Gulp.
Wait. That’s wrong. I mean… that can’t be right... can it? Let’s see, take 1975 from 2011… carry the one… ehem…. Yes, it seems to be correct.
My first thought (after completing the math…) was, “Oh. My. Ga. What will I wear? Do I have time to drop those nasty six …or sixteen pounds I have managed to accumulate over the past decade? Will anyone recognize me? Do I look older than I am?!”
Now, normally I would not say that I am a vain person, but the thought of facing 100 or so of my peers from a point in my life that can only be described as the dorky years makes me feel like I really need to pull out the big guns before facing this crowd of grown-up kids that potentially could look either amazing or appalling. Seriously, it makes the hair on my neck stand up.
It occurred to me that attending a class reunion is a rare opportunity to make a great first impression… for the second time. I am well aware that my genes weren’t swimming in the same pool as Ali McGraw’s, but I want to look (and feel) the very best that I can these days, with or without the help of the genetic makeup the good Lord gave me, and any and every tool man has created to enhance my appearance, within reason.
Thank God for COVERGIRL.
I may struggle to drink my gallon of H2O each day, and avoid that Jillian Michaels Shred DVD as much as I can, but makeup is a girl’s best friend in the fight to continue to look and feel attractive.
Case in point, my COVERGIRL LashPerfection™ Mascara. It never lets me down. My lashes look long, full, lush, and it doesn’t ever run. The simple fact is, that when we look our best, we feel better. Our confidence goes up six bars and our energy level soars.
It may sound funny, but after passing the half-century mark, a girl needs to feel attractive and confident while facing everyday life, especially when it includes milestone events like the 35th class reunion of the graduating class of 1975 from Silver Creek High.
While we’re on the subject of make-up and looking great, you might want to check out the “Looking Your Best” [ http://goo.gl/K1rSL ] posts in the Life Well Lived section of BlogHer.com. There are some great application tips and ideas for switching up your look for fall!
Want a chance to win a $50 gift card to drugstore.com? In the comments, tell me about a time when using makeup gave you the added confidence you needed for an important event in your life.
Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.The Official Rules are available here.Enter between October 4th – November 4th.
Posts
I know you'll knock em' dead at the reunion.
ReplyDeleteYou are not only cute as a button, your creativity alone could blow all the other women out of the water!
ReplyDeleteMy twenty fifth high school reunion, which was in 2003, was the first and only time I went to get a makeover. It was so much fun to see what a professional would do and I bought some of the products because I really liked the colors he chose for me. I really felt I looked my best that night and I. Had. A. Blast!!!
You will, too!
Girl, you're gonna knock their socks off!!
ReplyDeleteI've seen your photos, and you have NOTHING to worry about! Have a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteMascara is my absolutely must have makeup. If I was stranded on an island in the middle of nowhere, mascara would be of my must have list. Most important makeup day? My wedding!
ReplyDeleteJudy :)
I don't know if I've ever used makeup to add confidence (power from within ladies!), but I do love having long,dark sexy lashes to flash "the look" at my super cute hubs!
ReplyDeleteMascara is definitely something I never leave home without!!!
ReplyDeleteHow many folks noticed that right there was your pic from the year book, pretty sneeky! I think you are nervous for no real reason! Have a great time! Maybe I will try your brand of mascara, I am always looking for something that will make my lashes longer looking. Candy
ReplyDeleteThe yearbook photo was the first thing I noticed - because you look the same as you did in 1975!
ReplyDeleteAbandon your concern about preparing for the "second impression" and figure out how to sell whatever you've done/are doing to keep that fresh face! There's your goldmine lady ;)
Liquid foundation is the one make-up item I never go without. Event? Probably my wedding was the time I was extra careful with the make-up I wore. And that was 39 years ago!
ReplyDeleteOops! Forgot to give my email (no blog): mavinger@sc.rr.com
ReplyDeleteSharon
I'm not just greasing your wheels...you have nothing to worry about. You look great! I'm sure for better and worse life has gone on for them too.
ReplyDeleteOK, about the jean problem that was being discussed not long ago. I made the statement I gave up on jeans and stopped wearing them. Well today I actually found the perfect jeans....and cheap!! I wasn't even looking for jeans I was on the hunt for a lime green quilted jacket for the grey days that are coming our way and hang around for six months. Anyway it's Lee Jeans in classic relaxed style. I bought two pair!! Your might want to check that brand out. I figure what a spent on the pricey boots from Denmark I've made up for with the Lee jeans.
Best,
Kathy
Mine was probably my 31st class reunion about 3 years ago. I had been through breast cancer and my hair was short now (always had long blonde hair before that). Was a bit unsure of myself but decided to go anyway. I used all the make-up I could stand and it made me feel so much better, especially since I now had eyelashes again. A lot of people recognized me except for the sochy high class girls that had always ignored me in high school anyway. One of them even ran up to me and grabbed my lanyard which was hanging around my neck with my senior picture in it (they gave everyone these at the door) and said she knew that I was not Susan. That's all she said to me, not a hello, not a nice to see you or nothing. I just had to laugh, funny how some things never change. However, if they noticed me from across the room and were talking about me and wondering who I was, then my make-up had certainly done it's job. I left there feeling like a million bucks!!!
