Adrienne on Beauty.

Meet Adrienne. The top picture is what she looks like now, and the bottom is from her modeling days. Adrienne is the environmental chair of our college, loves doing yoga and drinking Yogi tea, and is interested in working with Indigenous people and social movements in the United States, Mexico, and Bolivia. She is also infinitely caring and giving and is one of the best friends I've ever had. She was kind enough to take a few minutes to talk to me about the beauty in her life.

When do you feel most beautiful?

When I’m at home in my pajamas and I haven’t showered in three days and I’m laying in my parents bed with my brother and sister. Or right after I wake up from a nap.

How do you define beauty?

Things that are not the norm. Unique things that aren’t what people think of as typical beauty. I also think a lot of sad things are really beautiful. Like photographs of sad people who are suffering, and I think it’s beautiful that they can feel all of that and have all of those emotions.I think that girls today think that being beautiful is about wearing makeup and making yourself look attractive, but people need to take a second look at that because there are people who have beautiful faces and bodies, but their outer beauty is not all that counts.

Who are the most beautiful people you know and why?

Probably my mom and Patsy, who is like my second mom who raised me. My mom because she didn’t have an easy childhood, and growing up never had any self confidence. And then she met my dad and she saw that someone else thought that she was really special, and she just became more confident and saw all of these qualities in herself that were great and special and started to realize her potential and has now grown into this woman who has all of these friends. We tease her that she’s the mayor of Santa Monica because everyone knows her. She does her own thing and does what she loves. Also, she gave up having a career and a life for a long time because there were four of us, and that wasn’t easy because my dad was traveling a lot and she was home with all of us. And she has sacrificed so much in her life to be a good mom and to be there for us no matter what.

Patsy just because she’s Patsy. She’s like my mom. And she taught me a lot. I see her as this incredible woman, I can’t pinpoint why. She left her kids behind in Trinidad, which is really hard for someone to do, so that she could send money home so her kids could have better opportunities. It wasn’t easy for her to not see her family and be in the situations that she was in, and she still has this incredible outlook on life.

What is something you always put on when you need to be ready in five minutes?

Lavender body oil. And the necklace that I wear all the time and never take off.

What are your favorite beauty products?

Crabtree and Evelyn night cream, Everyday organics body oil, Stockholm FACE eyeliner. Every time I go to New York I get a new one and treat myself. Auric blends Egyptian musk and rose perfume oil.

How do you feel about food and exercise?

I love food a lot. If I’m in the mood I’m a fan of exercise. I think it’s important for a healthy lifestyle, but I also just haven’t come to the realization yet that I don’t have the metabolism of a six year old so it’s hard to motivate myself to exercise.

What are your favorite clothing or accessories items?

I’m really into high-waist shorts right now. I love huge dresses made in Guatemala with embroidery all over them and big t-shirts that are so worn out that they are see through and really soft. And of course my Havaiana’s and my Chucks. But if I had to choose an article of clothing to wear every single day I would choose this nighty that my mom used to wear when she was pregnant with us that I have at home with holes and little black bows every where.

Where are your favorite places to shop?

The Rose Bowl flea market. The Gershenhorn sister’s closet (her childhood friends). The Co-Op and the Farmers market.

What are your favorite things to eat?

I love sweet potato tempura rolls, Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz ice cream, my mom’s tomato basil frittata, matzoh brie, my mom’s matzoh ball soup, white fish salad even though I’m vegetarian, brie cheese and baguettes, Celestial Seasonings raspberry zinger tea, Bay City sandwiches from Santa Monica, fresh mozzarella, my mom’s berry cobbler, cheese cake, cheese enchiladas, roti and channa, and curried mango and pumpkin.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Understanding other people’s perspectives on what’s beautiful, how the world functions, on life, on death, on family.

What are your favorite colors?

Brown and lime green. Sea foam green, aquamarine, black.

How do you make yourself feel better when you have a bad day?

Take a nap, take a bath, drink some tea, read some Sandra Cisneros poems or write my own poetry or do some form of art.

Favorite book/ music/ movie?

Favorite book is The House on Mango Street. Music is Nick Drake, Norah Jones, Brazilian music, and world music CDs. And my brother’s friend Max makes really good mixes. “One Fine Day” is my favorite movie of all time.

What’s the best piece of advice you were ever given?

To be myself and to not worry about what other people think, because as long as you are happy with who you and you are comfortable then that’s all that really matters. My mom used to say to us “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Another good piece of advice is what my sister told me in high school. She said never look at yourself in a car window or a building with glass because it shows that you are confident with who you are and don’t always have to check how you look.

What do you think makes someone a beautiful person?

Being confident in who they are and in their beliefs. Being strong enough to stand up for those beliefs even when they might not be the majority. Someone who is willing to sacrifice a little bit of themselves for the betterment of others. Someone who sees value in other people, cultures, and ways of thinking and viewing the world. Someone who’s funny and makes me laugh.

