I look like a kid playing with makeup :(

[TheLongRains]

Help!

I come from a family where makeup really wasn't a thing. My mum and sisters don't use any, and never have. So I never learnt what's what, really.

I, however, need/like a bit of makeup. Not heavy, but enough to make me look fresh in the mornings (broken nights with a baby...).

I currently have a foundation that is probably not the right colour, a powder that I don't really know what to do with, a moisturiser that I use morning and night, an eyeliner pencil and a mascara.

I have no idea what I'm really doing! And should I be using a primer? A setting powder? Concealer? Highlighter? Blusher??? Lip gloss, lip liner...etc etc!!

I'm overwhelmed. I feel like if I apply all this stuff, my face will be an inch thicker than normal.

I went to a makeup counter once and came away looking like a clown. I don't want to look like a clown, I want to look like me, but fresher!

Also, where the heck do I start with choosing brands and colours? There's so much out there! And brushes, sponges, finger tips... What do I use?!

If anyone can help me look like the grown-up that I am, I'd be so grateful :) or even point me in the direction of a good website for beginners who don't want to look made-up, but do want to use makeup...

Thank you!

Ok dear,let's use what you have already got and not spend more money on something you (now) don't excel on.
You have a foundation and, yes, it is possibly not the right colour. But probably it is close enough. To make it become lighter just mix a bit of it with the cream you already have and try it on the back of your wrist: that's the point that looks more like your face. if you blend it in it should make the skin look more even. THat should avoid any clown effect.
You can try to use your pure foundation as under eye concealer: put a tiny winy little bit on the corner of the eye (the one corner nearer to your nose that is) and tap it down. Tap,no strokes. That should even out any blue circles you have.
Next put some eyeliner under your upper eyelashes . Under - yes, this is not easy at first but it makes miracles for tired eyes.
FInish with a gloss not a lipstick as this requires far too much attention and time than what you have got at the moment.
If you have some rose powder do apply it to the apple of your cheeks. Not much but it does make a difference.

There you go, you are sorted.

Love xx

Watch some Youtube videos that is how I learned. I love Stila shadows and they come with Iinstructions!
Favourite mascaras are by a company called Oriflame.
Eyebrows are the hardest bit, I use a retractable pencil by L'Oreal.Use a pencil spot on for your hair colour. Don't use black unless you are going for a very theatrical look.
Foundation hmmmm.
Maybelline do a terrific range of foundation colours. I mix one teeny blob of foundation with one blob of illuminator and I have it very sheer. I also mix foundations to get the right colour. A light diffusing one will always work better than a matte cakey one.
Face creams lol!
I use coconut oil and Argan oil!
To take your make up off even mascara:
Warm water all over your face.... and you are gonna hate me cos I use soap! Then coconut oil all over my face and wipe everything away with a muslin cloth. Done and moisturised.

Oh and 50 factor La Roche Posay fluid - essential

I think the only way is to practice. Use a magnifying mirror and always in good light.

Cleanse, tone, light moisturise, then a liquid foundation, putting a small dab on each cheek, nose and chin. Use fingertips to blend, maybe a tiny hint of blusher on cheekbones. Always, always blend in the edges to avoid looking like you're wearing a mask. If you get it wrong you can always cleanse off and try again.
A little lipstick, blot with tissue, brush on Lipcote.

When my sister were experimenting as teenagers my Dad always said, "Better to wear too little rather than too much."
Eye make-up isn't necessary, perhaps a little shadow on outer of upper eyelid if you like. I wouldn't bother with mascara unless you're very fair. Practice makes perfect.

Not read whole thread yet but I would advise against luxury brands until you feel confident.
I like Boots 17, Rimmel and Collection - all budget but decent quality. Bourgeois is good too. If you want to have make up applied at a make up counter, try Benefit or Boots No 7. And look in a mirror in daylight before buying anything.

Benefit do a make up kit for 25 quid, it contains mascara, eyebrow brush, lip stain, base cream, blusher and eyeshadow. I also use a mineral face powder. Very natural, very easy and pretty reasonable.

Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier are the only ones I use - products last for ages so worth investing. Go to the counter and approach someone whose make up you like the look of - you only need to buy a gloss or a shadow if you like them. Six months ago I didn't wear make-up and now I get complimented all the time - I keep it low key though and natural looking as much as poss.

I only use the basics. I have a BB cream, a medicated baby powder for matte finish and a lipstick (pink, peach or brown shades). That is my normal everyday look.

But for special occasions, I use a lot. LOL. primer, foundation,concealer etc.

Next silly question What happens If you're wearing make-up and it rains? Do you have to try to keep the rain off your face or can you just walk around as normal and not worry about getting wet?

Doesn't really matter, it'd have to be torrential to have an effect & you're unlikely to have no hood or shelter.