idiots guide to wearing make up...

[NeatFreak]

I've reached the age of 31 and got away with only wearing a little make up now and then but have decided I need to experiment a bit more but I am clueless.

Can anyone give me a beginners guide? Fwiw, I have very dark hair, brown eyes, dark circles under my eyed, pale skin with a few freckles and extremely sensitive eyes- on the few occasions I wear mascara I end up with sore, irritated eyes. I don't want to look totally made up but I would like to wear a bit.

My make up bag atm consists of a max factor foundation (at least 7.months old), a no7 concealer, pink blusher that doesn't suit and a (fairly new) sensitive eyes mascara.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I'd say you need to go to a make up counter (choose one where the lady looks natural not plastered in k'up). Start with basics - I'd say this is eyelash curlers, sensitive eyes mascara, tinted moisturiser & a fresh blush. IMO always use Touche Eclat by YSL for undereyes - it would suit your colouring beautifully x

I get terrible dark circles under my eyes and I absolutely LOVE Bobbi Brown's corrector. It's a kind of pink colour so it neutralises the colour of the circles.

I agree about going to a makeup counter. It makes life so much easier. And buy the more expensive products, too - I only buy foundation about twice a year so I think it's worth it.

I always think sorting out skin is the most important thing, so get a good foundation, concealer etc then move on to eye shadows and stuff. I use a pretty cheap blusher, though, and cheap-ish mascara because I think it makes less of a difference.

i would really advise you to go to a bobbi brown counter - you will notice that all the assistants look very glam but natural - no scary mask-like caked-on oranginess. Bobbi Brown is not cheap but is very good, very natural and very flattering. They will do you a makeover and suggest lots of products; they shouldn't pressure you to buy them but be prepared what they do suggest will come to hundreds (especially if you were to buy the brushes too) .

Just say you want the absolute basics - tinted moisturiser, blusher, lip color, eyeliner etc.

totally agree about the importance of foundation - Bobbi Brown ones (I am not on commission, I swear!) are about 30 quid but I buy about 3 a year and I wear it every day.

As it happens, I visited the Bobbi Brown counter in House of Fraser tonight!
Bought a new foundation (first time I have asked for advice in years!) and a powder, total cost was £51.
When I get paid I will pop back to get the under eye concealer.
Looking fwd to using it tomorrow

Oooh - OP, you sound like me!

Go to a beauty counter. Find someone whose makeup you like and ask her to do the same.

This is what I do:

Foundation - estee lauder double wear
Concealer - YSL Touche Eclat under eyes, around nose, blemishes and above top lip
Powder - Chanel
Fill in eyebrows
Highlighter under brows and top of cheekbones
Bobbi Brown eye cream in cement
Brown eye pencil, top and bottom
Black Mascara - Diorshow
Mac cream blush - ladyblush
Lip Liner - Bobbi Brown in Brownie
Lip Crayon - Bobbi Brown in Wild Rose

IN fact the lady I saw tonoght wasn't atall pushy, and said fingers would be fine to apply the foundation! No extra costs for brushes!

good!

Sorry, I posted last night then promptly fell asleep!

Thanks for the tips. Those beauty counters always look really scary but its my birthday next week so I might treat myself.

I do have a soap and glory tinted moisturiser, which I use every day but it doesn't seem to do very much... maybe I'm just doing it wrong!