Makeup help.

[LongDistanceLove]

Long story short, I'm about to turn 30, I have a new job that requires a professional appearance, and I don't know where to start with regards to makeup.

I've never been one to wear it, but I've realised that I look haggard and have red blotchy skin, bags under my eyes, and I just want to look fresh if that makes sense.

Where do I start? Also it needs to be budget friendly.

If you've never worn it, less is more. I'd get;

Light moisturiser, aldi has a nice one that's budget friendly. Let it soak in whilst you get dressed
Bb cream such as Dr jart or a foundation. I only buy foundation from the counter to match my colour.
Foundation brush to apply
Translucent powder over the top
Blusher on the apples of your cheek
Mascara
Some vaseline or similar for your lips

You should just look like you but a bit better with that. Not too ott

Thank you, sounds like a good start

There's just so many options, I had a look in boots and got a little overwhelmed, and although they are probably very lovely the people at the makeup counters seem a little intimidating.

I can recommend the Collection 2000 concealer: www.boots.com/en/Collection-Lasting-Perfection-Concealer_1436032/

Cheap as chips and totally does the job. Just apply a little under the eyes and pat in. I actually put a bit on my eyelids too to even out the skin tone.

The Real Techniques stippling brush is brilliant for applying foundation:
www.boots.com/en/Real-Techniques-Stippling-Brush_1253416/

You can order one on Amazon too.

I'd probably drop the brush if you're on a budget - I always apply foundation with my fingers and I think it looks more natural. Plus people forget to wash brushes regularly, all sorts of nasty grime fester in them!

If there's one thing I think you should splurge on it's foundation - it is worth it. I use Clinique Even Better (£24) although it depends on skin type (mine is reasonably dry and pale and I do get red patches). Everything else can be cheap.

I'd recommend Bourjois Little Round Pot blushers (about £8) and Maxfactor Masterpiece mascara (£10) (I use waterproof, although you'll need an oil-based make up remover to get it off. Superdrug Vitamin E is good).

I've heard good things about Collection 2000 concealer too.

What is your skin type and colouring?

Boots is overwhelming.

To be honest I'd go to Bobbi Brown counter (no obligation to buy) and get them to suggest a simple makeup.

They do some really nice foundations, concealors, etc and the eyeliner I dug out and bought the other day is excellent.

No7 is boots own brand. You'll often get a £5 off voucher for there too. Max factor will often do a 3 for 2.

The sales women might seem intimidating but they're just sales people really and they're always lovely. They'll ask what kind of coverage you'd like and your skin type, that's all usually.

Collection 2000 concealor is good and their blusher is quite good too.

I just thought (didn't clarify) that Boots is overwhelming for a makeup newbie and even me (who has used lots) has made mistakes recently buying mascaras there which weren't 'right'. and I could've bought a lovely BB one instead!

Lisa Eldridge is often mentioned on here (often by me as I've become obsessed ), she has a youtube channel with loads of great videos, she has a whole series on which foundation suits different skin types etc, and has videos for problem areas, such as redness.

I've found the MUA range at superdrug is actually pretty good. I have this which works well on my dark circles, the green is supposed to counteract redness. There's also a powder version. I use the MUA powder foundation (for £1) as a finishing powder.

If I were you, I'd get a sheer coverage foundation, concealer (if you need it), pressed powder, blusher, mascara and whatever lip product you like.

For foundation, it does depend on your skin type, but most brands have a sheer/light coverage foundation or tinted moisturiser (which are more or less the same as BB, CC, DD and EE creams). Go to the counter, ask for a recommendation and a sample so you can try it at home. Sometimes they do not give samples, but will offer to apply it on your face so you can try it. If you're happy with that, go for it - I personally prefer getting a sample. Give it a few days and buy if you like it.
I have never had issues getting samples from Laura Mercier and Dior, but loads of companies give out samples if you ask for it and they can see you are looking to buy.

I don't use concealer much as I'm useless at it, but I do like the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage for red patches, spots and so on. Not so much for under eyes though as I think it's too creamy and heavy.

Pressed powder is great as you can take it with you. You can apply it with the powder puff, but it can look cakey, or a brush. I prefer the brush every time - it looks more natural and not so powdery. I like Mac Select Sheer Pressed Powder, but there are loads on the market.

Blusher really is a matter of preference - I like matching my lip product to the blusher, other people go for a blusher in the same colour as they naturally flush, others prefer peachy or pink tones. If you don't know what to go for, ask at the counter what they would recommend. I really like Mac's powder blushers and the people working there have never recommended me something I didn't like.

For mascara it depends on you again. I like tubing mascaras as they do not seem to flake or smudge on me. A cheap one is the L'Oreal beauty tubes mascara in a red and white double ended tube. I don't use the white end, just the actual mascara. A more expensive one I like is the Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening mascara.

You could have a look on youtube to get ideas and inspiration for products - there are loads of makeup gurus like Lisa Eldridge, Sharon Farrell, Pixiwoo and loads others.

Ooh more replies, I haven't checked for a couple of days thank you

Today is the day I am going out to get some make up and a new tattoo . I have taken on board all suggestions, and will take my time and maybe even ask questions. But it looks like a tinted moisturiser is the way to go then build from that. I'm a little excited now.