I want to look like me but better??

[beela]

Help! I don't usually wear much make up - tinted moisturiser and mascara is usually the extent of it, occasionally a bit of blusher.

I'm going to a party in a couple of weeks and would like to look good! But don't really know where to start with the make up. I don't want to look like a clown but would like to look a bit less tired and haggard than usual

I thought I might go to one of the make up counters in House of Fraser or somewhere to get advice but where is good for the subtle look and not the hard sell? Or what products should I think about using?

I'm 38 btw, if that makes any difference.

When I want to look like me but better (😂) I mix my base with something like Soap & Glory hocus focus, I use a highlighter concealer around my eyes, not good for bags though. I also use a cream eyeshadow in a bronze taupe or gold shade, I wear a cream blusher, a highlighter on my cheek bones and brow bones, brush my eyebrows and fill in and pop some pink lipstick on (matches the blush).

Highlighter, concealer, light cream blush, eyeliner, mascara.
Go easy on all
I would avoid foundation as it is notoriously difficult to apply and colour match

Laura Mercier do gorgeous subtle make overs - no garish colours and that kind of lit from within look.
Failing that Bobbi Brown but they can get a bit heavy handed on the Smokey eye front.
Don't buy everything from the counter - get ideas and then Google drugstore dupes for copies.
MUA at Superdrug have some amazing dupes at crazy prices - check out undressed highlighter instead of LM candlelight glow.

I really don't have a clue!

Botox? No one will be able to tell quite what it is if done properly but you will look fresher and brighter.

The more traditional make up counters (lanccome, clinique) will give you a more subtle look. I looked like a WAG with trout pout after going to MAC and Benefit.

I second Bobbi Brown & Laura Mercier. Or Charlotte Tilbury if you're near London.

I woud use either LM tinted moisturiser or Clinique CC cream (better staying powder). Bobbi Brown under-eye colour corrector (not the concealer, which is too heavy) plus a highlighter - Collection 2000 in Boots does a great one that's cheap as chips. Get Bobbi Brown to advise and try on blusher colours - they are very hard to judge unless you see them on. Do your brows - it makes a huge difference - L' Oreal brow pencils are good. Then a brown eyeliner, a neutralish eyeshadow and add mascara. Set with a good powder. Invest in some Real Techniques brushes from Boots - they make all the difference when applying - and look on You Tube for videos on how to put it all on.

I went to clinique a few years ago and looked fab when they had finished. 2 hours later it had all started to slide off and I looked less good.

Botox feels a bit extreme!

Thank you for the tips.....

Having your teeth professionally whitened makes a subtle, but very definite improvement to your appearance. But, you'll be struggling to get it done in less than 2 weeks, I think?

You could get your eyebrows professionally shaped, and your eyelashes tinted and permed.

Get a professional manicure (I like OPI best).

On the day, get your hair washed/blowdryed by a good stylist.

Make Up wise - I'd probably head to the Bobbi Brown counter and tell them you want a natural/neutral look, then get a brighter lippy to give your face a lift.

I went to clinique a few years ago and looked fab when they had finished. 2 hours later it had all started to slide off

Agree that this used to be a real issue with Clinique, but they have improved massively.

If you want staying power, Lancome's Teint Idole 24h is excellent, but may be a bit OTT if you are not used to foundation (though it looks very natural on).

Everyone will tell you to use a primer though personally I am sceptical about how much difference they make to staying power, though they are good for Polyfilla-ing pores

Ok, off to find a Bobbi Brown counter

Op if you are a true make up novice then please stick with cream eyeshadows and a light foundation. Heavy Matt and long lasting foundations do need to be blended in with precision! Good luck.

Eyeliner makes a big difference. Buy a cheap one and have a practice. My dd says it makes me look prettier. YouTube videos will help if you haven't got a clue.

Bobbi brown is great for the subtle look and the assistant was really lovely. Good luck.

I did a workshop once with a professional make up artist. I learned which colours to use that fit me and how to apply make up correctly. I can reccomend it. You learn it better than via internet.

Beale I would recommend buying a cushion foundation. I have Missha magic cushion and when I wear it, I still look like me and my skin looks like skin (not like a mask) despite great coverage. Also if you touch you skin, the make up doesn't transfer. It is a revelation and since I have started wearing it, I get compliments everyday on how "well" or "glowing" I look although people can't quite pinpoint one. It is really easy to use too if you are not used to wearing tons of stuff.

Agree with lifeistooshort, I've got the Lancome cushion foundation and 2 cushion blushers. The foundation is one of the few that I've repurchased and is quite subtle and glowy.

I do like Bobbi Brown for makeup but as Jmangel says watch out for heavy handedness re smoky eyes. I sort of disagree re products, best to have a few good products you'll reach for rather than finding dupes, which to be honest I'm not that keen on, cheaper versions.

Agreed with Badliar I've bought body shop navy eyeliner and collection 2000 grey eyeliner and it does make a difference. Mascara you can get away with cheaper too and they're only supposed to last 3 months so I'd get a cheaper one.

What about getting your makeup applied professionaly. I do for weddings etc. My beautician uses air brush makeup, it's put on with a spray gun .. the results are great and last all day. You can ask for the coverage to be as heavy or light as you choose, I've always had a nice natural finish. New you right there.

Have a look at Lisa Eldridge tutorials and then get a feel for the look and products you think would best be suited to your skin tone and type

I am no expert and but I have a bottle of something called 'Instant Radiance' add something like that at highlight points over your usual tinted moisturiser. For some reason it makes a big difference and helps in photos too I think.

Also finding a nice lipstick was my saviour, one that stays on. I use lipfinity. It's just a few shades pinker than my normal lips and with a semi glossy finish added after the colour.

Just a clean face, moisturiser, concealer and the above two things and I get positive feedback..... probably look dire without haha.

I don't do eyes often as I have a tendency to rub them due to allergies but I have 'bold' glasses so I hope that avoids the need somewhat, but when I do I use a clinique mascara only and one that resists the rubbing and smudging well.

See, this is where I lose the plot. I don't understand all of the terminology. What is a cushion foundation??

I don't understand it either - what is the difference between highlighter, concealer, foundation and tinted moisturiser?
Do you need them all, where do you apply and in what order?!

Laura Gellar do a foundation called Balance and Glow. It is an idiot proof powder that you buff into your skin with a big brush. It evens out your skin tone and gives a very subtle sheen to the skin Once it's on you can't see it's there, you just look softer and fresher. It is expensive but a little goes a long way and it lasts forever. That combined with lash/brow tint and shape and a manicure will transform you. It's currently on QVC special offer so if you buy it and hate it it (or don't think you'd use it often) you can return it within a month for a full refund.

If you have the budget I would also have the Botox and the teeth whitening AND a blowdry. In that order of preference.

Have fun.