GETTING TO KNOW MEGAN O'BRIEN!! AKA MEGSMAKEUP-WHY THE HELL NOT, YOU'RE HERE?
This picture was taken last week by my wonderful male house-keeper. I was really happy and feeeling free and he hopped out with his camera. I had just watered my garden and heard good news and I felt happy in my life. He grabbed his camera phone and shot this photo, it was a perfect summary for the day! No extra make-up, no stylist, no nothing! Just me laughing with my dogs on my deck. What could be better?
My name and hometown: Megan O'Brien, Ashland, MA
My goal is to bring each of my readers this: I want everyone to look beautiful, feel beautiful, learn, and have a community. We're all out there, we all have the capacity to understand. "Yeah, one time I used blonde hair dye and lost all my eye-brows". That is awful! It's not nearly as awful as "I had one of my breasts removed to cancer". Women need a place to talk and share with-out the glare of a dating site. I just write the introductory posts, these amazing ladies fill in their wonderful experiences! I'm a nerd- I like to talk about boob hairs, vagina stink and the perfect lipgloss. We're all a work in progress, right?
My start in life was to do this: I was a model that turned event producer. I knew how to make a beautiful party and many celebs employed me to make them fabulous!
But the path I took towards cosmetics was driven by this: I could not get an honest make-up answer. If I got a cosmetic review I knew nothing about the person reviewing it! I wanted to create a community where your questions could find answers~!
I want all women to know this about themselves: We are not all June Cleaver. We're allowed to mess up sometimes. Looking like a fool is human. Stop beating yourself up over it. Express yourself! We're not suppose to be fit in a box. Imperfection is what makes us real. Enjoy your follies and tribulatons! Love everything that makes you you.
My goal is to bring each of my readers this: You're not alone. This is a safe place to come to. We've all been there at some point. Reviewing lipstick is cathartic, but if there is something really bothering you, you have a place to vent. I love that we never judge anyone here.
I believe in all of my posts but if I could urge each women to try just one I would choose:
TheBalm Concealer (timebalm)
Cat Cosmetics Silk Purrfection
Sugar Bronzer
Urban Decay Eye Pencils
Smashbox "Socialite" Lipstick
Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara
DuWop Creme Blush "Yoga"
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Smashbox Eye Shadow Quad in Ambient
Style influences vary, I would say my style is most like this: Granny Chic! I love vintage St. Johns and Chanel blazers-brought to my tailor to be fitted! I add a gorgeous beaded bra underneath or lacey camisole! I pair it with skinny jeans and heels and go!
I started my site because I couldn’t find this: Let's talk! Let's talk about blush, eye shadow, yeast infections, your pain in the ass mother-in-law! Get it off your natural or boob-job chest! Let's hear it! We are here to hear!
When I see a women make this mistake I cringe: When women are uncomfortable in their own skin. When you are, it shows. You can't be the same girl that was afraid to raise her hand during class. Life is tough, get behind yourself. Speak up. It's so important to learn because nice girls do finish last if they are allowing everyone else to trample on them. You can be kind and be loving-love yourself first please.
My site cares about the way you look like no one elses because of this: Not to be corny, but yes to be corny...I read every word you ladies write. More often then not I am left thinking about what you wrote. I love that we can share and empower and build a comaraderie here. Your time, your efforts, your comments reach out to someone daily and I thank-you so much for that!
Lastly, if I were at a bar I’d order this: In a beautiful fantasy world I'd have bottles and bottles of my favorite Veuve Qlicquot sent over with strawberries in each glass. Yum.
True or False, I’m going to tell you when there is spinach between your teeth: I'm going to tackle you and remove the spinach with my acrylic nail before you have a chance to get back to the table and embarass yourself. I'm crazy like that!
Ladies, don't be afraid, tell me what I could be doing better!! Please!
- meg's blog
- Login or register to post comments
-
From within bottles, jars, compacts and tubes.*
Comments
Oooh, ohh, you know what I forgot to say...that now, whenever i see anything about a high end product, i check to see if it was on Megs... thats how much I trust Meg's! :) YAY!
