Why so much makeup?

[mincepieprivateeye]

I went to Boots yesterday as I needed a mascara and moisturiser. I got to wondering why some of the beauty counter staff wear so much makeup. I'm not talking nicely done either, the person on the Clinique counter had a tide mark of dark foundation and almost drag queen eyebrows and lashes, it would put me off asking for advice. A couple of assistants on another counter were nearly as bad while the others were all made up but looked nice. I fully understand they have to wear the make up they sell but do they need to wear it all?

[Theimpossiblegirl]

Saucy, that is super-cute!

[OttiliaVonBCup]

I think all this thread proves is just how different everybody's definition of natural is.

[JolseBaby]

My normal daytime makeup:

1. Primer
   
2. CC cream - or if I need to look more 'done' then a light foundation
   
3. Under eye colour corrector
   
4. Concealer where needed
   
5. Translucent setting powder
   
6. Neutral coloured eyeshadow with slightly darker colour for the crease
   
7. Light pencil for eyebrows to fill in any tiny gaps and tidy them up
   
8. Mascara - I use brown for daytime as it's more discreet and just adds a bit of definition
   
9. Contouring shade for under cheekbones
   

10. Blush for cheekbones
11. Lipstick

I don't apply huge amounts of makeup - I like to look 'done' but natural rather than really obvious, so for me makeup is about smoothing out some of the flaws and playing up the good stuff. However some of the younger girls do very clever things with contouring etc., so I can see how it would be easy to wear 17 products - I don't bother with things like eyeliner, different shadows, eyelid primer, setting spray etc.

I do think that some of the counters miss a trick though. I find it a bit off-putting to ask advice from someone who has an obvious tidemark which is the wrong colour, wads of clumpy mascara and so on.

[Roussette]

Saucy I love her little face!

[JeanneDeMontbaston]

I reckon my niece would like tips, saucy. I've seen her with an elegant look based on smudgy chocolate eyeliner, but she's not really got the defined brow down yet.

[whatdoIget]

I think maybe some people define 'makeup' as only being foundation etc, makeup on the skin. They don't include mascara, eyeliner etc.

[EddieStobbart]

I watched a Zoella thing the other day to see what the fuss was about - autumn make up or something or other. Wow - she was plastered in the stuff. She looked nice enough at the end but she put on about eight different lotions and powders just to form her "base". My skin would feel pretty grim with all that sitting on it and I think when skin has no imperfections and the texture is obviously from foundation and powder it looks really odd.

My friend was put off buying some make up she was looking at the other day because of the appearance of the counter staff. She ran away instead.

[SquirrelledAway]

The girl on the Clinique counter at our local Boots always looks quite scarily over made up - but she's very nice and obviously took pity on me (with no make up and buying stuff for DIL) and gave me a huge bag of freebies.

[MauriceMossMug]

Not trying to derail but I have to ask, what make up do you use to make you skin look so perfect hollinhurst?!
You look air brushed!
I always look awful with every foundation I've ever wore.

[hollinhurst84]

A combination really!
Dollish veil vita BB cream in purple for good skin days
Mac waterweight or illamasqua skin base or urban decay naked skin liquid for heavier coverage
I use photography fluid primer under it
Kevyn aucoin sensual skin as concealer

[JolseBaby]

I think Zoella always looks very heavily made-up. She wears a lot of base and foundation, which puzzles me as she has quite good skin. You only need to up the ante on base if you have colour issues, acne problems or scarring to cover.

[fastingmum123]

I define makeup as everything mascara lipstick whatever the other stuff is called I own none don't even have moisturiser ect I just have no interest plus you can't polish a turd lol

[MsMims]

I agree with you OP. It's a shame that some make up counters seem to encourage the caked on look as I think most women don't wear that much.

I don't wear make up any more but when I used to a natural look would mean mascara, blusher and some lip balm to me. Layers of make up and multiple products isn't natural, although it may be attempting a natural 'look'.

I used to work at new look and heavy make up was encouraged to create a 'glamorous' look. No joke, 'glamorous' was used in the staff handbook.

If I was going to wear make up again one day, maybe for a special occasion, I'd be hesitant to approach any counter with a caked on look. Surely the OTT appearance puts off other women who are just looking for a couple of simple basics like mascara too?

[Jw35]

I heard (years ago now) that they have to wear 17 products for the job.

Personally I hate over done make up, I think it looks tacky

[mincepieprivateeye]

That's the sort Bibity although I've seen worse than that walking down the street. I'm amazed no ones mum/friend/boyfriend doesn't say they look ridiculous

[Kelsoooo]

I can't not wear makeup.

My skin is riddled with acne scars (ironically from before the time I wore makeup)

But no, no eyeliner in that picture. Didn't have time this morning...I suck with eyeliner :-)

[Kelsoooo]

Some people need foundation. I am one of those people.

Though thanks to the Advanced night repair...I'm getting further from needing it, and I like that :-)

[OttiliaVonBCup]

I catch myself staring at people's eyelashes and brows sometimes. I can't help it.

I try not to.
It's extreme though, I do remember the heavily plucked brows years ago and now the other extreme.

I do love makeup, but I'm always careful to use sheer foundation or tinted moisturiser in the right shade and never wear mascara, it makes me look overdone.

[Roussette]

There's a recent picture online of Cheryl whateverhername is (will try and find it) saying how she is completely make up free.

Make up free my arse!

[Roussette]

here she is. Make up free! I think not! Thick mascara and eye liner, do these gossip writers think we are stupid?!

[MrsJayy]

Dd2 loves Zoella she (dd) had acne and scarring and her make up looks amazing she has a million lotions and potions and brushes i dont understand all the brushes

[Fatrascals]

bibbity (still weep over Bowie)

What is the flickin deal with those brows?
I was transfixed with a woman in my team meeting the other day. Like two huge slugs on her face. On a dual carriageway.

[Narp]

The only time I have bought expensive makeup was in a place in London where the assistants had really subtle make-up, and normal skin.

The kind of 'look' in most department store assistants put me Right Off - and I should be prime target for them - getting on a bit, and a sucker for 'nice things'

[MummaV]

On an average day I will wear:
Concealer
Loose powder
Eye liner.

On a bad skin day, add tinted moisturiser.

On a rare night out :
Tinted moisturiser
Concealer
Powder
Eyeliner
Liquid eyeliner
Mascara
Blusher
Lip stain
Lip balm

However, the current eyebrow trend and those make up counter girls worry me.

I avoid going to make up counters because I don't want to end up looking like that and every time I've been near one I've ended up orange! (Naturally very pale and freckled).

[hollinhurst84]

Roussette- I think that liner might be tattoo and semi permanent lashes.... So she can say she is "no makeup"