Ask the girl who knows a lot about makeup

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
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You have such a cute smile and pretty skin, too! What the hell, Dopers? Why do you all have this gorgeous skin?! :stuck_out_tongue:

And because of that great skin, you absolutely don’t need to wear foundation if you don’t want to. If you start noticing shininess throughout the day, then you can definitely get some of that silica powder I mentioned way up thread- it’ll go on translucent and just cover up the shine without covering up your face. If you don’t get shiny at all, though, no need to even do that.

I think you definitely did a great first step getting your brows shaped, but I feel like they could go even a step further. Don’t worry, I don’t mean skinny, crazy, unnaturally arched brows! See, I naturally have archy brows, so when I go in to get them threaded, it looks much different than a friend who has brows shaped more like yours. That said, my friend who has brows like yours and gets them threaded comes out looking AMAZING, though totally different than me. I don’t know what it is about threading- maybe it’s just the Indian asthetic, I don’t know- but everyone I know who does it comes out looking just freaking stunning! Their brows are natural and full, but shapely without looking unnatural. If you can find a threader in your area, give them a try. I really think a little more thinning and shaping would give your face a ridiculously gorgeous (even more so!) look.

Your eyes are a bit deep set, so like I told the person before with deep set eyes, you want to avoid dark colors and instead favor lighter colors, ideally neutrals. Be sure to also keep your liner thin since you don’t want a big black line to take over your entire visible lid space. :slight_smile:

If I were you, I’d do a nice, neutral shadow on the lid with just a slightly darker one in the crease- Something like Tissue Weight and Bamboo from Mac’s just released collection. Then, I’d take a brown pencil and gently do a very thin line across the top, trying to make the inner corner of the liner thinner than the outer (just a bit). If you have trouble doing liner, I suggest making a series of teeensy dots between your lashes, then taking an angled brush and some dark eyeshadow that matches the liner, and “fill in” the line. This will also help your liner stay longer! Then tons of mascara, of course! Focusing on the outer corners, as always, to open the eyes more.

For lips, I think a fleshy, nudey pink would look both professional and just glowing on you. Something like Mac’s Blankety or Hug Me.

For cheeks, I am huge on highlight. Mac’s Cream Color Base in Hush is a great highlighter because it adds the color highlight you need, but the creaminess adds a nice, natural dewy effect. You would put the highlight on the tops of your cheeks, going up around your eye, lightly down your forehead, middle of your nose, and chin. Really lightly!

If I were doing your makeup, I’d probably do some contouring on your face, just because you have gooooorgeous cheek bones and I’d love th play those up with shadowing and color, but that’s hardly something you’d need to do on the day to day.

So, basically, if I were to suggest three things: go a step further with the brows, grab a highlight, and get a nice, nudey pink lip. That’ll pull you right together and still be quite professional! The highlight will really add some visual interest, but no one will be like, “Oh Jesus, why does that lady have all that makeup on!” :stuck_out_tongue:

122

Hrm. It sounds like you just bought old mascara. I’d try returning it to the store. Mascara dries out really fast (which is why you aren’t supposed to ever pump it, which some folks do to get more product out)- so fast, in fact, that it needs to be replaced every three months or so. If you got one that had been sitting on the shelf for a while, it may have crapped out on you just due to chemical break down and such.

Yeah, I’d return that to the store and grab a new one. I recently grabbed a tube of L’Oreals Extra Volume Collagen mascara and that worked really well, so that might be worth a shot!

Also, that Telescopic one is a really thin formula-- it makes my lashes look longer, but they also sort of look like weird spider legs. I like mascaras that make my lashes fuller and longer at the same time. The trick to making any mascara a lengthening one is to start the brush at the base of your lashes, wiggle back and forth for a second then pull up across your lashes. Then, if you want them longer, you just swoop swoop swoop on the ends of the lashes, but you have to do this before they are dry so they dont clump (so do it fast!).

Once, I went to Mac because I wanted to get a bronzy look for a concert. I walked out looking like a greased up weasel. Seriously. I laughed for like half an hour. Why did it look so bad? Because I told the girl I don’t wear a lot of face products, but goddamn did she pile it on. I mean, I could just FEEL how heavy my face was and it looked like a mask. Aaah, I wish I could find the pictures to show you, it was too funny!

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Found them! Greased up weasel haha. That might be the worst my makeup has ever looked. All I have is a blurry camera phone picture of what I ended up doing, but as you can see, it’s a vast improvement!

124

What is your opinion of mineral makeup? Is it just a fad, or actually better for your skin? I have been using it lately, mainly because I think I put on too much liquid foundation, and it is harder to do when using a powder…

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I don’t use it. I mean, not because I’m necessarily against it or anything, but I’m happy with what I have. Personally, I feel there is a gimmick element in the mineral makeup, since it often comes with quite the hefty price tag, but some folks swear by it. Whether it’s good or bad, I suppose that just has to do with how your skin reacts- I imagine some folks do better with one over the other. That said, I’ve never seen someone with mineral makeup and been wowed by the difference it makes.