I really appreciate this site, though Ive only just discovered it.. I like makeupalley.com too, but some people can be just plain brutal on the boards. ugh. So this place is really refreshing, thank you!
jnsreine-first of all, get a clarisonic! They're expensive, but it seems like half of all the product you've bought would have paid for it. It cleans really deeply and since acne is bacterial-a thorough cleaning is a very good first step. It also seems like you may be over medicating. Some times I find all those drying products only do more harm. I'd suggest Kiehl's as your product route, they have a blue herbal acne cleanser that's great but not super strong. And their Calendula toner has kept my acne at bay for over ten years. It's gentle and is anti bacterial and anti inflamatory. Meaning-it kills bacteria and heals soothes your skin. My pimpley-skin seriously can't live without it. Hope that helps!
I am certainly a convert to the Megsmakeup religion. When I found it last December, I thought "THESE ARE MY PEOPLE!!!" But seriously - I've found some fabulous new friends and a chance to sort of let myself go in a way that I am not able to in othe areas of my life. I start and end my day reading MM (and often several times inbetween) and I just get so excited!!!
Katie
Meg! I think your site is a Godsend! I'm very particular about what goes on my face and I can always rely on finding out what suits me to a tee here on your site. You're so knowledgeable and open about life as a woman--I feel so comfortable reading your blogs. It's hard to find women in Los Angeles as relatable as you. I look forward to my daily Megs Makeup posts!xo
I usually don't miss a day of reading Megs or Perez. When I do I end up clicking on almost everything just to see what I missed. I really enjoy coming to this site and sharing stories and broadening my make-up brands. I love the board idea. I also wanted to share that I discovered Kiehl's products at Target this weekend but didn't have a place to put it. If you live in a place with COLD winters or suffer from dry skin this is a must have brand. I also was thinking how much I love the 10 most recent reviews, but I'm wondering if instead of being by user, could it be by product, I think the code would almost be the same? Often times one post will be flooded by 14 people and we may miss other products that were posted. If that makes no sense HOM let me know. Love my make-up gals.
Dear Meg and gals, Here's what I love about megsmakeup: the fact that I've found amazing, fun, passionate, and honest ladies. Seriously, reading all the posts has made me laugh, cry, and learn. I've found role models and inspirations in the likes of you ladies! I can't believe I ever lived without MegsMakeup. Oh, and if I ever win the lotto, I'm personally hosting a MegsMakeup convention!
Meg this site rocks...as my 5 year old would say. My day usually starts with check Meg's site, see what Perez has to offer, go back to Meg's site and see if there are any new post, then repeat this process several times during the day. I have learned so much from this site. I love going into Sephora with a list and know exactly what I want. I used to feel intimidated and a little overwhelmed walking in there, but not anymore. Yes my pocketbook is a little lighter after finding this site, but I'm a happier person and my skin looks fabulous. Thanks for all your hard work. I agree about the message board suggestion...I would love a place to post questions or just chit chat with the wonderful women on this site. Please let HOM know we appreciate all his hard work. What a great husband you have.
Ihave been a member for only a short time...and haven't posted at all...but I love your site and think that it is a great place to talk about...everything. I live in Toronto and I'm not sure how many Canadian members you have but I work at a major publishing company and have talked up your site to many of my collegues. Keep it up!And I agree that everyone who writes here is encouraging and smart and caring!
I am terribly hooked on your site Meg, and although my budget is shot to hell, my skin has never felt or looked better. My Stepmom recently asked me if I had "work" done! Now if that isn't a compliment; I don't know what is! You all are such an inspiration to me. XXOX 38
I cannot tell everyone how much I heart megsmakeup and all of the lovely ladies here. I live in the midwest so I have few chances to indulge my makeupobsessedness. While I love that we learn about so many great products here I love that everyone really gets to know people as individuals. It's not just a blind review site with 2 sentence reviews, it's actual discussion. Keep up the good work Meg and HOM and everyone else who make it the fun community that it is!