ReplyDeleteFor me, the makeup I had on for my wedding was like the icing on the cake. It gave me a more finished look, plus tons of confidence!
ReplyDeleteMy tenth high school reunion was great, while I was recognized, I did, like Jody above, notice the girls in the clique standing off at a distance and talking. A dear friend said she overheard what they were saying. Apparently they were amazed at my success and looks. Wow, that felt good! Since then I've seen no point in flying from CA to WI and will just leave them with the memories, Ha! Having blond eyelashes, I live for mascara and wouldn't be seen in public without it or color for my equally blond eyebrows. So make-up has been a dear friend and morale booster since high school days!
ReplyDeleteYou were quite obviously a real beauty in high school, just as you are now. You have nothing to worry about. I think all of us strive to look our best when we go to a reunion. You will look beautiful, polished, and happy--I'm sure of it!
ReplyDeleteMakeup gave me confidence when I was first dating my husband 16 years ago.
ReplyDeletemami2jcn at gmail dot com
My make-up always makes me feel like I can do more that day than without it. Case in point: I CAN go to the grocery store, I CAN pick up my kids without them dying of embarrassement ("Mom, where is your make-up?!?!?"), I CAN answer the door when someone knocks, I CAN run errands, I CAN head to my favorite thrift store, and I CAN look at my hubby without wondering what he's thinking when he's looking at me ("I could've done much better"!) My make-up is a Can-Do thing!!!
ReplyDeletePs: I think you look great, no worries!
If I wear nothing else on my face, I try to wear mascara. It makes me look awake and polished!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was dating I would always make sure I wore makeup as it gave me confidence especially when it was a first date
ReplyDeletes2s2 at comcast dot net
http://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/122089549353590784
ReplyDeletes2s2 at comcast dot net
I’m not a make up person and usually don’t wear any or have very light make ups on. When I attend my husband’s company dinner, I wanted to look my best for him and I put full make up on and I sure felt great and more confidence meeting his colleges for the first time. We both had a wonderful evening at the event.
ReplyDeleteamy [at] utry [dot] it
I can't think of a particular time make-up was the reason for great confidence, but I agree with you that when you look your best, you do feel better and more energy is the result. Thanks for the opportunity to win the gift card and I know you will certainly be a sensation at your reunion. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteI guess none of us gals would wear makeup if we didn't think it made us look better, right? Being a redhead with light colored eyebrows and eyelashes I like to add auburn pencil and mascara ... and with a reddish complexion I use a light foundation.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your reunion - don't worry about being judged because at around age 50 classmates are just happy to see each other and remember the good old days!
Just today, when my rosacea was acting up and my nose made me look like Rudolph-- you know, the red-nosed reindeer! Yikes, I needed make-up to have the confidence to go out the door! :)
ReplyDeleteTracey you are beautiful and I'm sure will be the envy of your classmates. I love make-up, it recently made me feel confident at our son's wedding. I love mascara, not only on my eyes but it's a great touch up for those grey roots showing up on my part before I can get them dyed. I brush it on the surface and use a kleenex to work it in my brown hair. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteJeni
I rarely wear makeup. I wear it for occasions like job interviewing when it can really boost my confidence!
ReplyDeletethanks also for a chance to win!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
As a very pale face, I never go out without a bit of blush and lipstick. My sister once told me the gals that came to one of her reunions all realized they were strong, they were not only survivors, but 'thrive-ors' in life. So are you Tracey, and a beautiful one at that.
ReplyDeleteElaine
Makeup gives me confidence every day!
ReplyDeletekatenicole1230ATaolDOTcom
Blogged! http://www.beautyblogish.com/2011/10/giveaways-galore.html
ReplyDeletekatenicole1230ATaolDOTcom
I graduated in '75 and our 35th was last year - in 2010.
ReplyDeleteI am glad I went, Facebook helped me feel comfortable around people I hadn't seen for 30+ years.
Laurie S.
Makeup gave me extra confidence in my wedding day!
ReplyDeletetcarolinep at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/123599387053146112
ReplyDeletemakeup gave me confidence on my last job interview scg00387 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/124299822638432256 scg00387 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteMakeup made me feel SO MUCH BETTER when I went to a job fair a few weeks back. It made me feel more alive :P
ReplyDeleteHave a great time at your reunion! Makeup is such an easy fix for an instant confidence booster. You look pulled together, awake, and more interested. Great for seeing old friends!
ReplyDeleteMmmm..... couldn't go a day without my Bare Escentuals.... How did I EVAH get along without it..... but I'm going to give that mascara a shot.. I've tried everything from the pricey brands to the not so pricey and still haven't settled on a favorite.
ReplyDeleteWell, since I can't remember a single day sans make-up since high school I guess the answer would be EVERY DAY. :-)
Warm blessings,
Spencer
Ps.... Have a glorious time at the reunion.
