And so it began...

Once upon a time…
On a dark and stormy night…
Three guys walked into a bar… Just kidding. But I do think everyone's makeup journey started somewhere, so this post is all about my first glimpse into the world of beauty and how I quickly became OBSESSED.

Sitting on the floor of a one-bedroom rent-controlled apartment, on 21st and somewhere between 2nd and 3rd (because all truly good stories begin in Manhattan), were FIVE girls and ONE mirror.  As my friends and I were all getting ready to go out for the evening I realized two things. First, I realized I had no clue how much makeup it took for five girls to be able to leave the house for one evening.  Worse, I didn't know how to use half of it!  It had been a long time since I had gone "makeup" shopping and my cosmetic bag showed it.  That night I was introduced to Urban Decay eyeshadows, a blending brush, and false eyelashes. How those three little things have changed my life. My other realization... New York is amazing but an apartment with one bathroom will not cut it.

When I got home from that amazing trip the very first thing I did (after I unpacked, of course. wink wink) was google Urban Decay and… Behold the wonder that is the internet and all it's beauty knowledge and know-how!  I was lost. I was confused. I was mesmerized.  But what is all this stuff?!? Primer? Concealor? Liquid foundation? Powder foundation? Gel eyeliner? Lipstick? Lipgloss? It just goes on and on and on… What did I actually need though? All of it!!! I kid, I kid. Kinda.  I really wasn't sure what I needed.  But I knew what I wanted.  I wanted an Urban Decay eyeshadow palette.  So I drove my happy lil' butt down to the mall and took my first steps into Sephora (if blogs could sing you'd hear music right about now).  I left that day with my wallet a little lighter but my cosmetic bag feeling satiated.  My first purchase was the original Naked Palette, an UD blending brush (the one that is on sale on their website RIGHT NOW for $9.00- http://m.urbandecay.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-UrbanDecay-Site/default/mProduct-Show?pid=285&dwvar_285_color=Blending%20Brush&start=3&cgid=sale ),and the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner.  I was happy and content.  Or so I thought...

Because then something else happened… I found YouTube.  Don't get me wrong, I always knew about YouTube and what it was.  What I hadn't known was that there was this GINORMOUS beauty community.  And this community made videos and blogs. Lots and lots of videos and blogs.  I was on makeup overload.  The first two channels I found were MakeupGeek and EmilyNoel83 (a.k.a. BeautyBroadcast).  I still watch both religiously along with quite a few others.  From them I have learned that I really do need at least one of everything from the categories I listed above plus many many more.  Better even, to have two of each! (One drugstore and one "high end").  Because the makeup you own is not just makeup.  Ohhhhh no! It's a collection!!!  And my,my,my has my collection grown…

I have learned so much from all these amazing women (and men) who are beauty "Gurus" and it is because of them that I am here now, typing these words… So thank you YouTube.  Thank you to the entire internet beauty community.  Thank you Sephora and Urban Decay.  But most of all, thank you to my Bestie for your guidance in the beginning and your support and encouragement now. xoxoxo.

You thought I was joking, didn't you???

Five Beauty YouTubers I love to watch:

1. MakeupGeek- http://www.youtube.com/user/MakeupGeekTV/featured

2. EmilyNoel83- http://www.youtube.com/user/emilynoel83

3. Kristin Gehm- http://www.youtube.com/user/kristingehm

4. ItsKeerstin- http://www.youtube.com/user/ItsKeerstin

5. HerLateNightCravings- http://www.youtube.com/user/herlatenightcravings

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