Help! Need to learn make-up but don't know where to start.

[catlikefi]

I've never been a make-up person (I just didn't learn when I was younger) but recently I've been getting so fed up that I always look tired and washed out in photographs. So I have decided (at age 40!) that it might be time to learn how to wear make-up properly. I want to know how to get that 'not wearing any make-up' look for every day use. BUT there is so much out there I don't even know where to start. Would anyone like to share tips on their must-have products/techniques? Especially quick tricks as I have an 8 month old and time is short! . I don't mind buying slightly more expensive/quality products as I'm hoping to create a little mini daily kit of the essentials to start with. I just don't know what to buy!

Find your nearest "Benefit" make up concession and book in for a 30 minute lesson. I really, really dislike their branding which seems to be aimed at a young market, but their products are amazing on "women of a certain age". I'm a few years older than you and I love the ease of use of their products.

However, for foundation and base, I would visit your nearest Bare Minerals concession. I apply their Complexion Rescue tinted moisturiser then a light dust of their powder to create a really perfect looking base without being too heavy, then the Benefit products go on top.

Have fun.

Go and look at Lisa Eldridge on YouTube. Or Sam from Pixiwoo.

Both focus on flattering, lighter makeup that enhances natural beauty rather than caked on Instagram makeup. They are both over 40 as well and they tend to use high end products so would have good recommendations for your budget ☺️.

YouTube videos are a great resource, there’s so many different people doing different styles, they’re a great way to learn a lot.

A light foundation/CC cream you can put on with your fingers is a good about. Something like Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder or IT Cosmetics CC cream.

Getting your eyebrows threaded regularly and then using a bit of brow gel through them is a very easy way to look groomed without much effort (Glossier Boy Brow has a small brush and is easy to use)

The Hourglass Ambient Lighting trio palette, all swirled on a big brush and then all over the face is my go-to for looking fresh when I feel nothing but

On YouTube I like Hot and flashy and also Dominique Sachse.

I love Hourglass ambient powders, I treated myself last year to Dim light and Diffused light and despite the price I’d definitely repurchase them !

I was like you OP. Couldn’t be bothered but got to 45 and thought “I need to do something”
I went along to benefit....
My morning routine now is cleanse and decent moisturiser.
Benefit boing concealer for under eyes
Benefit porefessinal for nose and other problem areas
A thin layer of a suitable tinted moisturiser with SPF (Laura mercier)
A dusting of benefit porefessional powder
Benefit white eyeliner on lower water line (this was a revaluation to me. Makes eyes look bigger and less red/puffy) then benefit they’re real mascara.

I also use the benefit gimme brow (I am blond and this has made a big difference)
I use a neutral lip gloss.
All this actually is very easy and quick to do and is a very barely there look.
I’m a convert. As you will see I don’t bother with eyeshadow. It enhances the crepiness of the skin over my eyes....

Thank you for suggestions/tips so far. I forgot to ask - in people's opinion is it worth spending slightly more on higher end brands. Is the end result that much better?

I hadn't thought of going to get a lesson! I think I'd always be scared I'd feel the pressure to buy everything they used.

If you want a more natural look, check out Bobbi Brown counters. Personally, I set a mental budget and then try to stay within that when they've finished "doing" me.

Also I like to go away wearing the make-up, see how it feels (and hopefully not wear off or run down my face!) after a few hours before I make any purchases. The BB staff have always been understanding of that, they're friendly and willing to write down all the products they've tried on me so I can return later.

I think with BB you can book a session for which you pay, or offset against purchases. Or you can have a shorter? free session, no charge (I've had a couple of these over the years).

My mother took me to a place when I got engaged. I actually ended up buying products from them, and do occasionally use the stuff now, as it was so good. It was bare minerals. Suggest going and getting a lesson. But make sure they realise how simple you want it - some people's simple is what I'd call caked on....

Hannah martin on you tube is also very good. She's a bobbi brown pro artist so only uses their products, but really you could do any of her looks using any products. Also mac do makeup lessons. They are up to £50 which is redeemable against products so you might feel less pressure to buy compared to a free lesson.

The must-have product for me is SENSAI Bronzing Gel (cheapest from AllBeauty). It's a sheer gel that makes everyone look healthier; it's easy to apply and blend with finger tips and hard to get wrong, even in the dark (seriously). Then some mascara, a light nude eyeliner in lower waterline, and a flick of powder (mine is MAC Mineral Skinfinish) on my nose using a fluffy kabuki brush. Lips to please yourself, but this allows you to go full on red without looking overdone if you want, or you could pick a nude colour that suits your colouring for a you, but better. Takes about four minutes.

BTW, the bronzing gel comes in three colours: the lightest shade is probably best for the light in the UK year round, but if you are olive skinned/tanned, you might want the medium.

Thank you all for the suggestions and advice! I've got loads of things to look at now. Showed how much (little!) I knew...didn't even know that nude eyeliner was a thing! I think some time on YouTube is called for now