£50 on makeup..what should I buy?

[mumsandaunties]

If you had to go from nothing to a serviceable work look make up with £50, what would you buy? Items and brands?

Background: A couple of appearances in group photos this week have really knocked me.

The best way I can describe it is that I look out of focus. I have no features, I'm lumpy and ill defined. The people around me do not like look this, so it's definitely me.

I want to have a go at adding a bit of makeup into my life to see if I can improve the situation.

50 years old, and I've never worn makeup beyond a bit of foundation and occasional mascara (tubing...or I look like a panda by lunchtime). Brows are fair so I dye them otherwise they are invisible.

Blue eyes, dyed brown hair....recommendations to products and video tips both appreciated

ill defined is probably a combination of hair and eyebrows, more than make up, I’d guess. So if you haven’t had both or either ‘done’ professionally, recently, that might be the best use of your money.

(Forgive me if completely wrong!)

Why don't you go to a makeup concession in boots or a department store and ask for advice / they can try some products on you and see what you like?

rather than a full face of war paint (which doesn't sound like you based on what you've posted), perhaps a 'no make up make up' look is best.

I'm not a girly girl and I hate the full face of make up look on myself. My approach when I want to look less haggard is

• small amount of foundation or BB cream mixed into my moisturiser to make me look less washed out
• concealer to hide any dark circles / redness
• mascara
• blush
• lip stain
• power or setting spray

I don't spend huge money on it as it just doesn't excite me, so I'm often quite easily swayed by whatever is on offer at boots. With brands like Rimmel, maybeline, max factor etc you could easily afford the above and have money left over from your budget. If you get into it, then go back and invest in more upmarket brands without fear that you are wasting your money

Buy a make up lesson. A lot of counters charge about that and you can use the fee against product.

An eyebrow pencil that can double as a subtle eyeliner, mascara, blush and a tinted lip balm/oil/lipstick. If you're looking out of focus you need to define your features more which comes from adding some colour and depth to the face so I'd focus on that. A good foundation with those on top should make you 'pop' more without a full face of war paint.

Something like this from Selfridges?

Selfridges Beauty Concierge

Go to Boots. Their No.7 range is affordable and they'll advise you.

Thank you...you are all quite right that I'd look completely awful in a full face of war paint. It's not me at all.

I think my lips are becoming thinner (age) and while I used to like the Tilda Swinton paleness, it just looks awful now.

Nars tinted moisturiser (it’s more of a light foundation)

Eyebrow pencil and clear eyebrow gel (can be cheap)