Help me get started with make-up please

[LisaSimpson77]

Hello, I'm nearing 50, have always worn make up but literally just a touch of Avon's finest lipstick, mascara etc. Since Covid I have completely got out of the habit and never wear anything.
Anyway, I'm sick of feeling frumpy and am going to start (been watching make up tutorials too)
So, can anybody suggest make-up essentials that are not too expensive, plus are there any good tutorials aimed at more mature women?
Thanks for any help!

I think it depends on what you want to achieve. I don't wear a lot of make up but like a light foundation to smooth my complexion, a little blush so I dont5 look like a robot, mascar and lipstick. I think going "full makeup" after years of almost none would be odd though?

I always recommend revolution makeup. It is a cheap as chips, but excellent!

It means you can experiment and not be spending loads of there's something you don't get on with.

Superdrug stock it.

Caroline Barnes on You Tube.

Less is more past 40 imo. I use lots of products but only a smidgen of each.

Why do you think your natural face is “frumpy”? I doubt any man your age thinks this about himself, and wouldn’t dream of plastering himself in slap either!
I’m in my sixties and have never worn make up - it’s a con by the cosmetic industry to make money out of women’s insecurity.
I would spend your money on counselling to raise your self esteem, rather than on smearing your skin in chemicals.

If you do want to add something then have a look at tinted moisturiser or BB cream maybe?

If all you wore was mascara and lipstick pre Covid, why don't you just start getting used to wearing that again?

Natural coloured cream blush, Try any cheap one. I found an amazing make up tip: tiny blob on the heel of your hand; press it into the other one and then press on to your cheek bones. You can pat any edges/ uneven bits. It looks great and very natural

IME once I got past 40 what made the most difference was a good base. So a decent foundation. Then concealer, Mascara and eyebrow pencil.

Stuff like eyeshadow, blusher and lipstick doesn't look as good without something under it and has the tendency to look a bit Baraba Cartland IMO.

I agree Revolution is an excellent starting point for finding products and working out what you like best.

No idea of tutorials sorry. But definitely stear clear of ones with loads of contouring, complicated eye shadow etc. You don't need that.

Look at Trinny on Instagram she uploads loads of videos of her applying makeup and I think she looks great, and is very accessible to a newcomer.

Like PP said it depends on what you want to achieve. I think if you do skincare basics, a touch of fake tan and get your brows done, you only need minimal makeup really. I find applying makeup to a pale or dehydrated face always makes it look a bit rubbish!

Maybe on you but loads of people with pale skin don't look rubbish with make up on. There's no need to fake tan.

@JuneOsborne @TheOGCCL @Chronicallymothering @Homelander42
Thanks for the tips I will check these out!

😆😆 I had to check I hadn't accidentally posted on AIBU then.
My self-esteem is ok thanks, I've had counselling until the past, I've neglected myself since I had my child and self-care has been very limited resulting in me looking/feeling frumpy.
I've made a little list of things I want to try and having a go at some different make-up techniques and products is on my list. For myself, not for anybody else's benefit.
I think this is fine but thanks for the concern 😍

Yes I agree, that's why I asked about make-up tutorials, I've been looking for natural make-up ones.
Will experiment when I'm at home alone at first then maybe branch out gradually.
It's just good to have an idea of where to start.

I will I think, but as I'm a bit clueless I always tend to grab the nearest/cheapest product, stick a bit on then feel disappointed. So I'd like to have a play around with what actually suits me.

The Trinny suggestion is a good one. I like her quick easy videos and have been tempted by a few of her products.

Also, a few brands have a "try it on" option online. It's not perfect but it does give a good idea of the colours that will work. Clarins and Mac and Bobbi Brown are ones I've done a few times to try out eye shadows or lipsticks! Bobbi Brown also has some tutorials but I haven't found them super helpful myself.

If you do want to go for a nice light foundation I'd go into a department store and try a few in person. I use a very light Bobbi Brown one myself. A lot of people rave about NARS. Mac is great but I stopped because they always change their products and I like to be able to just replace the same thing for years at a time!

I've also experimented quite a lot with eyebrow pencils etc because mine are pointless. The Maybelline Tattoo range seem to work for me and are the most natural looking I find. But I had to try a few and do some experimenting to get there.

I'm 49 and in a similar "rut" I've been watching some YouTube tutorials for ideas, they're great because you can pause them as you go along

I recommend Trinny. Especially if you're older and not already using much in the way of m'up.

The make up is very 'light touch' and enhancing rather than masking.

I did an online session with one of their m'up people to recommend suitable products etc. You get the cost, around £30 to set against products. I thought it was great and really helpful. If you're in London I think you can do in person sessions.

Have a look at beauty and the boutique, really simple and transformed how I look (I went from no make up to make up most days) but it looks natural. Great products and easy to follow tutorial.

That sounds very simple but efective - the application should ensure both sides are equal . I haven't got a cream blusher and sometimes find the powder one is hard to apply . I'll give this a try - thanks .

My make-up tip ( as a rare make-up wearer , 56yo)
Mascara after eyelash curler
Eyebrow gel (I use a tinted one)
Tightlining . I re-purchased a liner pen ( Revolution) its brilliant

Similar age to you op. I love Caroline Barnes, Angie at Hot and Flashy, and Gemma at Pampered Wolf. All down to earth with great tips and tricks, using make up at all different price points.

The boots NO7 counters are pretty good at not trying to sell you loads of extras

These are all brilliant tips, thanks everybody.
@thethoughtfox I'll definitely give that one a go!

This sounds like my sort of thing, I might treat myself over the summer holidays.

I'd recommend ELF as a cheap brand. Plus not tested on animals.