# Help me learn how to put on makeup **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 10, 2003, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088 "2003-12-10T04:41:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2003, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/21 "2003-12-10T17:25:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Indefatigable \* > \*\*It’s just one more thing that the beauty industry makes us think we need more than we do. \*\* I hope you remembered to purchase your elbow deodorant. Guys don’t go for chicks with smelly elbows. ---
**Author:** ![skeptic\_ev](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@skeptic\_ev](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skeptic_ev)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2003, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/22 "2003-12-10T21:57:24Z")
This isn’t really an application tip as much as it is a purchase tip. Before you buy anything, check out Paula Begoun’s website ([www.cosmeticscop.com](http://www.cosmeticscop.com)) and book _Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me_. She is to makeup what _Consumer Reports_ is to, um, everything else. 🙂 Seriously, she does a great job of reviewing products; no one line of makeup is superior–they all have their dud products–and she separates the crappy from the not crappy so you don’t have to spend your money trying to figure it out. And she’s a big fan of not spending more money than you have to. Her book _The Beauty Bible_ has a chapter on makeup application, as well. I got some really good tips from it. And I agree with **Nightingale** about the eyeliner thing. Below the lashes (and NOT all the way to the inside corner) makes eyes look bigger. I’m not saying there isn’t one, but I’ve never seen a woman who was flattered by having eyeliner completely around her eyes. Oh, I do have a product recommendation: Physician’s Formula eyeshadow quads. They’re matte, so they look quite natural. ---
**Author:** ![Magnolia\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@Magnolia\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magnolia_B)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2003, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/23 "2003-12-10T22:10:59Z")
I second the recommendation about Paula Begoun’s books. They’re great. If you have a nice salon or spa near you, they will usually have a full time makeup artist that will give you a lesson on how to wear your makeup. Here, it usually runs about $50. Or, if you go to a makeup counter at a mall most of the sales ladies can help you out. Even if you didn’t buy anything, I’d try to go to a counter like Bobbie Brown or Stila, because I think they tend to have either trained makeup artists as salespeople or artists coming in on certain days. ---
**Author:** ![Astra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f14d63/32.png) [@Astra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Astra)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2003, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/24 "2003-12-10T23:14:26Z")
Physicians’ Formula makes some great stuff! I love their new cameo blush compacts. A good investment is a PF concealer stick in green and yellow (if you have light skin, that is). The green is for correcting red blemishes, like acne, while the yellow conceals dark circles under your eyes. The makeup is really lightweight and it works great - especially when you look dead-tired. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2003, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/25 "2003-12-11T00:25:02Z")
Being that this is the internet, and you haven’t posted a pic, it’s impossible to answer this correctly. One person suggested wearing a “light foundation”, without actually asking if you’re - ya know, white. Go to a cosmetics counter in a drug store. Make an appointment with a beauty advisor/cosmitician. They can show you some tips for your particular skin color/type, as well as offering suggestions that suit the rest of your look. You are not obligated to buy anything from this person, but if you are going to buy it would be nice to send the business their way as a thank-you. For a young person a drug-store is better as they offer a wider price range than a department store - you can get an eyeliner for $2, or $22. Finally, speaking as a cosmitician - for a young person skin care is the most important. Get your skin looking clear and fresh and then you can do whatever the hell you like with your makeup and still look great. Good luck. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![geewhiz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f0a364/32.png) [@geewhiz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/geewhiz)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2003, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/26 "2003-12-11T00:45:17Z")
Well, take what the Cosmetic Cop says with a grain of salt. She makes no sense and her ratings are based on her own personal preferences. She thinks that sparkle anywhere is just wrong and only likes neutral eyeshadows. I have read her book and it was ok but you have to take it as personal opinion. (I think she even states this) Beauty: The New Basics is a really great book. Or go to Clinique or Stila and get a makeover. Don’t buy anything right then and there (you will probably get some ugly looks but they will just have to deal with it) but go outside and look at it in natural light and then wear the make up for awhile and make sure it wears well and it doesn’t change color on your face. IF you like what you see, get it. I agree with everyone else…less is more. ---
