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Crash course in makeup

31 replies

Cluelessmouse · 05/07/2022 10:15

I know there’s YouTube but I don’t know where to start or who to watch
and when they start talking about all the different brushes and palettes I get a bit overwhelmed

I’m getting married and it’s a tiny wedding (literally just a registry office ceremony), I can’t afford a MUA so I want to do my own makeup

Please can you anyone tell me the basics
what brushes do I need
where should I be investing (for example can I get a cheap eyeshadow as long as I spend on foundation or whatever)
how the actual fuck do you apply false lashes

any advice at all - I’m starting to panic that I’ll look awful

OP posts:
Doorsdoyle · 05/07/2022 11:03

If it were me?

Good tinted moisturiser like Laura mercier or a nice powder foundation like bare minerals plus a brush to apply
Make sure skin is beautifully clean and moisturised before application
Highlighter - bronzer if you have darker skin or if you're quite pale like me, I find mac strobe cream good.
Blush - I think benefit does nice blush imo
I don't usually use brushes for blusher - I just use fingers
Get a nice eyeshadow - I like mac for this - something neutral/metallic
Mascara - I actually find rimmel the best
Splash out on some nice lipstick - one colour that suits a lot of people is rose - I would do Charlotte Tilbury, Bobbi Brown or mac

ItsRainingTacos79 · 05/07/2022 11:09

I did my own makeup on my wedding (Asian wedding but didn't like any of the heavy Asian wedding looks). I visited a couple of make up counters (MAC, Bobbi Brown and Nars) and discussed what I wanted - the assistants were super helpful when I told them the look i was after and help me test various shades of foundations, concealers, powder as well as eye and lip colours. Lots of great tips from them too to help makeup stay on. I bought what I was happy with and saved myself about £600

LadyOfTheCanyon · 05/07/2022 11:13

Relax, you'll be fine.

Can you book in for a consultation with someone like Bobbi Brown? You can normally offset the price of the consultation with purchases - and a good foundation/ concealer would be the best use of a couple of more "spendy" items. Everything else can come on the cheap.

You want your make up to last the day and a good foundation will see you right through. The MUA will colour match you.

Superdrug brands like Revolution are excellent for cheap but great quality makeup. A lot of their products are Charlotte Tilbury dupes and are excellent.

Don't feel like you have to wear false eyelashes if you don't normally. They can look ridiculous. I went to a wedding recently and the bride was absolutely caked in make up. She wears very little normally and it just looked odd and really false - I think you want to aim for a more polished look than normal but not too OTT.

I would suggest you need:
Foundation
Concealer
Powder if you think you'll need it.
Bronzer
Blusher
Mascara
Palette of neutral eyeshadows
Lipliner
Lipstick/gloss

Brushes-
Flat headed kabuki for foundation ( equally you might prefer a sponge, or just use fingers) - I have this one, it's pretty good!

www.boots.com/ecotools-ecoluxe-flawless-foundation-brush-10315154

Bronzer brush: ( can double for blusher)

https://www.beautybay.com/p/beauty-bay/rose-gold-glam-glow-up-highlighter-brush/?ctyid=gb&gclsrc=aw.ds&gclid=CjwKCAjwwo-WBhAMEiwAV4dybTPatOztl6cjIE0rnCU9VpFfRgh1Y04gj6kS9knrn5igwO3AxnY7xoCQ0gQAvDD_BwE

Eyeshadow brush: this is an excellent set:

www.boots.com/EcoTools-Total-Renewal-Eye-Kit-10282903

Boots no7 often have 3 for 2 offers on so always worth a look to see if there's lipstick/eyeshadow you fancy. If you have advantage points, now's the time to use them!

Obviously have a couple of trial runs first but you'll need to apply more foundation than you feel is necessary. Getting a good base is crucial and will make the most difference in pictures.

You don't need to go mad on contouring but bronzer will help give definition. Blusher stops everything looking too one dimensional.

Eyeshadow - no need to go mad. A simple Smokey eye ( I suggest this is one thing you do Google) is easy to achieve with three shades of browns ( or any colour).

If you have eyelash curlers, use them before mascara and put a good few layers of mascara on, the darkest colour that suits you ( black isn't for everyone) and really wiggle the brush at the roots for maximum uplift.

