Help! 32 yr old that hasn't bought make up since her teens!

[emmajlh]

Wonder if anyone can make some brand name recommendations to me?

I'm starting to feel like I've reached the age where I can't get away with not wearing make up everyday.

I've had 2 pots of max factor foundation for about 8 years that are pretty much run out. A lot of my other make up is from The Body shop and is also well past its use life.

I have combination skin. I'm looking for the easiest and quickest solution that I can put on before the school run in the morning.

I've always struggled to find lipstick colours that look natural on me too. I tend to have gone for the browny reds. When I do put a full face of make up on I'm very aware that I probably look stuck in the mid 90's!

please help

Em

Watching with interest [similarly useless with makeup]

Watching with interest here too [43 and owner of no makeup].

Great foundation

i love this mascara

and this is an amzing lipstain/gloss

Also a big fan of that foundation. I quite like Garnier BB cream for a minimal look - shove a little bit of it on over your moisturiser. I add Coralista blusher from Benefit - a lovely warm coral shade that looks healthy but natural. Strong lipsticks arent' great on me either so I go for neutral lipglosses - Superdrug do a brand called '2true' which are any 3 products for £5! Their lipglosses are lovely, not that long-lasting but nice sheer coverage and don't dry my lips out at all.

A couple of suggestions depending on how much money/energy you want to spend. I am also assuming you just want a subtle lift to brighten up rather than a full on old style pub landlady type mask.

Bobbi brown does great natural looking make up and will do makeovers/lessons (may have to book but these only take about Half an hour).

If just want quick fix then I like maybelline foundation (actually like it better than posh stuff). They have a dreamy mousse foundation that is lovely . Also I love the line eraser. This comes with a sponge applicator on bottle so can blend in. I either use this on my undereye/cheeks then put a bit of powder over if I can't be bothered for full cover look.

You can then use a bit of blush depending on skin colour you can either go peachy or for a light pink. No 7 colours very good here. Just brush over apple of your cheek.

Eye colours - tend to use a cream shadow in neutral colour between brow and lid (sometimes leave it at that if not out) then darker smokey brown on lid.

Brown eyeliner just smudged into upper lid (less harsh than black). And one layer of black mascara on upper lashes. Will do both lashes (and Lower lid) if have time to go out .again boots or SuperDrug have loads of choice- find a colour you like.

Lipstick prob depends if you want a lipstick or gloss but something just a shade darker than natural lip colour always good.

I'm right into make-up, infact I want to train professionally, But enough about me.
I highly recommend MAC cosmetics. The products have great staying power & their colour ranges are great. You can book a make over on their counters (obviously designed for you to purchase afterwards). They are fully qualified artists too so give great advice.

If you want something for quickness, I would suggest a compact foundation. My experience is they don't last as long as a liquid one, so you buy more often but for convenience it ticks the boxes.
As for lipsticks, darker colours will make your lips look smaller. (Same goes for eye shadows). If you want to create a fuller looking mouth, add a bit of gloss to the top of your cupids bow and the middle of your bottom lip.
I better stop as I can get a bit carried away. I hope this helps a bit?

Lovestea would you say mac is ok for a more natural look as well as having a great range of colours

Have a look at Bobbi Brown - it's not cheap but it's subtle, fab quality and lasts really well. Mostly found its good value as its not faddy so it gets used up rather than I get bored of it. Have found all the counter girls give good advice and I come back looking like a better version of me rather than somebody I don't recognise after they've done a make up trial.
I don't have loads of it but have a good foundation, a neutral palette of eyeshadows, a few subtle lipsticks and a few other bits. Only thing I don't love is their mascara but get on well with Tesco Barbara Daly waterproof one (cheap as well) and love BD tinted moisturiser /highlighter for days when foundation is not needed

I think Bobbi Brown has the best range of natural make up. I would definitely second or third the suggestion to book in a make up session with them.

I would say your best bet is a tinted moisturiser, a nice cream blusher, mascara and a couple of lipsticks are the easiest way to get into the groove without having to buy make up brushes and the like.

MAC do have good natural shades. I have bought browns & creams for everyday at work. They do have some way out there shades too, so unless your brave start with what your comfortable with. I agree that Bobbi Brown have great neutrals, but I have not used them personally.
Don't be afraid to use colour though. It is tempting to stick to browns etc, but you can create a lovely subtle look with gentle colours such as pink or purple, depending on your colouring.

The best thing to do is go around the makeup counters in boots and debenhams, etc. They will let you try all the different products and if you're going for eyeshadow they may give you a little tutorial. As teaandcake says, colour can be great, depending how brave you are. VERY IMPORTANT: get the right brushes! you'll be amazed the difference a good makeup brush can make to how you look at the end!
for quickness, a tinted moisturiser should do the trick, a slick of liquid eyeliner on the top lid (I love l'oreal or Rimmel, but it needs practice) a little pencil on the outer lower lid, mascara, a little blush to even out your skin tone and some gloss. It all depends on your colouring and the shape of your features as to what will suit. Hence the makeup counters who should give you advice!
I could go on foreeeeeever! Favourites are Clinique, Dior, benefit and MAC.

Hi teaandcake (Waves)

If its quickness you want then the maxfactor compact foundation, this: m.boots.com/mt/www.boots.com/en/Max-Factor-Miracle-Touch-Foundation_125268/ is good. It easy quick and makes skin look lovely. For a natural looking lipstick I personally have found no7 Moisture drench lipstick in 'chic' looks really natural but pretty and is also nice and moisturing.

If moneys no object then Bobbi Brown.

If your on a budget then go for a lesson (perhaps a birthday present from family with a make up artist) and then try Aldi foundation. Honestly I am wearing it now and its amazing. I have pale skin, most high end foundations look wrong on me but this ones perfect! for £2ish.

You could try youtube lauen luke make up lessons too.

Or go to a local college that does beauty therapy, they have to do make up lessons too.

I find bridal magazines really good for make up and skincare advice, it's all geared to subtle bridal make up which is wearable not telling you about this FAB new eyeshadow in bright yellow, which is just like, sooo wearable for the office. Not. Plus they are often offering free facials at beauty counters eg clarins.

Bobbi Brown did a make up book too, your library would have it or could request it for you. Then you can practice in private.

Dont forget make up has a shelf life and can harbour bacteria if it's too old.

The more you do it the quicker you do it the faster you get. My routine is;

Clinique city block 40spf (it has higher antioxidants than the 25spf.
Apply eyelash serum (loreal).
Apply Aldi Foundation
Curl eyelashes with tweezerman eyelash curlers (makes a massive difference imo. Pricey though)
Apply waterproof loreal double extension mascara. (baby oil gets it off quickly)
Apply garnier roll on caffiene under eye concealer. Blend with my ring finger (its the weakest finger so you dont drag the delicate undereye skin).
Put powder on.

Job done. I do it in that order so the sunblock has time to settle on the skin before the foundation goes on. I dont apply blusher as it doesnt make me look any better.

so many wonderful suggestions! thanks everyone. I'm going to print this thread out and get buying :)