# Makeup: What works for you? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 25, 2011, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191 "2011-05-25T19:14:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Lacunae\_Matata](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lacunae\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lacunae_Matata)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2011, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/21 "2011-05-26T15:14:15Z")
Agreed with **Dung Beetle** on the Jane concealer: it would be a great product at a much higher price, but for the pittance it costs? Wonderful! My only other “must have” is a Maybelline auburn brow pencil - the only reasonably-priced pencil I can find that looks right with my coloring (light auburn hair, but white-blond eyebrows. I darken the brows, and then add a little powder - no drawn-on weird eyebrows for me!) For years, I’ve used L’Oreal foundations and powders, because I can find products that are “consumptive” enough, I’m not allergic to, and I can afford. Recently, though, I found some tinted moisturizer on sale at the drugstore, and thought I’d try it. Works great, no heavy icky feeling, blends right into my skin tone, no itchies or breakouts, and it has SPF 18. What is this miracle product? Wet ‘n’ Wild. I shit you not, the stuff is awesome. And while I was sampling the sale products, I nabbed a couple of tinted lip balms of the same brand. They aren’t too shabby either. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2011, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/22 "2011-05-26T16:08:59Z")
> [@HazelNutCoffee](#): > > Makeup Forever’s HD powder is my holy grail. Gets rid of any shine on your face and “sets” my pencil eyeliner so it doesn’t smudge (I can’t be bothered with liquid). Looks really natural too. I know the sort of dewy faced look is “in” at the moment so I just use the powder to dust my T-zone. [Go here.](http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm/product/388/silica-powder-spheres.cfm) Get one ounce for under $5, whereas with MUFE you’re paying $30 for .35 of an ounce. Literally the exact same thing. Trust me, I’m a big ol makeup whore, but I use the straight stuff from Coastal Scents because it’s the same thing and a fraction of the price. And to the tinted moisturizer note: I hope everyone realizes you can make your own tinted moisturizer for the summer months rather easily. All you need to do is take some moisturizer and put a small dollop of foundation in there. Voila. Tinted moisturizer with stuff you probably already have on hand. > [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > I fell in love with the duo-bristle brush that their makeup artist applied the foundation with, and found that Sonia Kashuk makes a good, inexpensive version. So does [Coastal Scents ($7.95)](http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm/product/2163_37/destiny-duo-fiber-stippling-brush.cfm) I see the bad reviews on there, but- fwiw- I use this brush and it’s fine. I wash my brushes regularly and haven’t noticed irregularities with it. ---
**Author:** ![Giltathriel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b38774/32.png) [@Giltathriel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giltathriel)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2011, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/23 "2011-05-26T16:21:29Z")
> [@Renee](#): > > L’Oreal double extend mascara. Love that stuff. It makes your lashes awesome, plus never flakes or smudges, even if you cry or go swimming, but it also comes right off with plain soap and water in the shower. It’s a miracle. > > Other than that, I’m not really picky. This is the only mascara I can use. Everything else makes grey smudgies under my eyes after about an hour. I was so glad to find this! ---
**Author:** ![Alice\_The\_Goon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2011, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/24 "2011-05-26T16:57:05Z")
The only two things that I have to have are Maybelline Purestay Powder Foundation, and Aquaphor Healing Ointment for my lips at night before I go to bed. Everything else is pretty interchangeable for me, but I must have those two things. ---
**Author:** ![lindsaybluth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90db22/32.png) [@lindsaybluth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lindsaybluth)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2011, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/25 "2011-05-27T03:03:17Z")
> [@Dangerosa](#): > > I believe my skin tone shade is “consumptive.” This just killed me. I’m partial to L’oreal’s True Match liquid foundation. I swear it’s the closest I can get without mixing shades, which I’m just not up for. Barely notice it’s there, too. Definitely not comedogenic. Before that goes on, I slap on Aveeno Positively Radiant spf 15. That stuff is the shit; zinc oxide turns a brown girl ghostly and Positively Radiant doesn’t have any. I stopped using mascara entirely because I could never find one that wouldn’t flatten out my lashes in hours. So I just curl and re-curl as needed; mine are so thick and long they hit my glasses as is, so I’m pretty fortunate there. Thin, super smudged layer of Covergirl basic pencil eyeliner. Nothing fancy here. Lip tints/sticks? God, never. I have a little vitiligo around the corners of my mouth so I can’t draw attention to it. I’ve got fairly pink lips to begin with. Concealer around the corners of my nose and eyes is super necessary, I think I use a Neutrogena one that I’m totally not married to. Blush is something I should and do want to add in. I’ve tried over the years but never found anything really satisfactory. Maybe a squeeze/cream one would work better? Anyone got a good blush recommendation for a brown girl? I’m probably a shade or two darker than **irishgirl** and **Diosa**. ---