Lipliner as near to your natural lip colour as possible. Outline your natural lips and then fill in with liner. Matching or slightly deeper lipstick on top. Blot with a tissue and reapply lipstick. That won't move for ages.

In handbag on the day:
Compact mirror
Powder if using
Lipliner/lipstick for touch ups after eating/kissing
Miniature of the perfume you're wearing
Tissues!

I hope I haven't made that sound too complicated. It really doesn't need to be, and needn't cost a fortune. For stuff like eyeshadow/ bronzer etc you could even call in favours and borrow from friends who have similar colouring to you.

Anyway. Good luck!!

Doorsdoyle · 05/07/2022 11:16

Honestly, you don't need to spend a lot of money on brushes.

Fenella123 · 05/07/2022 11:22

And if you don't normally wear makeup at all, going full slap on your wedding day may just unnerve you and your other half - if you were my friend I'd suggest just trying a little blusher, mascara and lip stain (Origins do some very natural looking stuff) and stop there.

ISeeTheLight · 05/07/2022 11:24

Go for a consultation at your local makeup counter.
Personally, apart from what already has been mentioned, I'd use a great primer so your makeup lasts all day (all over incl eyelids & lips).

covilha · 05/07/2022 11:24

Chanel will give a consultation and deduct the cost from anything you purchase- it’s worth it

littlecry · 05/07/2022 11:37

Hiya, I am a qualified MUA and this is what I can think of -
Focus on good skin care now and work on making your skin as hydrated and as good condition as possible.
Also decide what sort of look you want - dewy and glowing, high glam, natural etc. Do you want sparkly eyes and highlight, or do you want a more subtle look? That will inform the products you use.

I would spend more on skin care and foundation, and lipstick. Less on blush, eyeshadow, brushes, etc. Make sure your brushes are clean before you use them for your big day - this can have a huge impact on makeup application!
Also, instead of just watching makeup tutorials on YouTube which can be overwhelming, consider the specific skills you want to learn - applying blush, or contouring, or a nice eyeshadow look etc. Be as specific as you can and you will find better videos.

Base will depend on your skin. You don't necessarily need primer but make sure you've moisturised with a good moisturiser (my favourite is L'embryolisse lait-cream). Foundation - if you have dry skin, if it's oily, if you have problem areas/acne.

I think its best to try out some foundations/tinted moisturisers in advance- everyone's skin is different and sometimes foundations can oxidise with your skin and turn orange! A good budget one is No7 whereas a higher end one I always recommend Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation.

Depending on whether you are oily or dry will depend on whether you set with powder - it makes your makeup last longer but can be ageing and make you look a bit dry if you have the wrong skin for it. Best powder I believe is the NYX HD powder - put it on after you've done your base, bronzer and blush (and highlight if you are doing that too). If you cant or dont want to use powder, a setting spray will help hold your makeup for a bit longer without drying you out as much. Urban Decay's is a 'cult' product although I do think the NYX one is just as good.
Blusher - consider your skin tone. To be honest my all time fave blush is the Nars one in 'Orgasm' but there will be more reasonable ones out there. My recommendation is to go to Boots, choose a counter such as No7 etc and ask them to recommend a blush for your skin. Then you can always choose a cheaper dupe in a similar shade if you can't stretch to a more expensive option.
Bronzer- I personally love Benefit Hoola and it is so natural and subtle. But there are cheap dupes available. Buy a kabuki brush and sweep across your face where the sun would hit it for a natural look (so across your nose, cheeks, forehead), or for a more glam contoured look, follow a '3' on either side of your face, in the hollows of your cheeks especially.

