What bits of makeup can you not do without? What should I be putting on my face everyday?

[toastandmarmiterocks]

I really need to make more effort. My hair is the bane of my life, I have to wear it up for work so that sort of solves that problem (if only it would grow a bit more, why oh why did I cut it into a bob when it is fine, frizzy and I sweat a lot??).

So, thought I should go down the makeup route. But where do I start? I don't want to look like a clown or like I've raided my mum's make up bag. I'm nearly 40 and have no clue about makeup!!

If you don't normally wear make up at all, I would say to start with mascara and lip gloss, even a little will seem a lot to start and you can build up as your confidence grows. Personally I'd go for brown mascara over black as it gives my pale skin and gold hair a more natural look (black makes my eyes look like **holes in the snow).

What are your colours? Skin tone, hair colour and eye colour. It's easy to say start with a natural look but I'm very pale English rose with honey blonde hair and any kind of brown on my eyes makes them look sore.

But if you're not used to make up - a bb cream in a suitable shade, 2 eyeshadow colours, one for a wash over your eyelids and another darker colour for the outer corner of your eyes, blend the darker colour into the eyelid well.

Transclucent loose powder to dust over your face which helps to mattify the sweaty look somewhat.

I always use a grey eyeliner for day and a black gel liquid liner for evening. A rose blush, black mascara on the top lashes only and a deep rose lip tint (lipstick applied with a finger tip instead of as a lipstick) are essentials.

You need a good skin care routine. Primers can be amazing but it all depends on application.

You tube has some great tutorials.

You definitely need to invest in quality brushes too. I've had mine for over 10 years, washed weekly to monthly depending on how busy I am to keep them clean.

Foundation

Thank you, some good starting points. I saw on another thread someone mentioned booking a make up lesson. I might just do that.

Spotty how do you know about my "somewhat sweaty look"??? That is spot on! I have dark blonde hair, brown eyes, not too pale skin. It's in quite good nick but I do get red cheeks/red hot flushes. And yes, I do sweat. (Painting a lovely picture here!).

I love the idea of grey eyeliner, which would you recommend? And lipstick? I have a pinky/brown Clinique chubby stick. I like it but it doesn't last.