**Author:** ![Mithril](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mithril/32/3517_2.png) [@Mithril](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mithril)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2003, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/27 "2003-12-11T02:00:41Z")
Find a department store with makeup counters. The people there will give you all kinds of tips in person and show you how to apply everything. They will also help you pick out the right colors. Just steel yourself to say ‘no’ to purchases that you don’t need. One guy tried to sell me eyebrow gel, even though I have absolutely perfect eyebrows (no…really. They are my best feature by far.) ---
**Author:** ![Q.N.Jones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/3da27b/32.png) [@Q.N.Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.N.Jones)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2003, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/28 "2003-12-11T02:28:15Z")
Aah, I hardly ever wear makeup, and was clueless about it. I went to the mall’s makeup counters and had free makeovers at almost all the places. Eventually, I found products I liked and learned techniques that I thought looked good on me. Not all the makeovers will be 100% fabulous, so that’s the point of shopping around. If you like the minimalist look, ask for it. I’ve had a lot of luck finding makeup artists who helped me put together a look that was subtle. ---
**Author:** ![whiterabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/cab0a1/32.png) [@whiterabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whiterabbit)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2003, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/29 "2003-12-11T03:15:12Z")
I almost never wear makeup, and when I do, I wear the least I can get away with. A bit of eyeshadow (maybe), blush, lip gloss, and powder. I HATE HATE HATE LOATHE DESPISE HATE HATE HATE foundation, and have only worn it on stage. Since I’m almost never on stage, screw that. I don’t see the point of putting on a lot of makeup to try to look like you’re not wearing any, honestly. Granted, I’m blessed with good skin. But wouldn’t wearing a lot of makeup to hide one’s acne only make the acne worse? I’ve never understood that. I’m not trying to sound all superior – I’ve been mystified about that for years. ---
**Author:** ![Governor\_Quinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d26b3c/32.png) [@Governor\_Quinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Governor_Quinn)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2003, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/30 "2003-12-11T04:00:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Ukulele Ike \* > \*\* > Guys don’t go for chicks with smelly elbows. \*\* We DON’T ?!?! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![pokey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ebca7d/32.png) [@pokey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pokey)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2003, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/31 "2003-12-11T04:16:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Risha \* > \*\*Use a matte concealer that matches your skin tone very well, and blend well. \*\* **Risha** , do you mind suggesting a brand? You kind of sound like you know what you’re doing. For the question about how to put on makeup, really, I second the motion to buy some cheap stuff and play with it at home. I’ve always been frustrated with techniques I read in books or magazines. ---
**Author:** ![Astra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f14d63/32.png) [@Astra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Astra)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2003, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/32 "2003-12-11T05:04:54Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by whiterabbit \* > \*\*Granted, I’m blessed with good skin. But wouldn’t wearing a lot of makeup to hide one’s acne only make the acne worse? I’ve never understood that. I’m not trying to sound all superior – I’ve been mystified about that for years. \*\* I had acne problems when I was younger (now its just occasional). I only wore foundation on special occasions, like when I knew I would be getting my picture taken. If you don’t wear it for hours and hours and wash your face well when you get home, it doesn’t cause a problem. Physician’s Formula makes a very lightweight power with moisturizer that has never given me a problem. Also, I use concealers with salicylic acid (I may have spelled that wrong, excuse me). A dab of Biore Double Agent to dry out the pimple, followed by a light swipe with a green PF concealer, and poof, no more zit. ---
**Author:** ![Indefatigable](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9d8465/32.png) [@Indefatigable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indefatigable)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2003, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/33 "2003-12-11T06:15:52Z")
Okay, okay, I didn’t mean it to sound ‘superior’, I was just trying to offer the alternate viewpoint. Note that I didn’t say there was anything wrong with wearing it if you _want_ to, only that nobody should feel that they _have_ to. I’m a feminist, not a femi-nazi. Choice is what it’s all about. ---