I love all of you a ton and these responses made me cry (happy cry)! My middle name is ANN (I HAD VERY CREATIVE PARENTS).french25fan- I would try Classsified Cosmetics Primer, it's super light and sprayed onto a .99 cent sponge wedge will do you well!We reviewed it so check it out before buying but it sounds like your solutionI wish I could write how much I appreciate your thoughts! I really, really do and I want you all to know that you're in my heart. Thank-you for letting me go off and spout about nasty subjects. Thank-you for letting me write about myown sexual abuse, thoughts about sex, thoughts about cosmetic surgery-thoughts about anything. You ladies are always therewith your ideas and support. I can't thank-you enough for all of the things you have taught me about!
Meg, it's after I was introduced to your site a few months ago when my obsession with beauty products began. This site is really awesome, not only because you review great products, but because you put a cute little story in each post that really makes this site fun to read. I'd like to second the message board idea!By the way I have a question. I was using Smashbox Primer (love it, works great) but I've found that it's too heavy to use everyday. I was wonder if there's a primer out there that's good to use everyday under mineral makeup (my everyday makeup).By the way Meg, that's a really cute picture!
Meg..I really feel that this community is a gift from up above. You know how I feel about you and this site as I've told you numerous times in private emails. This is so much more than a community. This is a family of women that genuinely care about one another. We all have an initial bond that is makeup and skincare, but then it goes further. This is the nicest group of girls I've ever met. Everyone is so caring and encouraging...not to mention smart. I've heard tricks and tips that I've never heard anywhere else and not to mention found products that have become staples in my life...Urban Decay Primer Potion...Hello!!! Yes this site can cause you to spend a bit more(cough) than you used to spend...because now we know which products are kick butt...but it's so worth it. Who the heck wants to go out and spend a small fortune on something only to find that it sucks?? Not me!!! Thanks HOM for all of your hard work..you've made some great improvements and all of your girlfriends here appreciate you. Megan, you are so very special and lovely. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me a place to learn, laugh and love. I love you all!! When are we having a MM convention????
You already know how I feel about you Meg!! But wanted to say that I love it heretoo!! It's perfect, you don't need to change a thing! I check this place morethan my e-mail, and more than one should during a day ;). Love all the women here,and LOVE my Meg!!!
I think I kinda already went over this but I'll say it again..THANK YOU!!!!!! As i wrote before this place really is great...eventhough I just got here I am sooo glad that I did! I feel a renewed sense of hope in finding not only makeup goodies but friends along the way. I now know I'm not the only one out there trying to figure the whole best makeup routine thing out..everyones different and different things work for different people...but I know I will find it here with the help of everyone here and my own little reseaarch on the side which I will be glad to extend to all of you so we dont all have to go through the pain of buying a makeup boo-boo...thanks for all the love and attention you've given to this site and know we all appreciate you greatly for it!:) To good skin, a beautiful you, and good friends...Salud!
Meg - I, too, have a middle name of Ann. So does my oldest sister. I guess after 10 kids, the ‘rents lost their creativity. In fact, the older siblings were encouraged to submit name ideas. Back to the origins of this post.... This website is a make-up klutz’s dream. I drank the kool-aid. I’ve joined the cult of MegsMakeup. This site has provided the BEST makeup advice I’ve ever received. I’ve finally found products that WORK. I love the fact that people voice their opinions so freely on everything from dog fighting to foundations to yeast infections.... without flaming! I’ve read a lot of posts on this site and have yet to come across anything vicious or judgmental. Opinionated (as we LOVE it), but not judgmental. THANK YOU for such a wonderful site.