If you like the mineral stuff, I say go for it! But personally, I use Mac’s Studio Fix powder and foundation in one-- it’s a dry powder, but offers great coverage. But! Not so much coverage that you can’t see my freckles (which is important to me!).

126

Aw, I still think you look really good in the “greased up weasel” pictures. Or you’re just the prettiest weasel I’ve ever seen.

About the mineral stuff, I use the bare escuntels (sp? I can’t spell that word, ever!) but not so much because it fixes my skin. That is, I’m not thinking, “Ooh, minerals.” I just like it because it satisfies the requirements I have for a good foundation–it looks nice and natural and it doesn’t feel heavy or gross (a lot of the past foundations I’ve used ended up that way). Coming from someone who hates products on their skin in general, that’s a ringing endorsement for them.

127

You’d probably be horrified if I told you that I typically get 2-3 years out of mascara…

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Aside from the fact that it’ll get dried out and not be as effective, this is very dangerous because that little tube is a breeding ground for all kinds of yuckies. Even if you only replace it every 6 months to a year, you’re still going to be much safer than waiting years on end.

129

I just watched a video on eyebrow threading. Go ahead, laugh — I thought it was some kind of eyebrow weaving that they’d do, but with threads! Yo look at my threadlocks. :stuck_out_tongue:

My eyebrows do need serious help, though.

So talk more about primer. I’d never head of such a think until your thread. What can id do for me?

Also, what color eye shadow should I wear. I have been brushing blush beneath my brows for years, but I’m thinking I need more definition. Age is starting to creep up on me.

130

Diosa, LOVE this thread. I am a MakeupAlley devotee of years now and thoroughly recommend checking out the reviews, especially if you are on a budget and can’t afford to take a gamble on a product that isn’t going to deliver.

131

Now then, oily skin!

I’ve complained about my skin a thousand times before, and mama told me, “Don’t worry about your oily skin; it will preserve you and eventually dry up, so when you’re 65 like me and everyone thinks you’re 15 years younger, you’ll be glad you had oily skin when you were young.” Thanks, ma, but 1) I don’t plan on living that long, and 2) I’m at an unfortunate age right now where my facial creases are starting to cry for attention, and the oil is still there!

So onto makeup and away from my whining. As you can imagine, oily skin + creases = make up settling into every single line on your face. This is bad! I’ve recently discovered the joys of primer, which has helped in dulling the exaggeration of each crease, no matter how fine, on my face. The shine, however, remains. I often see make up brands touting their ability to control and/or do away with shine, but the inventors of this makeup have either never met me, or are liars.

Is there any foundation that actually works well with oily skin? Note: The silica powder suggestion has been taken into account, will be used, but has not been as of this point.

And!

Is there any difference between foundation primer and shadow primer? They’re both supposed to stop the make up from rubbing off and settling in, yes? So is it okay to use regular primer on my eyelids, or should I get shadow primer specifically?

Thanks.

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And now I’m poking through eyeshadow colours marvelling at the many, many variations on the brown/beige/gold palette available. :slight_smile: This is going to be fun.

Incidentally, my boyfriend just looked at the thread and expressed amazement at how much thought we’re putting into this. I told him we treat it like men treat their electronics purchases. :stuck_out_tongue: Or even more seriously, since no one wears their flatscreen tv on their face.

133

Broke-Ass Beauty is a good resource, too - the reviews are hilarious.

This review of an Almay foundation and powder even spoofs on Twilight:

134

Yesterday I got in a brow powder recommended by the 5 Minute Face book. Never tried the whole brow powder/pencil/anything before. The effect is quite striking - very easy and makes a big difference, and I was unable to screw it up.

135

Oh, hey, random question. I realise makeup has an expiry date but does that count if the bottle’s never been opened? I found a bottle of foundation in my stash that I’ve never cracked the seal on, and was considering pressing it into service as a concealer, but . . . yeah. Opinion?

136

You have a slight bit of a sallow coloring, so either the pink toned one or the purple would brighten you up. Of course, once you try it, it may or may not create an effect you like. That said, there’s a clear primer and a blueish one that will brighten up any skin tone- so those are sure bets. Either way, your makeup will last longer and look smoother— and not settle into any little wrinkles or creases you may have. Good stuff!

And the answer to the second question is: whatever color you want. I have the whole rainbow of colors and everything in between. . . and I wear them all. That said, for a natural work look, sandy colors would be pretty, so would muted purples or greens. Unless your blush is super super light, I wouldn’t put it under your brow-- instead, get a nice light highlight color to throw under your brows. The most popular I see are Shroom and Rice Paper by Mac [URL=“http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/chanel-lotus-mac-shroom-mac-ricepaper.jpg”] middle and right here)](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/Soileau/IMG_3419.jpg). This is a good trick for covering if you haven’t gotten to pluck your brows in a bit, as this highlight can fake a nice clean arch, even when done lightly!

MUA is good for mascara in particular, since you can’t learn crap from commercials or ads where the model is wearing HUGE fake eyelashes. That’s probably the #1 thing I use it to look up!

The logical answer, of course, is to not put more liquid on your face if it is getting super oily. In that case, I’d imagine a mineral makeup might be good for you. Of course, I don’t know crap about mineral makeup so maybe someone else can give the pros and cons of it :D.

But before you go buying some new and expensive foundation, I really think that silica will make a world of difference. I mean, your skin will continue to be oily unless you medically do something to stop it, so the best you can hope for is 1: not worsening it and 2: covering it up. So, if you find a foundation that doesn’t make your skin worse, a primer will help the foundation stay on better, then the silica powder will set everything so you don’t get shiny.

I suppose there’s nothing wrong with using a regular primer on your eyes. I guess I hadn’t thought about it! Eyeshadow primers tend to have a completely smooth, colored base though, so as to create a canvas for the shadow- so I suppose that’d be the only real difference. For instance, because I’ve got tan skin, I put a lighter primer on my lids so the colors look more true to life and not muted by the color of my skin.

I have probably 35 or so brown or beige shadows and that’s not counting ones that came in premade palettes. They all serve a purpose! Er, at least, I like to think so. . . haha

And amen to that. It’s no different than any hobby, really. I know plenty of guys who spend all their free time watching a sport, watching people talk about the sport, reading about the sport, discussing the sport, and playing fantasy versions of the spot. It’s no different than that!

Duly noted as well, thank you! I had never been there.

Brows can be slightly jarring when you do them at first- mostly because you just aren’t used to looking at them being more filled in, but it definitely looks great.

What I usually do is: fill them in, contemplate rubbing it off because it’s too heavy, walk out of the room for a few minutes, walk back in, and if I don’t immediately notice my eyebrows looking bad, assume all is well and go on with my day.

The chemicals in it will still break down over time and not be as effective. Give it a shot and if it works, then hooray! If it’s kind of meh, just pick up a new one!

137

Don’t feel too bad. I’ve had friends who’ve gotten nose jobs, and yet some of our closest friends couldn’t tell. They would think something was “off”, but they’d guess that it had to do with weight loss in the face or something like that. :smiley:

138

I know it’s a bit late, but I wanted to report in, especially on the Makeup Forever primer. I did end up purchasing it - in the green - and it’s working for me. It does correct slight redness (not heavy redness, but no product does everything). More than anything, I’m terrifically happy with what it did this weekend. I had a chorus performance, and had to wear the Ben Nye pancake that usually causes bad reactions. Before slapping on the Ben Nye this time, I slathered on the MUFE primer - so heavily there was still a greenish tint to my face. I waited a bit and then put on the Ben Nye. I felt like I didn’t have to use as much and it didn’t sink into my skin in the same way. When I removed it, my face didn’t feel as raw and assaulted, and I’ve had no additional reaction. If I never used it for anything else except a base for the chorus makeup, it would be worth it for me!

Also, I’ve been making an effort, often just with lip gloss and mascara, but about half the time with eyeshadow and a bit of blush - all as suggested by Diosa. A bunch of people have told me how pretty I look. I’m sold!

139

Oh man! You did the thread! I totally didn’t see it till now!

So here’s my question: powder. That’s it, basically. What kind of loose powder to set your makeup overall is a good bet? Should it be tinted or just plain white? I use my fingers for everything (I never wear eyeshadow) so what kind of large brush would be good to set powder?

I hope Diosa doesn’t mind me popping in, but several dermatologists have recommended (for my dark circles) retinoids, such as generic Retin-A. My doc mentioned since I’m a contact lens wearer that I should at least start using it by the time I’m 30 (I didn’t like it during my first go 'round). So that’s a non-makeup solution that would definitely work, and the copay should be pretty low.

Anaamika, a book I’ve found pretty helpful is Dr. Susan Taylors RX for Brown Skin. It’s not so much about makeup as it is about skin care, but she also has recommendations for makeup as well. It should be at your library, so it’s free. That, and if you get the chance to see an Indian dermatologist, you should jump through hoops to see him/her. I learned more in 20 minutes with her than I have in a lifetime from other dermatologists - just because Indian skin =! white skin.

I think I’ve said this elsewhere before, but my brother just finished his freshman year in college, and swears that most of his friends wear concealer on their zits and under their eyes to even out their skin tone. Waxing/plucking your eyebrows is critical - like Diosa said, it frames your face and makes you look younger.

140

I just wanted to report in that I love Bare Minerals. I need to use the primer stuff but it is nice and light and so far no break outs.

I am experimenting with my new brushes and shadows. I had to get a little cart with draws for my new stuff. Good to see this thread is back. Lots of good info and links!