beansprouts Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 I haven't worn make-up in fifteen years. I haven't the faintest idea where to begin, how to choose colors, and how to apply them so they look "natural". :lol: I do have sensitive skin, so anything I use needs to be very gentle. I would love some help. Thanks :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 You could have a Mary Kay lady give you a facial and then you'd have a good opportunity to look at colors. One caveat, though (and I mean NO disrespect to MK as a whole) some MK ladies are into heavy make-up. So, try to find one that'll let you choose what you like and are comfy with, not one who's just out to sell it all to you. My MK lady, for example, is great about this. Others I've had in the past, not so much. Also, mineral cosmetics seem to be very popular these days and they are light weight and if I recall, are good for those with sensitive skin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EarleneW Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 I would suggest going to Ulta if you have one close by. They are very reasonably priced and have many different types in one store. They will also give you a makeover, show you how to apply it, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyWImom Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 One other suggestion is if you are near a big dept. store that carries Prescriptives, they actually "colorprint" you. Yeah, yeah, sounds gimicky, but I love it because they match foundation to your skin & finger out what your color tones are. And it is dead on. So basically I know now what will look good or bad on me, and I don't have to buy their stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zelda Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 I haven't worn make-up in fifteen years. I haven't the faintest idea where to begin, how to choose colors, and how to apply them so they look "natural". :lol: I do have sensitive skin, so anything I use needs to be very gentle. I would love some help. Thanks :001_smile: Check out http://www.cosmeticscop.com/. She sells her own products but she started out as a watchdog for the cosmetics industry and has lots of great advice about application and ingredients and skin care. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asta Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 If you have a MAC cosmetics counter anywhere near you, I would give them a shot. Their make-up artists usually look a bit shocking (pink and green hair, nose rings, etc.), but are always REAL make-up artists with actual training. One time, I had 5 minutes to find make-up (yes, 5 minutes, and I have really sensitive skin and it is almost impossible to match) - the gal leaned back, stared at me, grabbed my chin, swiped on two different colors, and handed me the one that was correct. I still wear the stuff: it is pressed minerals in a compact and works great. Otherwise, I would recommend Sephora. Their sales help is a bit spottier, but they have a wide range of brands to choose from. If you have a specific concern ("I have sensitive skin that tends towards sallow and I need light coverage" -- that's not me, but that could be an example), they can lead you to a product known for meeting those criteria. Since you haven't bought make-up in forever, I would steer clear of drugstores for now; you can't tell what the colors are/how they will look on you while standing in an aisle under florescent light. The price differential isn't worth it for something that may not work (and it really isn't that much of a difference anymore). MaryKay does have some good product lines, as does Arbonne, but unless you're feeling like getting the full court press (facial care, full make-up) instead of just your foundation, you may just want to go to a store and go "a la carte". Personally, I've always felt kind of guilty just buying my one little item from a home rep, but that's just me. asta P.S. I'll second Zelda. I've read that woman's book from cover to cover and it is invaluable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 I'd recommend you get this book out of the library http://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Bible-Ultimate-Guide-Smart/dp/1877988294 You can read through Paula's best of 2007 products to get lots of ideas for products at all price ranges http://www.cosmeticscop.com/reports-best-of-beauty-2007.aspx Her Don't go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me books are also good & usually in the libraries. Also, I find the clerks at my drugstore tend to be pretty reasonable (as opposed to the makeup counters at department stores where they're often plain INSANE). If you go in and say what you just said, they could help you out. I'd start with a nice transluscent pressed powder to use on your nose/chin/forehead, a good mascara (I like L'Oreal) but probably one coat only so your lashes don't overwhelm your face, and a neutral lipstick. I'd stick with a neutral look at first, until you get used to wearing make up again. Tell them you want a natural, neutral look & go for it. Apply just a little of the stuff. I like to apply lipstick & blot it off with a kleenex, leaving just a light stain behind. Then it doesn't come off on my tea cups & I can kiss my kids & dogs without leaving imprints on everyone. A gentle application of an eyeliner pencil under the outer halves of the bottom lashes can really pump up the eyes. For everyday, I'd soften the eyeliner by running a Qtip over it to blur it a bit. You can get a similar effect with a dark eyeshadow applied with a qtip but it doesn't last as long. Getting a good foundation is really the hardest part & I'd recommend reading through the Cosmetics Cop website to get some brands which would me suitable for your skin type. For a drugstore brand, I have been happy with Revlon's Age Defying liquid foundation. Sets nicely, won't rub off, looks natural. For department store foundation, I think Lancome's foundations are my favourite. One last thing, make sure you modify your cleaning routine - you'll need to make sure you take this stuff off properly or your skin might start breaking out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 She also sells a book called The Beauty Bible. Definitely worth buying. You can check it out of your local library to give it a lookover. If you are not going to wear make-up frequently then I recommend the mineral kind as it lasts forever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 I've heard MAC is good. Sephora is nice because you can try such a wide range of stuff. Their staff does a decent job; I've always been happy.:001_smile: I think Sephora's staff does not work on commission, which means they are not pushy, which I like. Go in on a weekday when they won't be as busy and tell them you need a consultation. Ask if they can try out the Clarisonic face brush to clean your face (my sister just did this, said it's like a facial. the brush is too expensive to actually buy :tongue_smilie:), then have them recommend a moisturizer and do a foundation match. They tend to like Bare Minerals, but I didn't care for it. But you can tell them if you prefer a powder, liquid or cream. Be prepared, the stuff is all expensive. Decide what you want to get, and what you can get at a drug store for a cheaper price. The expensive stuff is better quality, but sometimes you have to decide what's worth it. ;) Generally it's worth it to buy the better foundation, as well as eyeshadow and blush. Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beansprouts Posted October 20, 2008 Author Share Posted October 20, 2008 (edited) If you have a MAC cosmetics counter anywhere near you, I would give them a shot. Where do you find them? Department stores? Since you haven't bought make-up in forever, I would steer clear of drugstores for now; you can't tell what the colors are/how they will look on you while standing in an aisle under florescent light. The price differential isn't worth it for something that may not work (and it really isn't that much of a difference anymore). It is NOT worth putting the wrong product on my face... Trust me! Years ago I used a hotel bar of soap and had a nasty rash within minutes. I looked like I had been burned. Funny thing is only the skin on my face is this way. :001_huh: I'll second Zelda. I've read that woman's book from cover to cover and it is invaluable. Then it doesn't come off on my tea cups & I can kiss my kids & dogs without leaving imprints on everyone. Good advice! Lipstick marks on tea cups are icky. A gentle application of an eyeliner pencil under the outer halves of the bottom lashes can really pump up the eyes. For everyday, I'd soften the eyeliner by running a Qtip over it to blur it a bit. You can get a similar effect with a dark eyeshadow applied with a qtip but it doesn't last as long. Another problem I forgot to mention: I am almost blind without my glasses on. I have worn contacts in the past, but my eyes are so bad now that I need a custom lense (-11 on one side). I fould it to be too much of a hassle to try to order them, and haven't gone further with exploring other options. But the point it, when I take off my glasses, it could be very difficult to apply make up... Getting a good foundation is really the hardest part & I'd recommend reading through the Cosmetics Cop website to get some brands which would me suitable for your skin type. For a drugstore brand, I have been happy with Revlon's Age Defying liquid foundation. Sets nicely, won't rub off, looks natural. It appeared that they sold samples for $0.80. Perhaps I should order several shades and just try them out? She also sells a book called The Beauty Bible. Definitely worth buying. You can check it out of your local library to give it a lookover. If you are not going to wear make-up frequently then I recommend the mineral kind as it lasts forever. I have looked around the website some, and their appears to be a lot of information there. I will definitely be reading more. Thank you! Edited October 20, 2008 by beansprouts grammer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beansprouts Posted October 20, 2008 Author Share Posted October 20, 2008 But you can tell them if you prefer a powder, liquid or cream. ummmm... I don't know :confused: What is the difference? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newbie Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 If you havent worn makeup you want something light, a cream might feel too heavy, a powder like Bare Minerals is nice because it is light feeling. Liquids can tend to feel heavy. An easy foundation I have found lately , is Diorflash, it is expensive, but it would last, you just spray on, and wipe w/sponge. Super easy and super light. Find at Dpt. Stores that carry Dior, which is most. Sephora and Ulta carry also. Best eyeshadow, is Bareminerals, no creasing. Cream eyeshadow might be nice, I think Benefit has some nice ones they are easy. Best eyeliner is Lancome, they have waterproof, so if your eyes do water you wont look like raccoon. Cheeks, I would use a stain, its easy and will last all day. Lipcolor, simple gloss by Bareminerals, their Buxom is nice. Also, you might want to try Bobby Brown, QVC carries and any dpt store. She tends to go more natural and light, where Mac might be a lil overwhelming. Might want to buy some things online instead of getting attacked at stores, even Sephora. Because you will walk out w/much more than you wanted. They have tricks of the trade. Hope helps and doesnt confuse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 A powder is brushed on. They can give you a very natural look. The mineral powders make me itch so I avoid them. I like liquids. I like to apply liquids with a damp sponge, which give a lighter, more natural look. Creams tend to be heavy, but good for dry skin. I like Laura Mercier's Silk Creme. I also use a damp sponge to apply it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 I haven't worn make-up in fifteen years. I haven't the faintest idea where to begin, how to choose colors, and how to apply them so they look "natural". :lol: I do have sensitive skin, so anything I use needs to be very gentle. I would love some help. Thanks :001_smile: You could try starting out with just a little bit every day and see how you 'feel' in that. I always wear mascara and lip gloss -- even if I'm just going to do farm chores. Try something that simple and see if that's what you like. A little make-up can make a big difference. If that floats your boat, you could try experimenting with colours. If you have an Avon or MaryKay lady around, they usually have a few samples, or could get some samples for you to play with. Even though I sell Avon, I don't like doing make-overs. I don't like the pressure-thing they want you to do to sell more make-up. I think 'less is more' a lot of the time, and I'd rather a lady feel good than feel "made up" KWIM? Anyway... give it a try a little at a time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 practice, practice, practice I'm near sighted though not as badly as you. I get really, really close