Make up newbie - please help!

[SeaGshore]

I haven't worn make up for years (and back then I was just a teenager slapping it on and had no idea how to do it properly).

I want to wear some make up... I've bought a lipgloss and eyeliner to start as know what I'm doing with those. I think.

Anyone recommend what else? I don't want to do foundation etc as it clogs my skin but maybe mascara and eyeshadow and whatever else I've forgotten.

Ideally like to start very basic... Looked in the supermarket and plain, black mascara was £8 surely I can get it cheaper somewhere?!

Go to Boots and have a look. Or a Superdrug. Or one of those shops in the malls... what ARE they called?! They sell toiletries. It's a big chain. Everything there is cheap. Body something, maybe. Anyway, you can find more affordable products in some of the bargain lines and many of them are very good.

I haven't been very helpful, have I?

I would add blusher to that list. It can give a real glow to the complexion. Personally a must have for me is a good concealer. Maybe some neutral eyeshadows in a trio or a quad so you can create a few different looks. And if you like a more polished/even look, then maybe a light dusting of loose, sheer face powder (Cornsilk is not fashionable but really easy to use, gives a nice finish and makes it easier to blend other powder products like blusher and eyeshadow). Tinted moisturiser can be good if your complexion needs a pick me up.

Some of the online ranges are a real bargain (ELF - Eyes Lips Face; NYX). Some are really good, although the quality varies. Inglot is a great line for eyeshadows. You can unfortunately only purchase online unless you live near Westfield Shopping Centre near Shepherd's Bush in London, but they are still worth a look and quite a bit cheaper than Mac. You buy an empty palette then add 4 or more of whatever colour you like. The finishes come in matte, sheen and very shimmery, depending on your preference. Sleek (available from Superdrug and Tesco) has quite good blusher and eyeshadow palettes as well.

If you don't know what colours suit you it's worth spending a bit of time looking online at makeup tutorials by the various makeup artists (my faves are Lisa Eldridge and Pixiwoo) or you could go back to Boots. I noticed recently in a bigger branch that they have a colour matching service for lippie and foundation. Even if you don't actually want these it could give you an idea of what colours work for you.

There's also the old fashioned makeup book (to give you ideas about what to have in your kit and for different looks). The late Kevyn Aucoin did a great book years ago called Making Faces, with step by step guides for various looks. Very non-judgmental and helpful with lots of tips - although lots of this info is online now.

Thank you :)

I would persevere with foundation. It's the most important bit I think. Doesn't have to be heavy at all. I have good skin and use Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum, which is very light , little more than a tinted moisturiser. You can try it in Boots, put a tiny bit on your cheek and you'll see how if you get the right shade it evens your skin without looking makeuppy, also it is v light and non pore clogging. If you haven't worn makeup for a long time foundation formulations are much better, not a thick paste you slather on! If you get the right shade in a light texture, you don't even have to use it all over - just on your t zone and a bit on your cheeks. Then add a cream blusher and you'll look like you but healthier.