**Author:** ![jabiru](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bbce88/32.png) [@jabiru](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jabiru)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2011, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/26 "2011-05-27T03:05:44Z")
I’ve just about given up on make up. I just don’t know how to do it anymore. I think I’m too old for eyeshadow and eye liner. Mascara is OK but my lashes have become stumpier and thinner as I’ve aged. Blush makes me look like a clown and I never know how to do the SPF/makeup thing. ---
**Author:** ![Farmer\_Jane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Farmer\_Jane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Farmer_Jane)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2011, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/27 "2011-05-27T03:30:59Z")
Smashbox, Aveda & YSL. I don’t wear foundation, actually. It never looks right. I have concealer that is applied where needed. And for that, the $3 Maybeline that I’ve been using since high school works wonders! I also fake tan, but not in a crazy orange John Kerry way. ---
**Author:** ![Farmer\_Jane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Farmer\_Jane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Farmer_Jane)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2011, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/28 "2011-05-27T03:34:28Z")
> [@Lacunae\_Matata](#): > > Wet ‘n’ Wild. I shit you not, the stuff is awesome. And while I was sampling the sale products, I nabbed a couple of tinted lip balms of the same brand. They aren’t too shabby either. Oh, for cheap eyeshadows: NYX for highly pigmented, or Shany or Profound if you want a palette. And you get it cheap on Amazon. SO worth it and 1000000x better than almost any drugstore brand. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2011, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/29 "2011-05-27T04:06:18Z")
> [@lindsaybluth](#): > > Anyone got a good blush recommendation for a brown girl? I’m probably a shade or two darker than **irishgirl** and **Diosa**. As far as colors, I usually opt for either coral colors ([Nars Orgasm is the end all be all for that)](http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P2855) or muted pinks (Mac’s Mocha [far left](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-paYuwZ9umc/StysU-4N2BI/AAAAAAAAESE/jRfrbEyj7jo/s400/Mac+Blush+Swatches+6.jpg)). Texture wise, if you’re not too keen on powder, there are all kinds of options. Personally, I go for powder, so my experience isn’t too deep there, but. . . [this stuff](http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P174211) by Smashbox is really neat. I have it as well as several friends with different skin tones, all ranging from far lighter than me to a bit darker- it looks good on all of us. How it manages that, I have no clue. ---
**Author:** ![Lacunae\_Matata](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lacunae\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lacunae_Matata)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2011, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/30 "2011-05-27T04:20:56Z")
> [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > And to the tinted moisturizer note: I hope everyone realizes you can make your own tinted moisturizer for the summer months rather easily. All you need to do is take some moisturizer and put a small dollop of foundation in there. Voila. Tinted moisturizer with stuff you probably already have on hand. I’ve done that numerous times in the past, and it’s never quite satisfactory: The moisturizer dilutes the foundation too much, and I don’t seem to get any coverage. This W&W product is a little less sheer, but still looks un-made-up. As for the eyeshadow recommendation - which a definitely appreciate, **CitizenPained** - I don’t go very wild with those: With really, really fair skin, and being my age, I typically stick with very muted colors - browns, plum/purple, etc. Anything too dark or too brightly colored just looks silly on me! ---
**Author:** ![HazelNutCoffee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@HazelNutCoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HazelNutCoffee)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2011, 8:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/31 "2011-05-27T08:03:37Z")
> [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > [Go here.](http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm/product/388/silica-powder-spheres.cfm) Get one ounce for under $5, whereas with MUFE you’re paying $30 for .35 of an ounce. Literally the exact same thing. Trust me, I’m a big ol makeup whore, but I use the straight stuff from Coastal Scents because it’s the same thing and a fraction of the price. Sweet. Hope the shipping’s not too expensive. > [@lindsaybluth](#): > > Anyone got a good blush recommendation for a brown girl? I’m probably a shade or two darker than **irishgirl** and **Diosa**. My skin tone is probably similar to yours, and I like using peach/coral shades rather than pink. Or if I do use pink I make sure it’s closer to brown. I’ve only ever used powder, but I’ve heard creme blush blends better. ---