to the mirror if I don't have my contacts in to do my mascara & the odd time I bother with eyeshadow. Bottom eyeliner I can usually stick in under the glass frame & do that way. After a while you get pretty good at it & now I apply without really looking & then do a thorough close up look after the fact & correct any booboos. Qtips are my one indipensible tool. My usual routine is to apply the foundation at home and do the rest in the car as I'm driving :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beansprouts Posted October 20, 2008 Author Share Posted October 20, 2008 My usual routine is to apply the foundation at home and do the rest in the car as I'm driving :D So that was you who nearly ran me off the road the other day!! You know I ended up dropping my cell phone and spilling coffee all over my lap trying to avoid hitting you :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 So that was you who nearly ran me off the road the other day!! You know I ended up dropping my cell phone and spilling coffee all over my lap trying to avoid hitting you :lol: You were all over MY lane! I SAW you, driving with your knees while dialing your phone & drinking your coffee! Seriously, I am a red light groomer. Fortunately, pretty much every direction I go, I am guaranteed to hit at least one red light. I even have one really long red which I can do everything at.... The regular reds I can only do one eye at a time. The only problem with this is that occasionally I don't hit enough reds & I arrive unfinished, which just means that I do it when I park. EXCEPT, that I know at least once (& hence probably many more times) I went on my merry way with just 1 eye done. :001_huh: Lovely look. Didn't realize it till hours later when I got home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 Cindy, you've got that great beautiful natural look totally working for you. You need foundation and a bunch of eye-makeup like a hole in the head. You already look great. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhudson Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 I think the best bet is to go to your local mall and schedule a makeover with some of the makeup counters. I use clinique because I have really sensitive skin and Mary Kay and others break me out and give me horrible rashes. Anyway, the ladies there will give you a full makeover and in my experience will listen to what you need. I like a natural look without a make up feel but I want a couple of products to help me have an evening look for going out with my husband or to company functions. They (or any make up counter) should work with you and show what you need and how to get the look you want. I don't ever buy all their stuff and have stayed away from their skin care line as Olay works for me and is cheaper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 To be honest, I don't like Paula's book. I tried to go by her recommendations one time and I looked CAKED. And yes, it was the foundation suggestion, not me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beansprouts Posted October 20, 2008 Author Share Posted October 20, 2008 Cindy, you've got that great beautiful natural look totally working for you. You need foundation and a bunch of eye-makeup like a hole in the head. You already look great. Bill Your wife is a lucky woman, Bill. (Thank you) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah CB Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 If you have a MAC cosmetics counter anywhere near you, I would give them a shot. Their make-up artists usually look a bit shocking (pink and green hair, nose rings, etc.), but are always REAL make-up artists with actual training. One time, I had 5 minutes to find make-up (yes, 5 minutes, and I have really sensitive skin and it is almost impossible to match) - the gal leaned back, stared at me, grabbed my chin, swiped on two different colors, and handed me the one that was correct. I still wear the stuff: it is pressed minerals in a compact and works great. Otherwise, I would recommend Sephora. Their sales help is a bit spottier, but they have a wide range of brands to choose from. If you have a specific concern ("I have sensitive skin that tends towards sallow and I need light coverage" -- that's not me, but that could be an example), they can lead you to a product known for meeting those criteria. Since you haven't bought make-up in forever, I would steer clear of drugstores for now; you can't tell what the colors are/how they will look on you while standing in an aisle under florescent light. The price differential isn't worth it for something that may not work (and it really isn't that much of a difference anymore). :iagree::iagree::iagree: I love MAC and their make-up artists are fantastic. You can get them to do a free makeover if you know you'll purchase over $40 in cosmetics. There was a lady next to me when I did my makeover who hadn't ever worn make-up and she was in her early fifties. She wanted to look natural and they did a great job with her. MAC has quality cosmetics as well so I think they'd be great for sensitive skin. My MAC stuff lasts and lasts and always looks great. I use the pressed mineral powder with a big powder brush and that's all I wear for a base. It looks natural and not caked on or thick, but it smooths out my skin tone and helps me lose the shine. Lately I've been a little more adventurous with their eye shadow :D So, my advice is to go directly to MAC. Plan to spend at least $40 and book yourself a free makeover. That will help you determine what you want to buy. And have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vida Winter Posted October 21, 2008 Share Posted October 21, 2008 Cindy, Just thought I'd share a tip that you may be able to use if you decide on a liquid foundation. I got a little 10 minute mini-makeover at a Lancome counter when I visited my parents this past spring. The thing that was different was that the saleslady applied foundation with a half inch wide synthetic paint brush. I did buy some wonderful foundation there, and when I got home I started using an artist quality paintbrush (synthetic, not natural bristle) to apply the makeup. It lets you put on a very thin coat and blend it perfectly. One little tiny dab of foundation is enough for my whole face. I do like the Lancome foundation, too. It has sunscreen so I don't need to remember about that. And anti-aging ingredients although I have no idea what.:tongue_smilie: ~Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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