Make Up - starting from scratch!

[QuickWash]

I own no make up. None! And I'm nearly 40 and have a new job and need to get sorted but am clueless how to even start.

I used to have a few bits but have never properly found things that work for me. I certainly don't want to go from 0 to full face and it would probably look ridiculous if I did, but I'd love to look a bit smarter and groomed and like I've made a bit of an effort.

How can I even begin to find things that work for me? I don't really have money to spend on myself so need to be quite judicious as to how and where I spend.

Would love any tips.

Where do you live OP, are you near the Trafford Centre?
There is a large kiko there and they do loads of makeup at all varying prices, I would start with somewhere like that.

Ah OK, thanks! Sadly am the very opposite end of the country but will search to see if there's one nearby.

They look great actually and there's a couple I could get to! Great tip, thank you

If you can get to a bobbi brown shop or counter they are very good with make up to suit a more mature face. Expensive, but worth it, especially if you are just getting the basics to begin with, and they can help you find the right colours to match your skin/eyes/lips etc. There are loads of simple instructional videos on YouTube. Again, I’d look at things like Bobbi Brown ‘five minute make up’ or ‘everyday make up’ as it’s nice and simple and easy to do.

I second watching YouTube tutorials to give you some ideas. Pampered wolf is British and does reviews of products.

Sali Hughes is about the same age and has some great short tutorials on You Tube. I would also recommend her book Pretty Honest if you fancied having a read about beauty and make-up (I really like her writing style and she is quite funny).

If you want something natural and polished perhaps try a bare minerals counter I’d there is one near you... I think they are in most department stores like Debenhams, house of Fraser etc

Good quality and you can get some good value sets

Try a bit of definition first. All the no7 counters will help you. I would go for a bit of eyebrow definition and some mascara to start with

Steel your nerves and book into several make up counters to have your make up done. You will slowly find products you like, colours that suit you and look natural etc.

I'm going to have to be brave...

I am/was like you. At 37 a good friend of my (stylist/makeup artist) took me shopping. I came back with a limited but perfect makeup bag. A mineral powder for 'foundation' (a PP mentioned one above) plus a YSL Touche eclat because I have dark circles under my eyes. For a more Madeup look I got a tinted moisturiser instead of foundation (Laura mercier and really easy to put on). A benefit eyeliner which was really easy to smudge off when I got it wrong, a mascara, a Bobbi brown bronzer which gets used as a bronzer and as eyeshadow and a lipstick.

If you need to look more made up regularly you may want to consider getting your eyelashes dyed or extensions because with that and a bit of lipstick then you will look like you've made an effort. Personally I'm not good at putting on foundation etc etc and I hate the feel of makeup on my face, plus I touch my face all day long so for me less is still more ... but if you really need/want to go the whole hog, I'm the last person you should listen to!

I had a big make up clear out at the beginning of the year and decided to almost start from scratch with my skincare and makeup. The first thing I did was watch some youtube videos; Lisa Eldridge and Sali Hughes are both a similar age and do natural looking make up to suit all budgets.

I had makeup done at Boots No 7 this week and I'm really liking their primer and foundation (there's currently a 3 for 2 offer on). If budget is a factor then Superdrug have lots of reasonably priced brands.

I am similar - I have make-up , but I wear next to none.
My workplace is one where I'm happy to be scrubbed and tidy .

I bought some mineral foundation a couple of weeks back but I haven't actually opened them yet !

What about getting your eyebrows threaded and tinted .
Then your eyelashes tinted . (Or LVL , my 16yo has hers done and they look fantastic )

I use Revolution 3 Day Brow Tint (its about £5) or you can get WunderBrow (about £19-£20)

Palettes of colour are a good way to buy if you are going to use them all. Range from cheap as chips in Superdrugs to Urban Decay .
I've got a couple from Sleek, donkeys years old - they don't go 'off' .

Invest in some good brushes , it makes a huge difference . ( Real Techniques are good and there's always a BOGOHP offer somewhere)

Lipstick? Lipbalm (tinted?)

Maybe go round some of the make-up counters when it's quieter and book yourself a make-over .
And don't forget the cleanser and eye-make-up remover !

Good Luck.

You can book a make up tutorial /application at most make up counters (e.g. Mac) and then you usually get the money back in products, so for £50 you can get a lesson and a few good products that you know suit your skin colour/ tone etc.

look at beauty and the boutique, she uses minimal makeup - have never purchased from her but use similar products and apply in a similar way 😊 might give you some tips. it’s also light so if your not used to wearing make up it’s a good start.