Eyeshadow - I would watch a tutorial for this - type in what sort of thing you are after, e.g. natural smokey eyeshadow tutorial etc. If you want something super easy, sometimes beginners find cream eyeshadows are easier to apply and can look quite striking - www.boots.com/maybelline-eyestudio-color-tattoo-24hr-cream-gel-eyeshadow I rate these for being long lasting and easy to use.
Eyebrows - I wouldn't do anything too dramatic. On the whole, most people suit their natural eyebrows. A bit of pencil to fill them in and shape them. If you have naturally thick eyebrows, get a good eyebrow wax and give them a brush. Make sure you clean any excess makeup from them!
Eyeliner - depending on your look, you may want to use eyeliner. But I would say this can be quite tricky if you're not used to it and can also be ageing. Maybe have a play around beforehand and see what suits you? NYX have a good selection of fairly priced eyeliner products.
Lashes - to be honest if you're not confident with false lashes, I wouldn't bother. So you could choose a mascara that suits you (again, everyone reacts different to mascara so try a few out - my favourite is the KatvonD one but it doesn't work for everyone!). The other alternative is to have lashes done professionally by a salon. You can get extensions that look natural or glam depending on what you want- also ones that last a few days that are a bit cheaper. If you're worried about them looking too OTT, a lash lift is a nice choice.

Lips - again it depends on the look you want. Think about whether you want a sheer, 'wet' glossier look, or a more matte, brighter look.
I personally prefer natural lips, especially as lip makeup can wear out quicker than the rest of your face so look obviously when you need retouching! I love the YSL oil based ones. There are also some lovely Chanel ones. Nars are good for the more vibrant colours. I think it's quite nice to have a special 'wedding' lipstick hence the more fancy branded ones. Every time you use it or see it, you will think of your wedding. But if you are on a tighter budget, perhaps try No7 or L'oreal or rimmel.

Sorry for the length of this message, I hope you find it helpful!!

Cluelessmouse · 05/07/2022 11:48

Thank you so much everyone
what I struggle with is the foundation not going cakey
I have dry/combo skin and foundation sometimes gathers a bit on my cheeks. I also end up with flakes of mascara/eyeshadow under my eyes
and I never feel like any eye shadow stays on - not that I have any idea how to apply it anyway

maybe I need better primer.

ive got super pale skin too. Typically my routine is a pink primer, tiny bit of no.7 foundation, bit of blush across my cheeks and the bridge of my nose, and that’s about it!

OP posts:
Cluelessmouse · 05/07/2022 11:56

@LadyOfTheCanyon so useful!! This is exactly the sort of instructions I needed

@ISeeTheLight do you recommend any primers?

@littlecry omg I don’t even know, I didn’t even know these were options. I’ll get on Pinterest and figure it out. I think I like a more ‘classic’ look, not dewy, embrace my paleness type thing, I don’t normally wear much makeup so I guess a bit more subtle.
great tip on YouTube videos
i love that Kat von d mascara but it gets under my eyes a lot - can I do anything to stop that?
honestly thank you so much for typing all that out, I can’t tell you how much that helps!

OP posts:
purplecorkheart · 05/07/2022 11:59

Bobbi Brown has a few youtube videos including a couple of easy bridal looks. Make sure you watch her own videos rather than other make up artists under her brand. I was awful at makeup but found her videos easy to follow and do.

LemonsOnSaleAgain · 05/07/2022 12:01

Lisa Eldridge has a good range of makeup videos on YouTube including a bridal makeup video. She lists all the products and brushed used.

LemonsOnSaleAgain · 05/07/2022 12:01

*brushes

purpleboy · 05/07/2022 12:09

Get into your nearest Jon Lewis or boots and go to a make up counter, our JL (Chanel) do a makeover, give it a trial run and then do that on the morning of your wedding. Save all the ahh of buying new stuff you won't use again.

Oceanus · 05/07/2022 14:43

Brushes - one for foudation (or a sponge which you'll use wet), one or two for applying eyeshadow (depending on what colours you use you get away with only one but it would be better to have 3) and one for blending it; one for applying eyeshadow (or gel) as eyeliner; 1 for blush
I would spend on:


  • good foundation (get samples from counters and wear each one all day long with your usual moisturiser/sunscreen).

  • for eyeshadow it's not about the $$$ but whether it is/isn't powdery (avoid powdery, so look for reviews), all brands are hit or miss, if you're fair have a look at the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette -look at swatches online as it's not the same as looking at the palette- I think it might potentially have all you need including the darker ones as eyeliners. Eyeshadow should always be applied with eyes open, to know where it should go to be seen. You could also go to the Bobbi Brown counter and ask for a smokey eye for a bride, then you do it at home (it's easy!).

  • eyeshadow primer (or just go to the loo and reapply later in the day and save $$ unless you're prone to creasing.