Thank you, Adrienne!

Emi on Beauty.

This is Emi. She grew up in San Francisco, is one of the most individual and confident people I know, learns a new sport every semester, and loves dancing. Our friend Adrienne likes to say she is a tiny person with a BIG attitude. Emi took some time to talk to me about what inspires her, her personal style, and what's she's most excited about in life.

When do you feel most beautiful?

The times I felt most beautiful was when I hadn’t showered for a good 4 or 5 days, and had been camping. I was covered in ten different layers of sweat, dirt, and grime. In Africa. I turned on this gnarly shower, and I turn and look into this mirror and said “Hot damn, I’m fine!” It was a combination of getting back into touch with my body and feelings and not looking at myself in the mirror for a really long time. IT is so easy for me to get caught up in the routine of blow drying my bangs in the morning and putting moisturizer on that you loose what is truly great about yourself in the every day rush of things. So when I looked into the mirror and saw how beautiful I was after that camping excursion I realized how energizing and amazing it was, and that’s when I felt the most beautiful.

What do you find beautiful in other people?

I associate beauty with self-confidence and rocking your own style. I always notice people’s eyes, lips, and teeth. With boys and girls, people who have their own swagger and confidence are beautiful. I really like natural looks for the ladies. And foundation detracts from everyone’s beauty. I am a firm believer in no foundation. There’s a huge difference between self confident and cocky, and cocky is gross.

How do you make yourself feel better after having a bad day?

Dive into bed and watch the L word or any other T.V. show. I love watching T.V. in my bed all by myself with my little Christmas lights turned on in my room. I call my mom four times a day and would definitely call her. If it’s been a really bad day then I’ll go for a run, or exercise in general just makes a bad day better.

How do you feel about eating, exercise, and body image?

I think the topic of body image is infinitely complicated. It makes me really deeply sad when I think about my peers and women growing up in this day and age where there is so much negative energy around food and exercise and body image and I think it’s a really tragic thing that affects more people that I’d like to think about. I was lucky that my best girlfriends in high school loved food and had great body image -I think they’re rock stars.

How do you see your own body image?

I’m a curvy lady and I love my boobs and my butt. But that doesn’t mean that I’m not affected by body image shit. I think that I like to feel really healthy and in tune with my body so when I’m not exercising or eating right I just feel out of sorts and icky.

Tell me about your personal style.

I love black. I love tights and little black dresses. I have a blue sweatshirt that I always wear inside out. I love black leggings and I hate jeans. I just bought these black leather boots that have a little bit of a heel. I wear them all the time, day and night. Just last weekend I was wearing them with some black leggings and a long sleeved black shirt and two girls told me that the look was very sleek and sexy (I was very flattered!!). I also love BIG gold hoops. I used to wear a bear tooth on a gold chain but sadly, it broke so I can’t take it out anymore.

What’s your go-to look when you need to look good in a hurry?

Black tights and a little black dress. And mascara and eyeliner. And big gold hoops.

What’s your philosophy on makeup?

Foundation is silly. I think that a little can go a long way. I love eyeliner. My philosophy is never too much, always a little less than you think. And I don’t believe in blush.

Why?

It scares me…little clown cheeks.

What are the most inspiring places that you’ve been and why?

Mongolia because I couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to visit a country that is still half nomadic and it blew my mind. Not being able to communicate with anyone for days at a time was really scary but when I got there it was really mind blowing to see how humanity can cross so many different obstacles and how language is largely insignificant in the matter of communication when you get down to the crux of things. Africa is my second place. I was traveling with a group of all women in a very patriarchal society studying women’s issues. Africa showed me a generosity that I hadn’t encounterd in the united states. I also met a lot of inspiring women who were doing a lot of awesome things. I studied female genital mutilation which is still an ongoing practice in a lot of places in Africa. Talking to women from other countries about women’s issues was powerful. It also showed me an inner strength that was beyond my grasping before I had traveled there and there’s nothing cooler than knowing the extent of your own personal strength.

Where do you love to shop?

The mission of San Francisco. My girlfriends and I used to go to the thrift stores in the mission. I love Vintage by the Pound on Valencia. American Apparel makes my favorite little black dress and leggings. The thrift stores all have these sections just for rhinestones and sparkly things and I cannot get enough. It has turned into a really big problem.

Do you wear perfume? If so, do you believe in a signature scent or changing it up based on your mood?

Yes, and I believe on changing it up based on your moods. Origins Ginger is my every day perfume. It’s not overpowering but you can get little whiffs of it and it’s down to earth but sultry. If I am feeling a little friskier but it’s still day time I go with Marc Jacobs, and I keep the roll on in my back pack for a perk up. If I’m going up and I’m feeling really sexy I go with my Paul Smith Rose and I get a ton of compliments on it.

What are your favorite beauty products?