Anytime I want to feel better about my self is a good time to wear makeup... I really don't wear it much, but if I am lunching with a friend or going out for dinner with hubby I try to wear some. chefl@swbell.net
ReplyDeletewhenever I've had to speak in public, make-up gave me that extra boost
ReplyDeletebingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com
I don't often wear make-up anymore, but when I do I always feel more confident... hmmm, why don't I wear it more often?
ReplyDeleteadrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
My wedding!!
ReplyDeletemerleandtina@yahoo.com
http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/126133519985541120
ReplyDeletemerleandtina@yahoo.com
A little make-up gave me confidence when I was a 5' 9", 105 lb teenager and really aware of how skinny I was -- who knew I'd someday be missing those skinny days ... ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for this giveaway and the fun story (and comments) about your new life with Ralph. -amy
Always on the lookout for a fabulous mascara. Thanks for the giveaway chance!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip to try Cover Girl Lash Perfecton! I was using another drugstore brand, but have become, shall we say, bored with the same old same old and it was time for a new mascara anyway! Everyday is a good day to add just a touch of makeup, even if it is only lipline and lipstain and a touch of mascara just to make my no-see-um eye lashes a bit more noticeable. I feel better about me wiht just a hint of help!
ReplyDeleteTo feel confident I make sure to wear make up every day. I have a redhead's pale complexion so if I don't add color to my brows and eyelashes all you'd see is a ruddy face (which I cover with foundation). Thanks for the chance to win a gift card . . . enjoy your reunion!
ReplyDeleteI am one of those women that "need" makeup every day. Thanks for the great giveaway! I sure could use the $50 gift card!
ReplyDeleteMakeup gave me more confidence when I worked in an office.
ReplyDeletetweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com
Tweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/disneyfan40/status/126756387157053440
tweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com
I recently went to my high school reunion. I wanted to still feel like I was younger than I am and to enjoy myself.
ReplyDeletemsgb245 at gmail dot com
I think wearing makeup on an interview gives me extra confidence and a more professional look.
ReplyDeleteTweet: http://twitter.com/njhhb/statuses/128462819610984449
ReplyDeleteit made me feel pretty at my wedding
ReplyDeletesherricrawford70/at/yahoo/dot/com
Make up gave me confidence on my wedding day!
ReplyDeletemelduke26 at gmail dot com
Mascara is something I never leave home without
ReplyDeletebabitababita@hotmail.com
bloq the giveaway
ReplyDeletehttp://onenuttywife.blogspot.com/
babitababita@hotmail.com
Makeup gives me confidence when I sing in public.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest.
blogged: http://slehan.blogspot.com/2011/10/win-50-gc-to-drugstorecom-from-blogher.html
ReplyDeleteMake up definitely made me feel confident enough to make an amazing maid of honor speech for my best friend. :) I always thought I would grow out of my fear of talking to a big crowd, but nope same ol fear, but making sure my make up is just so and that I don't look half bad, sure helps :O)
ReplyDeletethanks for the opportunity! :)
abitnerdygirl at gmail dot com
Tweeteroo
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/abitnerdy/status/130299130768662528
abitnerdygirl at gmail dot com
Every day I have to put on some make-up! Without it, I feel naked - and not confident at all!
ReplyDeletenuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/KerryBishop/status/130365678833242112
ReplyDeletenuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
I always make sure to wear lipstick when going on a job interview. Gives me that extra oomph I need!
ReplyDeleteAmy @ A Little Nosh
i have a ffriend help mme apply mascara on the first day everywhere. i wish i was more graceful. speck135les at yahoo
ReplyDeleteI had my makeup professionally done for my wedding and it helped make my day brighter and, since I cried all the way down the isle, I am glad they used waterproof makeup! LOL I knew I would cry a lot during the wedding, so that was one less thing to worry about!
ReplyDeleteAngie
14earth at gmail dot com
I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/FotoMacro/status/131797685391994880
ReplyDeleteAngie
14earth at gmail dot com
You are going to be beautiful. Product seems amazing!
ReplyDeleteLzajac0417@aol.com
I don't use makeup much for confidence - it's more to dress things up when going out with my husband.
ReplyDeleteI wear makeup everyday and it always makes me feel polished, confident and pulled together.
ReplyDeletemybeachylife at gmail dot com
Got to say, in my much much younger days for sure.
ReplyDeletegmissycat at yAhoo dot com
Tweeted too
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/gmissycat/status/132434065705013248
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
After returning to the country from one year in Europe, I had to look for a job. I hadn't worn make up while overseas but I decided to put on my professional face and head with confidence into those job interviews. I was lucky enough to find a temporary placement that lead to a permanent job in my field.
ReplyDeleteswedenesefamily at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/guyanese_gal/status/132506020839833600
ReplyDeleteswedenesefamily at gmail dot com
Prom. It must have got me through the night because the next date were I wasn't wearing makeup, well, my date decided I really wasn't hot. Horrible, isn't it? Now I need it everyday of my life =(
ReplyDeletekytah00@yahoo.com
2nd entry tweet @ http://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/132509850151297024
ReplyDeletekytah00@yahoo.com
Makeup gave me confidence when I met my inlaws for the first time.
ReplyDeleterunningmatey at hotmail dot com