Need to improve my make up game - please help!

[newnamenellie]

I'm a 49 year old white woman and, to date, have only ever worn minimal make up.

I have decent skin which tends towards dry and slightly sensitive. I've always moisturised and take my make up off at the end of the day, so I have a reasonable blank canvas.

Issues are red spider veins on cheeks (worse on one side) and very hooded eyes (getting worse).

My usual 'make up routine' is:

-green colour corrector for cheeks and around nose, basically anywhere that's red. This also acts as a tinted moisturiser though doesn't provide any decent coverage or base
-mascara on upper lashes
-eye brow wand to cover 'greying brows'
-lip balm

That's it!!

I don't have a lot of time for a long routine, but I would like to look more put together sometimes and I think make up would be a good starting point.

What can I buy to add to my very basic kit?!!

I'm 45 and felt like I was stuck in a bit of a 00s rut after having kids
Erica Taylor on Instagram has reignited my make up technique!

Products-wise I'm loving IT cosmetics CC cream/foundation (got as a Mumsnet premium tester but I'm obsessed!) and still using bad gal lash by benefit as it's so good, I've updated some of my eyeliners to some nice Boots no 7 ones but may splash out on Victoria Beckham's at some point. Laura Mercier does a nice eyeshadow and concealer, and I have a naked urban decay pallet that's older than my kids that still has some life left. Still use my NARS multiple for blusher.

Thanks @Wrapunzel

I feel as though I need not only to know what to by but also what to do with it, so YouTube sounds good

I've tried things to diminish my hooded eyes, but nothing seems to work. I suspect some clever eye shadow techniques would help, but I'm so bloody clueless!

she covers the hooded eyes issues! she's 47 and shows you what worked when you were in your 20s doesn't now, but how to adapt.
Also, forgot, an eyebrow pencil (go cheap to start with) really defines everything else

Eye brow colour is about the only thing that I think I do well 🤣 and I agree that it does make a big difference to the face

Looking at what you have, I recommend:
Eborian CC cream - (a bit of coverage without suddenly transitioning to a full coverage foundation)
Cream blush - merit for something 'dewy' or Trinny London for less glowy finish.
NYX lip liner - very subtle colour, just deeper than your lip then add your lip balm on top.

Thanks @tiktokoclock

I have used the Erborian CC cream before and I like it. Currently using a L'Oreal version which is okay.

I have always veered away from blush as I have a high colour naturally (and can still go bright red at nothing!)

I would like to have know how to make my face look more 'finished' but without looking fake or made up. I'm happy to try new things/techniques etc...

If you live in London, then make a point of going to the Jones Road counter at Liberty. Love the stuff now - totally obsessed. And they are so helpful.

I'm 44 here's my current summer routine

Eborian CC
Microbrow pencil - revolution
Mac fibre brow
Chanel kohl 62 top and bottom tightline
Chanel blush in rose (I think)
Clinique chubby stick in strawberry like a balm
Elf extend mascara

Blush I think is what elevates it. I tend to use a liquid or crème blush under the Chanel powder. It's different to your natural colouring. I tend to have a red-pink for winter and a more peach-pink for summer. I'm yet to find the best shade. Although my all time favourite blush was benefit rockteur which the discontinued

I don't like highlighter or contour or bronzer because by I'm too scared of them. Hoping for some tips too.

Kate Hughes on insta is great

blush is a game changer in the correct colour ! I am also rubbish at make up - currently using the shellie from benefit

Thanks everyone.

I'm still not sure about blusher given that I'm trying to reduce my high colour, but maybe I need to look into it!

I'll check out your recommendations 😊

If you don’t want blush what about a bronzer? My make up staples at the moment (im 36)

• L’Oréal colour corrector/primer (green)
• NARS tinted moisturiser - really fab coverage
• NARS bronzer
• NARS powder blush in orgasm or a rimmel blush stick
• maybelline sky high mascara - it’s amazing I love it
• Urban decay setting spray

My game changers were my Blender which comes with a pod to keep it aired and hygienic and brushes all from Beautifect. I've never been great at blending products and powders and these really helped me apply it right without leaving me all patchy!