Makeup help

[ChipsRedWhite]

Hi,

I had a night out this weekend with a large group of friends. It was fab but it really highlighted that I don't know how to 'do' going out makeup like my friends seem to. If I'm honest, I don't know how to do everyday makeup either and frequently go out not wearing anything.

I also realised that most of my makeup was bought for my wedding 8 years ago!

I don't know what colour lipstick or eye makeup I should buy. I don't know how to put them on properly if I do have them. I need help!

I turn 40 next year. I think I should have this stuff figured out.

I'm guessing I have to bite the bullet and go to the makeup counters and ask for help but is there anything else I can do? (As I am both embarrassed and time poor)

What effect are you looking for? For going out do you mean you want defined eyes?

Perhaps buy 'nude' lipgloss to start with, or try Clinique chubby sticks. There are plenty of brown toned eye shadows out there, the most famous being Urban Decay Naked palettes. I love the Number 2 one. There are cheaper copies on the high street. Blusher will help you look more alive - I am 39, and really need this, or people ask if I am ok! Perhaps try Pinterest to find looks you like, and look for tutorials on youtube

You could find a local makeup artist who can give you some lessons? Or MAC do a one hour makeup lesson which costs £50 but redeemable against products. I wouldn't buy foundation from MAC but their colour products are nice. Maybe try Bobbi Brown or Chanel also, I find their products and counter service pretty good. I buy a lot of Estee Lauder makeup but their sales assistants are usually (sorry Estee et al) crap at doing makeup. I learned smokey eyes and eyeliner from a nice Chanel lady in Kendalls in Manchester!

Lisa Eldridge YouTube tutorials. I saw them recommended on here and have become addicted. Most aren't that long and she had hundreds of different looks and videos for different skin types and ages etc. I've wasted hours and watched pretty much all of them I find her very easy to watch, and I've learnt loads.

Right, so I can check out YouTube and Pinterest later once the kids have gone to bed.

I really feel I should know how to do an 'everyday' makeup look (so I don't look half dead at work) and a more glam 'going out' look which looks like I've made an effort but not ridiculous.

What would you say are the basic or essential makeup/tools/brushes I should have?

I like having a brush for foundation/tinted moisturiser - I like the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush or the Buffing Brush. They are quite similar IMO. I like using a brush as I think it looks better and if I add too much blusher later, I can go back with the foundation brush to sheer the blusher out.

For eyeshadows, I like the Mac 217 brushes as well as a brush for eyeliner.
I think it's very individual what works with liner - I have always been recommended an angled brush, but I just cannot get liner to look like with that brush. Instead I use a Mac 210.
If you would rather not do cat eyeliner/flicks, then a push liner such as a Mac 212 works well - I use this a lot for everyday makeup.

A powder brush for powder is nice as powder puffs can apply too much to the face and make it look too powdery. I just like a big fluffy one - I have a Mac 150 which has a great size and shape, but it sheds a lot which isn't such a flattering look.

A blusher brush is also nice to have - I like the Real Techniques one. Mac 167 is also quite nice, and smaller ones such as Mac 168 or Laura Mercier Cheek Colour brush are also nice.

For eyebrows, I like an angled brush and a spoolie (a classic mascara wand).

There are many cheaper alternatives available :)

Personally, I really like cream eyeshadows (Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks, Mac Paint Pots, Chanel Illusion d'Ombre, Rimmel Scandaleyes - many other companies make them too).
They are easy to apply, come in loads of colours, can be sheered out for a day look or built up for a more glamourous look and last really well.
I apply the stick/pencil type by drawing on the lid (not too much - can always add more if needed), then sheering out with a brush. The ones in pots I apply with a brush, a little at a time.

I think powder blushers are easier to work with than creams/gels/liquids, but it might be a matter of habit. The Chanel cream blushers do seem very nice though.

If you're looking to buy a new foundation, then ask for samples before buying as they can be expensive and if they aren't right for you, it's just a waste of money.

If you want ideas for products or certain colours, then it might be worth describing your skintone, eye colour, hair colour and what kind of makeup you'd like.

I'm quite pale with blue eyes and brown hair.

I probably need everything! I did buy a Benefit smokey eyes kit about 3 years ago but everything else I have is ancient (& probably doesn't suit me!).

Thank you for the brush information - I'll investigate those tonight as well!