Make up - starting again from scratch

[Enelya]

I need to start from scratch with my makeup bag! Everything in there is at least 5 years old, and since I've had 2 babies in the mean time what's left probably doesn't suit me anymore.

I'm not a big make up wearer, maybe 2x per month "low key" daytime/professional look, 1x per quarter "stronger" daytime look and 2x per quarter evening look. There is no point spending super bucks because the stuff will probably dry up before I finish it, but I'm happy to spend a reasonable amount to get decent quality. I'd rather get everything from one place because shopping time is limited with 2 kids. The only exception is anything that could be bought for a better price in the US as DH is a regular traveller (would have to be specific items I could write down for him!).

I used to get everything from boots 7 range but wonder if I should expand my horizons! It needs to be somewhere that does vouchers as DH, DM and D-ILs are all chipping in for xmas. I am happy to spend in the region of £300.

Sorry for the essay! In summary:
Boots vouchers or somewhere else?
Do the concessions in Selfridges (for example) take Selfridges vouchers?

Once I've sorted that I'll be back to get my shopping list vetted!

[BusterGonad]

If I were you I'd get boots vouchers and then hit the Christmas sales when they have mini sets reduced. Clinique always do mini sets. E.g. Mini eyeshadow palette, full size mascara and eyeliner. They usually start at about £30 but in the sale can be half price. Look in the catalog and on Boxing Day snap up your goodies. Clinique do a lovely CC cream. Not too thick but good coverage. You could get some of their chubby lip sticks. One sheer for Day and a more pigmented one for a glam look, I bet they have a set out now just waiting to get reduced!

[FrickOnAStick]

IME the mini sets tend to come in weird colours (purple eyeshadow, brown lipstick etc).

You are probably best having a few counter makeovers or having a think about which textures/colours you like best, rather than buying a full face from one brand.

Or have a look on YouTube for bloggers with similar colouring to you and see what sort of colours they use?

Or both?

[Softkitty2]

Yes I agree with looking at youtubers. But I highly recommend laura mercier or bobbi brown and estee lauder for a basic collection. They do a variety of tinted moisturisers to full coverage foundation. They both also do their own skincare range. I think its always best to go to a counter to have the makeup look done for you and you can choose to get the products they use and you can try different items.

Or still go to a counter to get swatched and take note of the products used and ask your husband to get them for you at the airport.

[BusterGonad]

I dunno Frick I wouldn't say no to these little beauty's!

[FrickOnAStick]

Lisa Eldridge has a good channel on YT. Pro MU artist but does lots of easy to follow, easy to wear make up styles for all colours, ages and occasions. Lots of YT seems to be scary 16yo doing Kardashian style kontouring (intended) and big, brown, overdrawn lips. All a bit much in RL.

[Enelya]

It hadn't occurred to me to look at YouTube 😄

Also love the idea of looking online now for things that may be reduced!

So maybe a stepwise approach, sort the foundation etc first, then look for eyes/lips etc? Maybe I can get to a shop big enough to have counters before xmas and write some things down

[Enelya]

Thanks buster MIL is a big Clinique fan so I could put the eye colour palette on my xmas wish list and it would almost certainly arrive

[BusterGonad]

The thing with Clinique and Xmas sets is they generally chose colours that are all rounders, they generally suit all skin tones and colorings. Their chubby sticks are lovely too, not the baby tints for lips though as I personally can't even see a colour on my lips. Like I said the CC cream is nice as a light base. I just think for a person who isn't too in to make up Clinique is a nice range. Not full of crazy colours like Mac and the staff are very helpful too.

[Enelya]

So asking for Boots vouchers with the aim of spending them at the Clinique counter would be a good plan. I always feel bad asking for cash!

[BusterGonad]

I would OP yes. Make a day of it after Christmas when all the goodies are on sale, see if your children can be looked after and take yourself out for some you time. Grab some bargains. Look at the Christmas sets on line and pick out a product and google it on line. I love makeup alley as they give honest opinions.

[Enelya]

Thanks!

[BusterGonad]

Anytime. I'm a huge make up fan. I love helping people out with ideas.

[coffeecakemum]

Estée Lauder is doing a big make up collection for £58 if you buy a perfume. Worth a look

[Enelya]

That sounds like a great deal! Will try to locate a counter near me 😄

[flamingnoravera]

I'd go to space nk and have a makeover and buy a blusher, eyeshadow and lipstick if I liked the look. They carry much nicer ranges of make up than Boots (IMO).

[BusterGonad]

That's a great idea Coffeecake and generally in these sets they have 'suit all' shades.

[DilapidatedGlamourpuss]

I second Estee Lauder- my Nan always buys me the large gift set at Christmas and it's amazing. Usually comes with a big eyeshadow and blusher palette, 3 lipsticks (last year's was a neutral, a red and a pink) 2 glosses, nail varnish and a small perfume. Highly recommend it!

If you want to supplement with cheaper brands the palettes from Makeup Revolution are lovely. As for US brands, I get my foundation from the Sephora own brand. It's about $21 so quite good value, blends well and is medium-heavy coverage without being cake

Hope that helps

[ChristmasEvePJs]

I don't rate clinique foundation but it is all a matter of personal taste/skin etc. I would always stick to EL double wear or double wear light for foundation... I alternate between one for day and one for evening.

[BusterGonad]

Yes but Christmas if you don't normally wear foundation ELDW is really heavy and takes practice, I think the OP would be better with a light CC cream or a sheer foundation until she gets to grips with it.

[Pluto30]

Shiseido does the best foundation, IMO. The sun protection one is fabulous. Revlon Colorstay is a great, inexpensive choice. If you like a light foundation, I've been using the Clinique "Chubby in the Nude" foundation stick lately and it's great too.

Estee Lauder Double Wear made me break out. So did NARS Sheer Glow (another popular foundation).

Rimmel stay matte powder (transluscent) is the best powder, and cheap as chips.

Mascaras, IMO, are not worth spending a huge amount of money on. High street ones tend to be just as good as high end ones. Rimmel wake me up is great if you can bear the artificial watermelon smell. Otherwise, Loreal ones are fab. On the high end side of things, Benefit They're Real is the best I've tried, and Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes the worst (dried out in three uses, no exaggeration).

Tarte amazonian clay eyebrow pencil is the best for brows. But Maybelline does a good, inexpensive alternative.

Hourglass and NARS do the best blushes. The Hourglass "Incandescent Electra" is my favourite, but NARS Orgasm and Super Orgasm are awesome too.

And get a Beauty Blender!!! Best investment ever. I will never go back to using my hands or brushes for foundation.