Make up questions from a novice

[AgeBeforeBeauty]

OK, please don't shoot me down. Have never been a big make-up wearer, but as I head into my mid-forties, with extra layers of fat (to keep me warm), grey hairs sprouting wherever I have hair, and soft but very visible wrinkle lines and faint age spots around my eyes, I think now is the time that I need make up to help me not look so ... ragged.

I have some basic questions that would really help me to understand how best to wear make-up - I've seen some tutorials on YouTube, but they don't really answer my very basic questions:

1. Do you have to wear concealer plus foundation plus powder? Can you just wear concealer plus a bit of powder? I don't like the heavy caked look and like my skin to breathe. I had bad acne growing up, so do have some prominent blemishes, but still don't want that fake perfect skin look (but near-perfect would be nice).

1. I have dark circles under my eyes - is lower lid liner a no-no? I've tried it but look like a panda with it, but so many people look so chic with upper and lower lid eye liner, and even watching videos, can't see how to get that perfect look. Should I be using liquid liner or a kohl pencil instead? My eyelashes get in the way ...

1. Can anyone recommend a matte but moisturising lipstick for everyday wear? I always have dry lips and constantly wear Vaseline - whenever I've tried to wear lipstick in the past, it always makes the dry lips worse. Mind you, I've never really invested in a good lipstick which is probably why - I'm looking for mid-range I guess, rather than really expensive stuff. Do you think red lipstick will make me look like a hooker? The colour suits my skin tone but I don't have the courage to wear it out (unless on a night out). Thoughts?

1. Is it worth going for a make-up lesson? For an everyday-type tutorial? Any recommendations in London?

That's it for now, I think - may be back with more

For a case could you try bb cream? Then just add concealer where you need it?

I wear kohl liner, but then I am hopeless with liquid eyeliner xx

There are lots and lots of videos on you tube on how to apply make up and what to use where that can be really useful.

Look Fabulous Forever has some good advice and tutorials.

I wear kohl liner on bottom lid and a felt pen one on top lid. Much easier to apply than liquid.

I use a powder foundation (bare minerals) usually. Which is nice on my skin.

I rarely wear lipstick but seem to keep buying them but re the dry lips are you drinking enough water? When I’m not I find that my lips get super dry.

Thanks, I have already looked at some on Youtube, but will check out the other recommendations :)

Haven't bought anything as looks a bit pricey but keep seeing Beauty and the Boutique on facebook and the products and tutorials look really good. She makes a massive difference to how she looks with just a few products. I am tempted to splurge but am trying to use up my hoard of not quite right stuff first....!(www.beautyandtheboutique.com)

1. You can do what you want, there are no rules. However it really depends on the products that you use and if they ‘work’ with each other in tandem. Also if you don’t have perfect skin and you just want to wear concealer in certain areas and powder, the skin that you don’t place concealer on may look different eg more red, which might look a bit off overall. Remember that concealer tends to be higher in coverage than foundation (ie more ‘cakey’) so the concealer may not necessarily blend well into bare skin alone as you’re hoping.

You can buy low coverage foundations or tinted moisturisers. You just have to experiment and see what works for your skin type and lifestyle.

1. Personally i think waterline eyeliner is a bit dated - definitely use a pencil here though. The more modern look would be a slight smudge with a pencil or eyeshadow on your lower eyelid right next to the lower lash line instead. You can try a brown pencil on your waterline so it doesn’t look as stark as a black pencil.

1. I’d recommend MAC to be honest. Their ‘matte’ lipsticks (NOT the ‘retro matte’ range’) aren’t drying.