I Accidentally Manifested a Vacation to London

There are two things I love: London and Minimalist Makeup. Here’s an article about both…

I hope all is well since we last spoke. I’ve been super eager to get into a conversation about all things beauty but, as you know, everything comes with a price. In return for my knowledge I am forcing you to turn back time and join me in the year 2022. This is necessary for two reasons:

It was the year that I discovered one of my favorite London-based beauty brands
It was also the year I traveled out-of-country for the first time. Any guesses where?

Alright, let’s get into the story. It was the year twenty twenty two-

Wait I already said that. *reverse tape*

It was just another gloomy, winter day of my senior year. The skies were grey, the air was brisk (anyone remember that vine??) and my day felt as slow as a turtle with no race to be won. Many days were monotonous and chilling because the closer I came to graduation, the more I feared what was beyond the abyss (i.e. “real” life). However, on one of those days, I snapped out of my downward spiral of thoughts and fears when a mailroom notification appeared in my email. I wasn’t expecting any packages and was so curious to find out what it was that I decided to risk lateness during my 10 minute class break to run and pick it up. Good thing I’m not a cat, cause you know what they say about them.

A Little Context

My schools were located on College Hill. I studied at both RISD + Brown and the trek to get each campus during wintertime made me feel worse than Sid from Ice Age. At least his claws provided support. If I had a dollar for every time that I slipped down the hill whilst lugging an armful of supplies, I’d probably have enough money to demolish the hill and replace it with a flat path. The funniest part of it all is that when you fall, no one even blinks. Injuring yourself while getting to class is like a rite of passage. But don’t let this deter you from applying. They’re both incredible schools that make the chronic pain worthwhile. Luckily, on this day, my class was only down the block from the mailroom so the odds were in my favor.

Picking up the mysterious box

When I arrived at the mailroom, I was handed a lightweight package and there were no bells ringing in my head. I had no idea what it was or who it was from. Soon after, I found out that our ten minute break was extended into fifteen so I had 8 minutes to spare. I headed down to the river that sat right in front of my class studio and let temptation get the best of me and opened it. Suddenly, bright whites and vibrant yellows filled my vision along with futuristic boxes that housed several makeup products. The generous sender was none other than Trinny London. I was immediately intrigued by their all-in-one minimalistic approach to beauty and couldn’t wait to use my goodies.

Anyways

Before I went back upstairs to my studio, I snapped some shots of the PR package and uploaded it to my story with the hopeful caption “Can’t wait to visit ?” not actually thinking that I would touch down in London town anytime soon. But, as it happens, I wrote down the aspirational intention of mine and later forgot about it – the essential framework for manifesting something!

Why This Package From London Meant So Much To Me

Along with my excitement was sheer fascination over the fact that I got a package from the United Kingdom! If you were to get a glimpse of my childhood memories you’d discover the number of hours that I walked around my room pretending to have a British accent. There’s a fine line between cute and downright weird and I was teetering on the edge. What can I say? London was my distant lover and I had no doubts about our future together. But like Romeo and Juliet, I never knew when I’d actually climb over the wall to see it.

How I Ended Up in London Three Months Later

It’s funny that I spent so much time worrying about what I’d do after college, because deep down, I always knew the answer. I just didn’t remember. Being an actor, you’ve likely been told “if you want to learn from some of the best, train in London.” My mom attended ADA when she was my age and always suggested that I go to LAMDA (their sister school). After receiving Trinny’s package and having London on my mind, I ended up discovering RADA’s Contemporary Drama program. I felt so aligned with it so I sent in my materials and waited to hear back. Then, on a sunny July afternoon, I received an email that would change the course of my future as I knew it (in the best way). I was accepted into RADA’s summer acting program and bought a ticket to London with less than a week to spare.

*See below*

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkFbefXOlby/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The course of events can’t be a coincidence??? Because of Trinny London’s arrival on my doorstep, I was reminded about my adoration for London and its relevance to my career as an actor. Then, I said what I wanted and 90 days later, I got it. Sometimes, the answer that you’re looking for is sitting right in front of you. On a postal label.

How Trinny London Fits Into My Routine

To this day, Trinny London is a must have in my routine. Their products work wonderfully with my skin and I always look so refreshed when I use them. Basically, Trinny London makes me look how I wish I did when I wake up in the morning: rosy, dewy and fresh.

Here are some of my favorites:

BFF Eye: Tinted but very lightweight. Great for pre-workout or simplistic makeup days. If you’re looking for more coverage, I recommend layering with a concealer.
Lip2Cheek: This is probably my favorite line because I’m able to use the same pigment on my lip & cheeks and that is just awesome. I feel so much more put together and find myself scrounging less for products whose color palettes actually complement one another.
Lash2Brow: 2 in 1 mascara and brow tint. Obsessed with it, but I always have to be careful to not apply too much brow tint. It’s probably one of their most pigmented products.
Eye2Eye: I’ve been using Sunset Copper and it gives such a warm yet nourished look to my eyelids. Unlike standard eyeshadows, this cream glides on like a sparkly dew.