My most favorite beauty product for all eternity is Pomega 5 face moisturizer. Its so expensive, 60$ per container, but its 100% natural and it makes your face feel absolutely incredible. My other favorites are Jane Iredale black eyeliner and mascara, both all natural, a little pricier but they go on really smoothly and easily and it doesn’t pull your eye, and isn’t bad for your skin or eyes. I just bought my very first lipstick: Laura Mercier, Pink Champagne. And Burt’s Bees above all else. The peppermint chapstick. And I’m not happy unless my toenails are painted bright pink and I have my toe rings on.

What are you most excited about in life?

Traveling the world, whatever that may mean in my future. I’m very excited. Also I think it would be very cool to have a family one day and wake up next to the same person every morning. I also can’t wait to hang out with my mom and dad when I’m older. I think they’re the coolest people on the planet.

Thank you, Emi!

Camille On Beauty.

Meet Camille. She's 19, loves the Dalai Lama, does the New York Times crossword puzzle every day without fail, & is currently learning German. She recently transferred to my all women's college in Southern California from Indiana University, and has met more boys here in the past two months than any of us who have already been here for a year. Camille took a few minutes to talk to me about what she considers beautiful. Here's what she had to say...

What does beauty mean to you?
It’s one of those concepts that is to each his own. Everyone has a different concept of beauty. That’s why its so fun to sit with a group of people and to hear someone say "I think _____ is so beautiful" and have others just not get it. For some, beauty’s on the outside, or inside, or both. There’s striking beauty, then beauty that only comes through once you’ve only really gotten to know someone,and then the beauty that develops…

What makes you feel beautiful?
I think being comfortable. I was going to say happy, but then there have been times where I haven’t been extremely happy but I’ve felt beautiful anyway. And there are some things that are so sad but are so beautiful. It' s a balance. Beauty is an asymetrical balance. If it’s completely balanced symmetrically then it's just there and it's uniform. But beauty to me is not uniformity. It’s so much more.

What is beauty?
It’s holistic. It’s on the outside and the inside, but it’s a complete understanding of the self. It’s how all of your parts work together, how the parts are combined and offset each other. They don’t balance eachother but keep rubbing off on each other and playing off each other. It’s never complete. It’s not perfection. The word beauty itself is an imperfection.

How do you feel about makeup?
It’s an absolutely amazing tool to accentuate your features,but that’s all it should do. It shouldn’t cover you up or completely change you. My philosophy is that I’m never going to wear makeup where I’m unrecognizable when I have it on or when I have it off. I don't want to look different when I'm not wearing makeup. Makeup should be all about you, not about who other people want you to be.

What makes you feel beautiful?
Love. Being confident. Yes, love, because if you love yourself and have love for other people and if other people love you too you just feel beautiful. Also, a person in love is more beautiful than they’ve veer been. They’re all over just look and feel better. It’s that extra glow.

How do you make yourself feel better after having a bad day?
Either talking to someone or just sitting down with a cup of tea and being by myself. Usually it’s some sort of escape, like reading the Dalai Lama’s books or the New York Times, or doing the crossword puzzle! That’s my zen. It’s usually mind things more than physical things.

Who’s the most beautiful person you know and why?
It’s a 3 way tie between my mom, my brother, and my best friend. I think they’re all beautiful people. It’s the love thing. I feel like all three of them have such good balance and they balance me. They’re anchors.They’re really comfortable with their person and we’re comfortable in our relationships. It’s just a really good balance. We offset each other, bump up against each other, make each other stronger. Whenever I talked about any of them I talk about how beautiful they are!

Do you wear perfume? Do you believe in a signature scent or changing it up based on your mood?
I had this perfume that I loved and it was MY SCENT. I wore it all the time. It was Calvin Klein One Summer. I found it in Chicago, but it’s a summer only limited edition! My mom ordered it for me from Hawaii for Christmas and it was the best thing in the world, I wore it all the time. And then this guy confessed his love for me and commented on my “special smell” that he couldn’t just get over. So now I can’t wear it anymore cause now I think of him! So I am on the hunt. And I’m trying but I just can’t wear anything else! Not only has he ruined half of my favorite songs, but my favorite scent too.

How do you feel about boys and beauty?
Men and women are both attracted to feminine features. Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom have such feminine features! If a guy isn’t afraid to say “she’s beautiful”instead of “hot ass” and also to really appreciate their own concept of beauty, then you know they're a keeper. That’s one thing about my brother that I love. We’ll be watching MTV and my brother will see the before pictures on MADE and talk about how beautiful the girl is. Before they put all that makeup on her he saw her beauty. It takes courage in the culture that we have today for a guy to say a person who isn’t conventionally beautiful IS beautiful to them.


What are your favorite beauty products?
They’re so simple! I like plain blue Chapstick moisturizer,or Smith’s minted Rosebud Salve. Bare Escentuals is my staple. I just like the simple stuff. I love being tan in the summer and just swiping on some mascara! I love nail polish. Also, egg white and lanolin soap. It’s Swedish and it’s the best in the world!

Thank you, Camille!