Please help me with make up.

[birdling]

I'm just over 40 and have never really worn much make up. I look so dowdy that I am determined to do something about it, but don't know what stuff I actually need.
I don't want heavy make up, but something that will make my skin look smoother and my eyes more defined.
Haven't got a lot of money either, so I need to buy stuff available off the shelf in Boots/Superdrug.
Please help, I feel completely overwhelmed by the products available

Hi OP, I am quite partial to l'oreal products from Boots as a more afforable brand. You will get more replies if you post in Style and Beauty.

I would start with a BB cream or a CC cream. I use korean products that I get off Amazon, the Missha one is my favorite. It isn't too heavy but you can build it up a bit if you like. I also use cushion foundations, again Korean but many Western companies offer them now too.

If you’re looking for a smoother skin finish, are you taking care of your skin before thinking about make up? The Ordinary, The Inkey List, Superdrug own brand and Aldi are great for a tight budget.

One thing that I think makes a HUGE difference to a smooth base is using a primer before foundation. The Collection matte primer for about £5 is great. You may find you don’t want foundation after using that and end up with a dab of concealer.

I don’t really rate cheap eyeshadows. If you can stretch to buying a palette, the Minimalist or the Matte shadow palettes from Smashbox are a great place to start (some are currently in the sale on their website). Don’t forget your eyebrows! That will really help define your eyes.

You didn’t mention lipsticks but the NYX powder puff ones are cheap and cheerful and won’t look too heavy or over done.

Just a few wee tips that work for me (although im a bit older than you) use a good high spf bb cream, define your eyebrows, I don't go past Maybelline brow satin, easy to use and control. Stay away from frosted, glittery eyeshadows in strong colours. Go for muted creams, browns, beiges, greys, pale greens in a satin or matte finish. Powder blush is easier to control than creams and a little goes a long way so apply with a light hand. Use a lip balm, glosses, creamy lipsticks rather than anything that says 'matte' (too drying), try some pinks/nudes to begin with. Use a gel eyeliner rather than liquid and probably best to use browns, navy blues as black can be too harsh on older skin. I find I prefer mascaras that say lengthening and/or defining. Good mid price/cheaper brands to try are NYX, Revolution, Loreal, Collection, Max Factor to name a few. Get yourself a wee set of half decent brushes

Thanks everyone

What’s a BB cream?

No7 match made foundation is good,
Collection makeup (cheap but very good is available in a lot of shops including some supermarkets and Superdrug and Boots) has a very good concealer.

Oh yes, forgot the No 7 foundations. The Stay Perfect Superlight is very natural finish. Use a primer and then apply the foundation with a brush (Real Techniques face brush is great and always cheap on Amazon)

Lisa Eldridge has these good videos which may help

@User1775836552

It's tinted moisturiser, excellent as your skin gets older as it hides any lines better, although my 18 year old dd has recently started using mine as even she prefers it to her expensive foundations.