Make Up Assistance Required

[Caiti19]

Early-Forties - I have a family event coming up. I have had my makeup done at a salon a few times, and often felt it was way OTT - to the point that my baby made strange with me. I also think heavy makeup can be quite aging later in the night when the cement they put under the eyes starts to crack. Maybe I've been to some really bad ones. Anyway, I wear some makeup every day - usually cheap Rimmel/Maybelline/whatever. Can somebody in the know help me with a list of what I need to buy for "occasion makeup" that will give good coverage, yet look natural and dewy? I am thinking this time I should invest in quality products and do it myself. I am also wondering what is the best way to lightly bronze the neck, bust area (v-neck dress) in a way that looks natural too. Thanking you kindly in advance.

I think it depends somewhat on your skin type.
I am 39 and have oily skin. Also a total makeup junkie My go-tos for occasion makeup for my complexion would be:

• Dior Forever matte foundation (med-full coverage and stays put really well). I apply mine with a Beautyblender sponge

• Tarte Shape Tape for undereye concealer. I also quite like the Hourglass Veil and Pat McGrath liquid concealers. You don't need much, if it's cracking it sounds like too much is being applied, and possibly in the wrong areas.

• Loose powder. I really like the By Terry Hyaluronic tinted loose powders. They take the shine off and set things in place, but feel completely weightless

• For the décolleté, I sometimes apply bronzer with a huge fluffy brush down my neck, across shoulders etc. I'm not a huge fan of instant tan type products for occasion wear as they can rub off, I will sometimes use a gradual tanner like Tan Luxe The Gradual, which gives a very light tanning effect.

Thank you so much Violet! This is very helpful.

No worries.

For concealer placement, I do mine like Wayne Goss does his in this video (the right hand side of his face, I.e. the 2021 version). I find that this kind of placement minimises any creasing while still brightening the eye area.