Meg, I love, love, love, this site! I am so glad and relieved I found it! I have been an online Sephora customer for a while now and just had one open up in my town! I have a problem that I hope you or the other ladies can help me with. I have had acne all my life and as a result have acne scarring. I used Pro-active and it worked great at first, but after about 5-6 years, it just quit working for me. I don't know if it's because my hormones have changed or what, but as a result I tried something online called acnexus along with lipovox. BIG mistake! Found it on ebay and think I got scammed. Immediately broke out even worse, so I ordered the Murad Acne kit and it only made things worse! I used it for about a month and still had acne, blackheads, and whiteheads all over! As soon as my Sephora opened it's doors, I went in and told them my plight. They gave me the Peter Thomas Roth kit for acne. I used it for 3 weeks and still no results. Only the same burning and stinging that I got from the Murad! I took it back and got the Dr. Brandt no more pores kit and have been using it for 2 weeks now and still no results! I am at my wits end! I have more blackheads and whiteheads than I've ever had! Before, I just had the big cystic acne. Now, I have that along with all these little bumps mostly on my chin and upper lip! Should I try the Juice, or Boscia, or Philosophy? It seems like you all know much more than me and have more experience, even more so than the sweet girls at Sephora. The store did just open and most of them are fairly new to Sephora and their products also. If possible, please HELP! I'm open to any advice and suggestions at this point. I've even thought about breaking out my elmers glue!
A wonderful site that I rely on daily to tell me what works, what doesn't and what is going on in the mind of really fabulous women. As always, a big thank you to Meg and her team!!
My middle name is Ann also. Tasha Ann? Duh! My mom was a hippy, but I guess she didn't do enough acid to give me a cool middle name like "Star" or "Flower"..I got stuck with good Ole Ann...bleck!!!
I too have fabulous skin and less money because of Meg's Makeup.:) When i came to do my second check for new posts and saw this. I thought how lovely, to finally get to know Meg, the makeup mogol and creator of this lovely community. Thanks to megsmakeup, I now have some REALLY FABULOUS products in my makeup kit, i feel like i know sooo much more because of your site Meg, and i've even gained a Sis (Tashagogo) haha i love u! :D and this really has been a haven! From everything makeup to everything woman! I LOVE MEGSMAKEUP and I'M SOOOOO GLAD I FOUND YOU!
Meg--your site is AWESOME. I love that you let us say what we want without fear of having our account deleted if we talk about something normal like sex or pooping *cough, makeupalley, cough* or judged. I love that we get exposed to lesser-known brands that aren't so mainstream but as equally fabulous as more popular brands, I love that you've gathered an impressive number of ladies that not only are friendly and hilarious, but really know their products. You've managed to create a community, not just a website about makeup. Thank you! As for recommendations: I agree with the ladies who would like a message board. I think that would only strengthen the community that you've built.
Meg you are fab. I am lucky enough to have 4 "real" sisters but now I have hundreds more. That feels so good as back up!Hugs!
I AM a "Mimi" (grandma of 4...Meg called me a "Liar",LOLROF!!!) but you my dear girl are a force of nature...You have an uncanny sense of what women WANT and what they WANT to talk about but feel no one else listens to or cares! Whatever forces drive you to be able to create that "chatting over the clothesline" aura that women have relied on for hundreds of years sure works for me!Anyone can "review products" but you offer to connect the emotions with our needs!Sending you a hug from Teas and thanks for being you!
love you meg. love everything about you. thinking about going as you for halloween... just one question. would it be possibleto have a spot where we can post our own topics? more like a message board? i had a funny thought the other day i wanted to share but didn't know how to do it. i know, i'm a giant pain in the ass...message boards are like, hard to make!!! MUAH!
Great post! It is nice to learn more about you, Meg. You are the prettiest Irish lass from New England I’ve ever seen! Did you keep the Bostonian enunciation? I can tell you love what you do and you have so much to give to this community of women. I’ve chuckled more than once out loud and once I even cried (reading from your cocktail hour). It’s ironic you posted this today. Last night I was thinking about you and this amazing site, which you started. What a great forum to be able to talk about whatever comes to mind. I like that there are posts from all over the world! It’s so far reaching and viewed by so many great people too. One question, did we lose your housekeeper to the edge of your balcony- that’s some angle he shot your picture at. What were you so happy about anyway? I’ve said it before, and it bares repeating.. You are so onto something great here! I’m with you all the way! Glad you are so happy-Do you have a middle name?
