that really worked - perhaps even like something of a miracle...
Wishing all of youse the good miracles you most desire!
Francesca aka "Eva T"
