Makeup for complete beginner at 30

[SmartyFace]

I've never worn makeup. Although I like pretty dresses and wearing nice clothes, I've never seen the need or been interested. I'm now in my early 30s with three young children, and I'm starting to look very haggard! I recoil when I see myself in photos. I used to look quite fresh-faced, but that's definitely not the case any more. I want to try using makeup, but I'm really nervous about it. I feel like I will end up looking like a clown! Where shall I start?

You start with skin care, so what do you use?

Skin care for sure - doesn’t have to be expensive I use cerave as it suits my skin. Then I would go somewhere like boots no7 and get a foundation match from them (they have a machine) and choose a light foundation or tinted moisturiser that will brighten and even your complexion. Next up choose a lip colour that is close to the natural colour of your lips - lip glosses give a softer natural tint. A translucent powder compact and a brush is useful to keep you looking fresh during the day. Finally add a mascara - again no7 do a good tubing one (stay perfect) which stays on until you remove with warm water. Avoid eyeshadow at all
costs as it is very aging!

You start with skin care, so what do you use?

Totally agree with this.

Once that discussion has been had, I'm guessing that you'll want to start with a fairly light maquillage (I know - pretentious! Just love the word ).
For me that would be a tinted moisturiser or a CC or BB cream (currently using Erborian CC); undereye concealer (my desert island cosmetic); bit of blusher; mascara; tinted lip balm.
Sometimes with some dark eye shadow smudged near my lashes with a flat eye shadow brush like this https://www.lookfantastic.com/mac-212-flat-definer-brush/11472001.html?affil=thggpsad&switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&shoppingpid=MAC_BH_GWP_2508&affil=thggpsad&kwds=&thg_ppc_campaign=71700000117078542&adtype=pla_with_promotion&product_id=11472001&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnei0BhB-EiwAA2xuBuP2DWWZF6rxdp0_K_fpH8fdX-4LXnDqZaGh9kxT5HyujRcmN4VWFhoCDxAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Sorry about the enormous link.
I find it a lot easier than eyeliner.
My brush is Superdrug's own brand, so a lot cheaper.

@Hopeandmoss that's an amazing guide, thank you so much!

@DustyLee123 I am actually quite into skincare products, I mainly use a brand called Martha Hill (beautynaturals website). I've always been quite lucky with my actual skin type - my face isn't oily or dry. I just look tired now 😄

Eyeshadow isn't aging. That's nonsense. Try a nice eyeshadow stick like By Terry ombre black star, or a dupe. Apply a bit on your eyelid then blend it upwards with your finger. Adds a bit of colour and shine and is fool proof for beginners.

Or the cream ones like the Trinny range.

Are you getting enough sleep? It sounds as if you’re at a particularly busy stage of your life.

And perhaps you might usefully revise your diet? A weekly veg box is a really convenient route to better nutrition (if you don’t grow your own).

It would also be sensible to review whether you’re getting all the help and support you should expect - looking ‘haggard’ in your thirties isn’t a consequence of years, but circumstance.

Have a look at Lisa Eldridge (I think!) on YouTube.

Thanks so much for all the advice! I definitely agree that the way I look at the moment is due to my life circumstances rather than my age. I only really mentioned my age because I feel it's unusual for someone to have got to their 30s without ever experimenting with makeup before! So I feel way out of my depth, and almost a bit silly for starting now.

I don't get much help, my husband works away from home a lot and my oldest child is only 4 (starting school in September). So life is a bit chaotic and exhausting. I do try to eat well, but sleep and enough water are issues that I'm also working on!

You don’t need to worry about water as a separate thing if you’re eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and consuming other everyday drinks like tea and coffee, etc.

I don't know if they do it anymore but might be worth seeing if you can get a makeover done at a makeup counter. They can talk you through the products and you can see what you like before you buy.

I can easily look like a clown in make up but a few subtle products really do make all the difference.

Light tinted moisturiser or a mineral powder foundation you buff in.
Blusher in good shade for your skin tone.
Cream eyeshadow (optional)
Concealer for under eyes
Mascara
If eyes need more definition, tight line the upper lids with liquid eyeliner.

I’m not recommending specific products as you can find these at all price points.