Meg I just love you to death. You are a gorgeous woman, who has an even more beautiful personality! I'm insanely jealous :)This is one of the most important beauty tips that has been said over and over, and I love that you said it here:"When I see a women make this mistake I cringe: When women are uncomfortable in their own skin."I've noticed it in my own life--when I feel like I look like a million bucks when I'm in a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, I look more fun, more beautiful, and sexier, than when I'm all dressed up but feeling like I'm not pretty enough to be dressed that way.I love all of the things you talk about in your blog, and for putting it in a positive way.
♥ Lipgloss and Spandex: a blog for gals who look good and run fast
Meg, I wish I could have found you sooner. You are a breath of fresh air. There are hardly any places on the web like this. I come here knowing I am going to laugh and smile. This site makes me feel as if I am first-class.There are many times in a woman's life where talking to another woman is exactly what she needs. I love girl;s night and coming here is what that feels like. Thank you for creating this site 1,000 times over.
A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.
-Coco Chanel
aww meg i love you! when i see pictures of you and see how you write, i just immediately know that you're confident. thank you for that because it inspires me to be confident as well. i love your website and as much as i love makeup and reviewing products, it's amazing how this is such an open forum where we can talk about anything and everything. i feel so safe on your website and never feel like i'm being judged by anyone. it's lovely to be part of your world. hugs to you sister!
check out my blog
http://sharynramblings.blogspot.com
I'm new to MMU but I wanted to say, after reading this, you sound like a sweet, wonderful person and that drink sounds divine!
Meg you are amazing! Its more than obvious that you put so much time and effort into Megsmakeup and catering to all of our questions. I truly can't imagine not having had Megsmakeup before this. When I first signed up I checked the reviews in the emails, read them and enjoyed it but it wasn't until I read some reviews that reached out from my computer and slapped me in the face that I became an avid fan and really understood the community that was here at Megsmakeup! From natural remedies, like Tea Tree Oil (thanks Stylemama), or coconut oil in the Sunday Sermon and the recent experimentation in Apple Cider Vinegar, along with a plethora of skincare and beauty products, hair treatments and life advice that I have stored away for a rainy day, already tried or ran right out and bought. I love it all! I can honestly say that myself, and I'm sure many others, view you as a kind, invaluable, beautiful person. XOXOMeg
Style may be on the surface, but you can be deep and still have some - Clarissa Gough
Meg, this site is amazing and YOU are even MORE amazing. I love nothing more than coming on here and reading all the reviews and comments. You are an inspiration to all of us, and are gorgeous both inside and out. I love how truthful yet kind everyone on this site is, I'm SO glad potionprincess invited me to join up. :D
Loved learning a little bit about you Meg! I discovered this website a few months ago while searching for a review on some beauty product (can't remember what it was). Anyways, I knew there was something different and special about this website so I kept checking it out for a while, then I signed up and haven't looked back since. I love how nice and understanding everyone is here, and how I really feel I can trust the reviews about all the products. I can honestly say I now own the most beauty products EVER and it's because I keep reading about all these new ones I've never heard of, or old ones I wasn't sure were worth the purchase. :) Now I'm trying to recruit pretty much everyone I know to this site because it's just THAT GOOD!
http://www.rubysbeauty.com
aaawh! loved this Meg ;DI like that you read all our comments.. it's corney, but in an extremly nice way.
Love the site, Meg, and getting to know more about you.
Thanks for sharing Meg. This is a fabulous site, especially for someone who doesn't have any friends nearby to share my love of make-up with.
yay for meg! it is fun when you share like this, it is like i really know you, not just via the interwebbers.
who loves makeup? me me ME!
Reading through the archives and seeing how much the site has grown is seriously cool. I'm so glad I found it years ago. I kinda have the feeling of "I knew her when..." Here's to even more growth and progress in 2011!
what a beautiful person you are, Meg, inside and out. This was a lovely post and a few things I needed to hear today