  • blush (if you're pale either pink or peach, doesn't have to be expensive, usually cheaper ones fade, so just reapply) or use your favourite one.

  • eyelashes, eyelash glue and special tweezers for applying (and a good makeup remover for this); I usually cut them and only use the tips, get a table mirror and look down as it helps and practise, practise, practise! ahah, it's not hard.

  • eyebrow pencil with a brush and/or Benefit brow mascara.

  • Skindinavia setting spray

  • Corrector/concealer for dark circles and spot-conceal, if you're young skip the powder everywhere. Super dark circles- go to Bobbi Brown; Otherwise go to Shape Tape or stick to what you have already.

  • Highlighter -either a liquid on you can apply with fingers or a powder one, doesn't have to be expensive though you need to practise at home

  • Lipstick - do you want red, nude, pink, peach?

  • Mercurochrome Colorless Antiseptic -spray a bit on a cotton and go over the face with it the day before or a few days before, it helps with zits. You can also spray it on your back/shoulders it it's going to show to get rid of spots.

Check out youtube videos for Wayne Goss, you might find them useful for eyeshadow techniques, so you can work out what you like better and practise.

Oceanus · 05/07/2022 14:46

Just read you're prone to smudging. After applying the skindinavia bridal spray, apply a Maybelline waterproof mascara and then apply the false lashes.

Cluelessmouse · 05/07/2022 20:13

Thank you @Oceanus some things I’d never heard of there that sound really useful!

OP posts:
Cluelessmouse · 05/07/2022 20:14

@purplecorkheart thank you I’ll be studying those this weekend!

OP posts:
Oceanus · 05/07/2022 20:18

@Cluelessmouse Enjoy your wedding day! I hopes it's a day to remember and for you tell your DC about!

ChinBristles · 05/07/2022 20:57

Congratulations!

Just bear in mind your husband to be wants to see YOU at the altar. Not a stranger who looks a bit like you. If you really want to wear make up on the day then maybe start wearing a little make up now so he gets used to it?

People can find make-up counters overwhelming. Do you have a friend who could help you out instead?

You might find it stressful thinking about touching up your make-up etc on the day/worrying about it coming off. So less is more.

I'd recommend getting LVL (permed & tinted) lashes at a beauty therapist (lasts weeks) instead of falsies.

Have a lovely day and a wonderful marriage!

Flyinggeese1234 · 05/07/2022 21:07

Hey OP my advice would be to just get it done at a counter (Bobbi Brown or Chanel are good).

I’d go once as a practise run then on the morning of the wedding (is there time?).

Honestly it will be cheaper than buying the many items plus brushes, and you can redeem the cost so buy the lipstick for touch ups, plus any other items to use another time/honeymoon/nights out etc.

ChinBristles · 05/07/2022 22:55

Is it not a bit CF to use a make-up counter as your own make-up artist? How would you make sure they were available both times? My local stands are not always manned/maybe dealing with other customers. Would you actually say "I'm using you to do my make-up for my wedding" and would you buy anything or do it for free?

Flyinggeese1234 · 06/07/2022 08:33

You just book an appointment in my experience. I’ve never just turned up.

Its not free! Nor is it CF.

hamdden12 · 06/07/2022 08:50

If you are going to spend money on all the makeup and brushes it's probably going to cost you as much as what a makeup artist would cost. Look into it first before making any decisions, especially if you are not going to use the products afterwards.

Cluelessmouse · 06/07/2022 11:26

I get a bit stressed at those sessions because they’re always trying to upsell.

i think it would be good to have some nice products to use for the odd occasion I do go out and put a bit more makeup on, so they probably would get used again, just every few months.
i know you’re supposed to throw things away but do people really throw things like eye shadow palettes away after a few months, surely not?!

the other issue is finding someone that does makeup well (imo)
I’ve looked at 10 places near by and they are all so dated, or just caked on and that just isn’t very me. I’m also incredibly pale, and I find that when I’ve been to even well recommended MUAs in the past, they presume I’d like to be more tan, no matter what I say, or maybe they just don’t have anything for my skin tone. And I end up a bit orange, or just not looking like myself.

I can’t really afford to do a trial and check if I like what they do
and I feel a bit stressed about leaving it to the day then having no backup plan. At least if I do it myself and it goes wrong it’s in my control

OP posts: