Make up just to make a tired face look a bit less shit?

[Galvantula]

I don't wear make up ever often, but I am going to an occasion soon where i will be making an effort and wearing a dress etc. My pale face with brown eye circles does detract a bit from the overall effect I admit.

So I'd welcome suggestions of a light foundation or something to try.

I'd prefer relatively subtle, i'll likely just get the eyelash curlers out and stick on clear mascara for example, but i think it will help my confidence a bit.

Skin tone: peely-wally scottish milk bottle effect

thanks in advance for suggestions on where to start...

Start with an illuminating/ brightening primer or tinted moisturizer. The good ones won’t be out-and-out sparkly but have pearlescent sheen. I love Mac strobe cream. Use a very light and sheer base. I think thick foundations exacerbate a tired face. Instead go for a good concealer. Bobby brown or nars dreamy concealer. Anything with ‘illuminating’ or ‘glow’ in the name is usually in the right area.

The other things that help perk up a tired face are a wash of cheek colour. Cream blushers are flattering and lightweight. Then curl your eyelashes for sure to open the eyes up.

I like to sweep some subtle bronzer over my forehead, cheeks and under my chin to add a healthy glow as I’m also very pale but I think it takes anlotnof practice to get it right.

I always put a tiny bit of blusher (or lipstick patted/blended in the apples of my cheeks if I think I look tired, seems to help.

Mascara and lipstick alone can work wonders and yes pat some of the same lippy on the apples of your cheeks and even your eyelids and you're good to go

That sounds a little intimidating at first glance, but I'll have a look thanks :)

I definitely don't want a thick/ caked on look.

What colour of lipstick would you recommend for the nervous of make up?

I'd like to look ok, but I don't want to make myself even more self conscious iyswim.

Thanks all for replies btw!

You might just need some concealer tbh, have a look in boots and Superdrug to get a colour match and then dust over with a transluscent powder.

Thanks all. will try to get a trip to shops for a look.

I do have some BB/concealer type cream but I think it's not a great shade for my current winter paleness :D

Can you get someone to do your makeup for the occasion? If you'd prefer not, prep skin with an illuminating primer, any will do although I recently purchased one from L'Oréal and I ended up looking like a disco ball - not ideal, so test beforehand 😂.

For any dark circles or blemishes, get a cream colour correction pallet, they really work wonders (especially since the makeup will only be light coverage)

and for concealer, the collection 2000 (£4!!!) is amazing and self setting, so no powder needed.

L'Oréal BB cream is amazing, gives a lovely tint. I use this on clients that are nervous about have a full coverage foundation.

As for cheeks and lips, if you're nervous about the colour, get one of them sticks that you can pat into your cheeks and use as lipstick too, something peachy or nude pink is always nice on pale skin (I too am very pale, and love peachy/nude pink tones).

Garnier BB cream and Benefit dandelion blusher or benefit hoola light plus mascara.

I use [[https://www.lookfantastic.com/lumene-invisible-illumination-instant-glow-beauty-serum-30ml/11697296.html?affil=thggpsad&switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&variation=11697298&shoppingpid=503169&thg_ppc_campaign=71700000047040822&adtype=pla&product_id=11697298&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlYfqtdbj4AIVDrXtCh1DUgp9EAQYASABEgJ5J_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds lumene
]] for this, it’s amazing!

Would recommend No7 foundation drops.

You add 1-3 drops to your moisturizer or spf depending on the amount of coverage you want. I usually just add one drop to my daily moisturizer and pop it on for a little bit of colour and it's nice and subtle. And more importantly it's quick and easy!

I was led to believe Scottish people were pale blue tbh..

Yeah pretty much April

I rarely wear makeup and for occasions when I do need to look half decent, I use www.boots.ie/bourjois-123-perfect-foundation-10137934
I too have dark Circles and find this gives me a semi sheer look and doesn't feel st all chalky.
To find a neutral lipstick shade, pull you bottom lip down and look at the colour of the fleshy bit of lip inside. Aim for a slightly glossy version of this colour to look natural but your best self.
You can use a little of this as a crime blush on the apples of your checks ( use very little at first and add more if needed...you can always add but very difficult to take away product)
Lastly, get a nice mascara, I find waterproof are better as I tend to touch my eyes a lot when I wear make up as I'm not used to it) and use an old tooth brush to brush and shape your eyebrows.

Oh, and Zi'm Irish so probably as alabaster white as you are 🤣

This is amazing for the sort of issue you describe: m.bobbibrown.co.uk/product/14017/29723/makeup/face-and-cheek/foundation/skin-foundation-stick

On an average day I have moisturiser, this foundation stick and mascara and I think I look less tired than I am!!

Some great suggestions on here. Don’t use clear mascara though, it’s absolutely pointless. Use one coat of a natural-look mascara such as the Maybelline green and pink one, can’t remember the name but it’s ubiquitous. A bright peachy pink cream blusher will make the most difference to your appearance.

I just can’t do lipstick but found a tinted lip balm that’s amazing - it literally suits every skin tone (all my friends have it now too). Called Carmex Moisture Plus - it’s a stick (not a pot), and a deep red colour. Stays on, easy to apply, beautiful tone that makes you look a flushed version of your normal lip colour

Lots of things to look at thanks. I'll need to go out with a list.

@Notmyrealname855 is the red one the Cherry?

Not too much foundation. use concealer if you need, but go lightly on the foundation.

Also, a fresh pink blush. something like Bobbi Brown Pale pink of Nars Bumpy ride will really help.

Not too heavy on the lipstick either, something like Dior Glow or similar will be best.

If you don't often wear makeup and need a pale foundation try YSL or Lancome for a colour match and they should give you a same which will last about a week.
Natural collection blush and mascara are both good and reasonable too.

Sample!

If you have dark circles then try a touch of highlighter in the corner of your eye. You know just where the tear duct is (but not on the actual tear duct!)
You only need a touch but it makes such a difference overall

I also have pale skin , I find that Lacome concealer is the one for me , I dust with a light powder that I buy from Avon . It's just enough to cover without over looking done up, as I don't like to looked caked. Just a little light beige eyeshadow works too with a nude pinky peachy colour lipstick..