They say “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” I think that runs on the same track as telling a bride it’s “good luck” when it rains on her wedding day, because really, there is nothing else we can say sometimes. 

Let’s face it, we weren’t all born with Brooke Shield’s natural unblemished profile and silky tresses. We don’t have Farrah Fawcett’s flawless, Dentyne grin. Most of us need help. I had the opportunity to see and be amazed by Lin Manuel Miranda’s piece of musical genius, HAMILTON. I have this thing about seeing a play, a musical, or a movie where if I love it, I have to investigate the actors, or in this case the real-life historical figures.
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When I googled portraits of these men and women, all I could say was “Thank God for Sephora and hairdressers.” Dear God, what did these poor people do to make themselves up or maximize their beauty … practically nothing.

I am not trying to maim or discredit what beauty may have been perceived as back in the day, but boy, are we lucky we live in a time when we can take our natural selves and do whatever we want to make ourselves feel beautiful, because in the end, it’s about feeling beautiful for yourself … forget the beholder … it’s about you.

Moms don’t have a lot of time. We just don’t. I am just a fanatical, probably insecure girl who can’t live without being full-face every day. This is why I am up at 4:45 to start the work-out and cover-look regimen. The pressure is on myself, because it’s who I am. Not every woman feels this, way, and thank God, because it’s a lot of pressure. What I have noticed, is there is so much beauty floating around that isn’t maximized daily. Every woman has beauty, whether it’s naturally pouty lips, a perfect brow line, gorgeous cheek bones, a slender nose … whatever … you behold it, so make it work for you, girlfriend!

A blush tutorial from Mona Rai - www.monasmakerie.com

MUA​ of the Month
Mona Rai

 I met Mona Rai through my best friend, Julie Remo, twenty years my junior, and my go-to for all that is hip.  She sets me straight every time, and if you love your friend, “honesty is the best policy.”  It’s a hard pill to swallow, but from Julie, I know it’s from the heart.   The take home here?  When Julie gives you a recommendation, it’s good, and one of the best was the makeup wizard who did Julie’s wedding day look.
 
My daughter, Brynn, uses Mona whenever she needs to put on her face for a special occasion, and when she comes home, every time, I wish I were twenty again.   (I wish I were twenty anyway, lol)  Mona also did my over forty visage for my first blog photo shoot, and she can glam up just about anybody and make them look like the cover of Cosmo.
 
Since not every mom can take the time I do, because I am totally out of my mind with make up,  we can focus here on a more natural, quick look that will get you from drop off to pick up, including a cup of coffee.  Check out Mona’s blush tutorial here, set to music for that feel good blushing feeling. Lol
 
This Jersey girl will not disappoint, and her signature full lip has me begging for Restalayne …but all she needs is a pencil and lip color.
 
Check out Mona at www.monasmakerie.com.   You won’t regret looking this good.