**Author:** ![bwk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@bwk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bwk)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2003, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/34 "2003-12-11T07:13:46Z")
Have you seen that book “Blue eyeshadow should be absolutely illegal”? It is a pretty good book and there are others from the same author about applying makeup. I think the title of that is “Don’t go to the makeup counter without this book” or something like that. One thing that I learned is that you don’t need the really expensive makeup remover… use Cetaphil lotion or their normal/oily soap. Good stuff, same results as the Lancome stuff I used to buy, waaaaaaaaay cheaper. Also, MAC cosmetics are pretty cool, and less expensive than the other dept. store counters. They have a foundation to match my skin, and that is a real feat – because I am so pale. I’m not too big on natural makeup… my natural is sometimes bad, hence my decision to cover it with makeup. I look much worse with just a bit of makeup than I do without any. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2003, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/35 "2003-12-11T13:40:16Z")
Heh. Wendy said “cotton bud”. That’s so cute! Around here they call 'em Q-tips or cotton swabs. Just go light. And don’t forget the mascara. ---
**Author:** ![skeptic\_ev](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@skeptic\_ev](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skeptic_ev)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2003, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/36 "2003-12-11T14:31:59Z")
[hijack] > [@](#): > > … nobody should feel that they _have_ to [wear makeup]. I do agree with that, **Indefatigable**. It’s kind of sad when a woman really feels that she absolutely can’t step outside without makeup on. I think I look better with makeup (mainly 'cause I’m a bit pale and freckly with light eyelashes and eyebrows), but I don’t bother with it most days because I like to sleep. Ah, sleep … [/hijack] ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2003, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/37 "2003-12-11T14:38:05Z")
I don’t go to the mailbox without makeup. There was a time when I could, but I’m quite aware that Father Time has beat me across the face with the “No Turning Back” stick. Trust me…you’re all much better off with me taking the 1/2 each morning to save you from an unendurable fright. ---
**Author:** ![skeptic\_ev](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@skeptic\_ev](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skeptic_ev)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2003, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/38 "2003-12-11T15:04:40Z")
Ooh, I have a tip! If you wear blush, put it on _after_ you do your eyes and lips. Helps keep you from overdoing it because you think your face needs color. Oh, another one: it’s best to accentuate the eyes or lips, not both, so that you don’t look like a Painted Jezebel or Hoor 'o Babylon\*. That means that if you really play up your eyes (lots of mascara, liner, darker shadows, etc.), stick with a neutral or light lipstick. Likewise, if you paint on a blazing red pout, go easy on the eye makeup. **[hijack/question]** I have my own question. I’ve got skimpy eyebrows. I’d like to have them professionally shaped, but I’m afraid I’ll be stuck with whatever they do; I have a feeling mine won’t grow back. So … how do I go about finding a good eyebrow tweezerer? **[/hijack/question]** \*Bonus points to anyone who gets that literary reference. ---
**Author:** ![Eve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2003, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/39 "2003-12-11T15:15:04Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Kalhoun \* > \*\*I don’t go to the mailbox without makeup. \*\* More and more, it seems **Kalhoun** and I were separated at birth. I don’t wear much makeup, but I never go outside without lipstick on. Not blood-red—I wear a pale pink (Cover Girl Rose Quartz)—but my pale face just looks _dead_ without that splash of light color. ---
**Author:** ![Risha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/5fc32e/32.png) [@Risha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Risha)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2003, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088/40 "2003-12-11T15:24:24Z")
**whiterabbit** , theoretically you’re correct, but after years of use, my skin is so used to concealer and powder that I actually break out _worse_ after a day spent with a bare face (such as a lazy Sunday when we never stir from the house). Besides, it’s like not shaving your legs if you need it - sure, the hair grows back thicker and darker, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not already long and thick enough to be nasty. **pokey** , I use Physicians’ Formula as well, though I find that the quality of their products varies widely - some are excellent, and some (like their powder) I have thrown directly into the trash. I use their standard stick concealer in Light (not the powder finish - it makes me look blotchy). I also have one of their green ones for the really bad days - but of course then you either have to apply foundation or the normal color of concealer on top of it, which can get to be a bit much. For powder, I use Almay’s Luxery Finish Loose Powder (Oil Control) in Translucent. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-how-to-put-on-makeup/218088.md?page=3)