Need makeup advice for a true rookie

[LisaR]

I am in my mid-40's and have never worn makeup a day in my life. I am talking nothing at all, ever. Up until now, I have been quite happy with that. However, I have suddenly become old looking! Not really, but my face seems to have multiple colors that just don't look right. I am having the occasional dark circles under my eyes (from my crappy sleep patterns), high cheek bones that seem red and pale skin below my cheek bones.

So, I am thinking of venturing into a LITTLE makeup but I honestly don't have a clue where to begin. My sister suggested I go get a makeover but I don't want to do that because I know they will use way more makeup and products than I will purchase and use.

Anyone have any tips on where to begin? Foundation, concealer and lipstick? Is that enough? What brands? How do I pick the right color? I truly don't have a clue.

 

[clh2]

I'm not a huge make-up fan either.

There are a couple of options...the stuff I currently use I buy at a local salon, they do a makover/application lesson for $25 - which you then get a credit for $25 to use on the make-up they sell. Be very specific - that you don't want to look like a "streetwalker" and they should be able to adjust their application for you.

Also - another thing you can do is go to a store -- like Macy's, and "cruise" the make-up area, and find someone who has make-up that you like.

When my DD started to wear make-up when she was 13, I let her do a whole make-up thing at the MAC counter. I was very specific with the salesperson that I didn't want her to look like the average streetwalker when she was done.

The cosmetic people work on commission, IIRC, so really - if you aren't happy, they won't make any money if you do not buy anything.

 

[Mom2Nick]

For a typical non user - I would look into the Bare Minerals stuff. It is easy to put on, feels like it's not there and does a good job of evening out everything.

Then you can just use a nice mascara and a light lip color and you're fine

 

[creativeamanda]

My suggestion would be to go to a Mary Kay consultant and ask for a makeover. Explain you don't want a lot of makeup. When I do those makeovers, I deal specifically with skincare (cleansers and mouisterizers), a mineral-type face powder, mascara, and lip gloss. I try to stick with that for people who don't wear a lot of makeup, because just the skincare can get to be a big deal for them. Also, using the right skin care products can effect a huge change in appearance.

 

[LuvOrlando]

-

 

[lovemygoofy]

I would suggest you go to a makeup store. Bring a friend if you think you will be intimidated. I'm not sure if you have a whole "face" routine already with wash and makeup. Just be clear and firm in what you want and feel your face can handle. Who knows you may become addicted. I love the sephora store. I don't know what half the stuff in there is for and barely buy anything but just looking around fascinates me.

The sephora store carries so many brands and the makeup person can give you little tips to help you put it on and how to maintain a certain look. I believe they also have a decent return policy.

 

[JessicaR]

I would head to Macy's or the like and have a lancome, estee lauder, clinique any of the more natural/neutral product lines give you a natural looking make-up application.

Heck pick a different counter each time until you are happy with the outcome! They will also teach you how to apply it. Have some fun with it.

 

[disneyfreakk]

Do you have any kind of skin care regimen? Makeup can help to cover up your flaws, but skin care is KEY!!!!

Bare minerals is the way to go if you are going to get makeup! The idea behind the mineral makeup is to look like you don't have any on. Plus, it is great for your skin. They even have a starter kit with a instructional DVD and everything!! however, I would strongly suggest that you find a store that sells bare minerals and get a makeover.

 

[LisaR]

Thanks for all the great tips! I looked up the Bare Minerals stuff and I like the sounds of it. Unfortunately, the closest Sephora is over an hour away.

My skin care regime for my face goes like this..............nothing! I know, I am so terrible. Really, I have never used soap; just warm water. I put lotion on but I use anything from Olay products to Vaseline Intensive Care.

I am lucky that I do have a younger looking face. It runs in the family. My mom is 78 and people can not believe it. I just want to have a little even color to my face somedays. I am not sleeping well thanks to the whole pre-menopause thing and it shows on my face.

 

[happybratpack]

Thanks for all the great tips! I looked up the Bare Minerals stuff and I like the sounds of it. Unfortunately, the closest Sephora is over an hour away.

My skin care regime for my face goes like this..............nothing! I know, I am so terrible. Really, I have never used soap; just warm water. I put lotion on but I use anything from Olay products to Vaseline Intensive Care.

I am lucky that I do have a younger looking face. It runs in the family. My mom is 78 and people can not believe it. I just want to have a little even color to my face somedays. I am not sleeping well thanks to the whole pre-menopause thing and it shows on my face.

I agree w/ the BM too. I never wore makeup and was amazed what a little would do for me. Plus I don't look "made up". It's quick to apply too.

 

[EdiePA]

I tried Bare Minerals and liked it, but didn't like the powdery mess it left behind. Gave up on that and went to the Bobbi Brown counter at Macys. Very natural looking make-up and no hard sell. It's a little pricey, but the stuff lasts and looks as good at the end of the day as when I first put it on.

Edie

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I never wear makeup either, but for some reason I was tempted to buy some last night.

 

[Liberty Belle]

Bare Minerals is much too dry for me. I have kind of dry skin and it just doesn't work for me.

Be prepared - when you first put foundation on, until your natural oils come through (a few minutes to an hour or so), it can make every little line show up. That will go away, though, so don't freak out!

I like Clinique make up, but all faces and skins are different, so I'd do like the others said and go to a few different make up counters. Just make sure to tell them what you told us - you've never worn make up before and want a very natural look.

 

[luv2nascar]

I am rapidly approaching 40
It scares the heck out of me. I though my hair and make up was looking to dated. Like I mentioned I am scared of the whole 40+ thing. I was on weight watchers and losing some weight 20lbs so I treated myself to a whole new me. I went to Sephora and they helped me. Showed me how to use Bare Minerals. I bought the starter kit. Then I cut me hair and highlighted it. When I went to work I couldn't stop getting compliments. Family and friends loved it. I felt better and years younger. I don't know if its all the Bare Minerals or if its the hair too but I keep getting told how much younger I look. I really think BM took 5 years off my look. Yeah.

I buy from QVC now and occassionally Sephora for BM. I love it and have never looked back.

 

[mnasmom3]

I'd suggest Bare Minerals, too. (Or some other mineral makeup) If you're willing to order online, you don't need Sephora. You might consider a started kit of Bare Minerals from QVC. There are a lot of companies that are jumping on the mineral makeup bandwagon though, so you're not stuck with Bare Minerals.

 

[MsAmerica]

QVC has a Bare Escentuals starter kit that includes a DVD to show you how to apply it. It takes a technique to apply the BE correctly but it is a fabulous line that is very natural looking.

To a PP that found BE drying, you probably aren't wearing enough moisturizer. It is really important to make sure one's face is properly hydrated before putting on any foundation.

Also, there are BE videos on youtube if you want to watch how it works before you purchase it. There are probably a ton of videos on youtube for makeup applications also.

Good Luck

MsA

 

[LisaR]

QVC has a Bare Escentuals starter kit that includes a DVD to show you how to apply it. It takes a technique to apply the BE correctly but it is a fabulous line that is very natural looking.

To a PP that found BE drying, you probably aren't wearing enough moisturizer. It is really important to make sure one's face is properly hydrated before putting on any foundation.

Also, there are BE videos on youtube if you want to watch how it works before you purchase it. There are probably a ton of videos on youtube for makeup applications also.

Good Luck

MsA

Thanks again, everyone. I am finding all of this helpful.

What do you suggest for a moisturizer?

Looking at the BE, would foundation and the All Over Face Cream be sufficient? I have been reading reviews on Amazon and it seems like some of the people just use these two items.