Never Worn Makeup

[KateTheKaleidoscope]

Hi there, I need help!

I'm a bridesmaid for a dear friend's wedding this summer and I'd love to make an effort for her big day. The only problem is I've never worn makeup, the most amount I've ever worn is a coat of mascara when going out and I have no idea how to apply makeup or any idea about any makeup products, what's best for what etc etc.

I'd like to go for a natural look with minimal amount of products and techniques, I don't want to look 'made up' or like I have makeup on (ironic, I know) I want it as low key as possible, just a fresher, more even look than the au naturale me. I have pale, freckly skin, hooded eyelids (eyeshadow or eyeliner seem like a no-no) and sparse, dark eyebrows. I don't want to look washed out in the wedding photos!

Any tips or products that you can recommend would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advanced, Kate.

Would you wear it all again if you bought makeup? If not would you consider getting a makeup artist to do it for you on the day? Just explain to them you want a very natural look. Maybe even show them some pictures.

Nothing at all useful to add, but watching with interest as I am in a similar situation, and teenage DD tells (complete with withering look) that I may have spent my entire life not wearing make-up, but it's time I started now, because I am so old.

If you're unlikely to wear it again, then I would invest in getting some one to do it for you on the day.

Realistically, you would need to get a good foundation, then concealer, blusher, eye shadow, eye brow pencil and mascara, as well as some lippy just for a natural look. You can easily spend over £100 getting products or pay less for someone to do it on the day.

My thinking was I could buy the makeup now, practise putting it on and getting used to wearing it. The only time I ever wore makeup was on my own wedding day and a makeup artist did it but I felt painted and didn't like it at all, I felt like it didn't look very natural hence me wanting to do it myself.

Aww no AthenaAshton! I'm sure you don't need any!

I think you’d be better off paying someone to do it. Makeup takes quite a bit of practice and looks awful until you know what you’re doing, plus I think it would be a waste of money buying products you aren’t going to use again

Kate, I would love to say you are right, but have a horrible feeling that the Teenager has a point!

bollocks. chuck a bucket of water over the brat. she slaps up to look older because it adds a decade. do you.want that? you already know you dont like the look.

and why bother with invisible makeup? what man would do that? Greasing up is not 'making an effort'. there will be a posh frock to wear. get your hair professionally straightened if it is frizzy, if you want. or not. be yourself.

Ok, you don’t need to spend a lot. Get the foundation matched in a store, this will be most expensive item but if you are not experienced this is the bit you will need help
with.

Don’t worry about concealer, but blusher is good, either a pale pink or pale peach, smile and apply to the apple of cheek.

Try a sheer lip, or gloss, nothing sparkly or frosted, again go for a very soft colour with a hint of peach or hint of pink. Soap and glory do nice ones in boots.

Buy a brown eyeliner pencil, L’Oreal are good, apply close to lash line and smudge. And mascara, maybe brown would be better if you are fair and want very natural look.

Either don't wear make up or just put a coat of mascara on and some lipstick. Wearing lipstick always makes you look dressy and made up.

In your situation I would get either a light foundation or some tinted moisturiser, black mascara, something for your lips and some powder if you need it to remove any excess shine. That should make you look done up enough without needing a full face full of makeup or having to learn how to put on eyeliner.

For the foundation I would get a colour match done in a shop. Go out several times to a department store and ask the person on the counter to test foundation on your face. One brand a day for however many days. Say you want to see how it feels on your skin over the next few hours so you're not planning on buying it straight away, and walk away. Once you've found a brand and colour that feels good on your skin, go back and buy it. I usually just rub a couple of dots of foundation into my skin with my fingers, but makeup sponges are good for blending as well if you prefer. Go for a decent brand rather than cheap stuff - I use a Clinique one.

You might want to get some translucent powder to set the foundation, depending on how dry or oily your skin is. The Rimmel Stay Matte powder is good and not expensive. You will need a large soft brush to apply it. Just enough to take off any excess shine.

I would get some mascara to emphasise your eyelashes. If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a high end product, the Maybelline Great Lash mascara is a tried and tested high street option. Otherwise, I've used No.7 mascaras in the past, and I'm currently using "Thick and Fast" mascara by Soap and Glory, which costs about £10 and is lovely and natural.

You can use anything you like on your lips. No need to go expensive or high end. Maybe a nice tinted lip balm would be best for you. Just something with a little bit of colour and shine.

Use a BB cream
Get the urban decay nude palette
Benefit cheek and lip tint

Sorted

Thanks for the suggestions! There are some great tips and products I'll look into which is a great help