**Author:** ![lindsaybluth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90db22/32.png) [@lindsaybluth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lindsaybluth)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2011, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/32 "2011-05-27T15:08:20Z")
> [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > As far as colors, I usually opt for either coral colors ([Nars Orgasm is the end all be all for that)](http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P2855) or muted pinks (Mac’s Mocha [far left](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-paYuwZ9umc/StysU-4N2BI/AAAAAAAAESE/jRfrbEyj7jo/s400/Mac+Blush+Swatches+6.jpg)). No lie, a friend gave me her Nars Orgasm two weeks ago - she’s waaaay to pale for it according to her. I didn’t think it would work for me and was about to toss it. Huzzah! Brush recommendation? I don’t have anything against powders at all, I guess I just thought there would be more variety sans powder? Makes no sense, plus I’m bitchin’ oily so powder makes more sense. ---
**Author:** ![Glory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7cd45c/32.png) [@Glory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Glory)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2011, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/33 "2011-05-27T15:30:27Z")
> [@Renee](#): > > L’Oreal double extend mascara. Love that stuff. It makes your lashes awesome, plus never flakes or smudges, even if you cry or go swimming, but it also comes right off with plain soap and water in the shower. It’s a miracle. > > Other than that, I’m not really picky. This is the only make-up I regularly wear, I love it. My lashes are wispy and pale at the tips, this gives me gorgeous lashes that last all day without any smudging or flaking. ---
**Author:** ![Renee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/renee/32/287_2.png) [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2011, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/34 "2011-05-27T15:32:37Z")
Hey, **Diosa** , I’m looking at that Coastal Scents website, contemplating the [gel liner.](http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm/product/1965_127/exotic-gel-liner.cfm) Have you tried that? I’ve never used a gel liner (didn’t know they existed in fact) but I’m never completely happy with pencil liners. ---
**Author:** ![gallows\_fodder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8c91f0/32.png) [@gallows\_fodder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gallows_fodder)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2011, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/35 "2011-05-27T15:40:40Z")
> [@lindsaybluth](#): > > No lie, a friend gave me her Nars Orgasm two weeks ago - she’s waaaay to pale for it according to her. I didn’t think it would work for me and was about to toss it. Huzzah! Brush recommendation? > > I don’t have anything against powders at all, I guess I just thought there would be more variety sans powder? Makes no sense, plus I’m bitchin’ oily so powder makes more sense. If your friend is too pale for Nars Orgasm, she could do what I do and use Milani’s powder blush in Luminous, which is a color dupe for Orgasm but much less pigmented. It’s also a fraction of the price. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2011, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/36 "2011-05-27T16:26:16Z")
> [@lindsaybluth](#): > > I don’t have anything against powders at all, I guess I just thought there would be more variety sans powder? Makes no sense, plus I’m bitchin’ oily so powder makes more sense. I found the name of the other blush I mentioned earlier - it’s Maybelline’s Dream Mousse Blush. It comes in a little jar, and has a fairly light and creamy texture. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2011, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/37 "2011-05-27T16:30:24Z")
> [@lindsaybluth](#): > > No lie, a friend gave me her Nars Orgasm two weeks ago - she’s waaaay to pale for it according to her. I didn’t think it would work for me and was about to toss it. Huzzah! Brush recommendation? > > I don’t have anything against powders at all, I guess I just thought there would be more variety sans powder? Makes no sense, plus I’m bitchin’ oily so powder makes more sense. With all due respect to your friend :D, I think she may have been applying it poorly if she thought she was too white for it. What’s interesting about Orgasm is that it really does build up well- for me, being dark, I do have to layer it on a little bit to show up. . . but I’ve also put it on my ghostly friends, just very lightly. Whatever though: FREE BLUSH. 😛 As far as brushwise, I either use something fluffy and slightly angled like [this](http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm/product/894_37/angle-blush-brush.cfm) or something just fluffy [like this](http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm/product/1671_37/round-tapered-powder---blush-brush.cfm). Honestly, I probably use the second one more than the first, but the first is good if you want to do some contouring. The trick with blush is to always start super, super light: swirl your brush in the pot, then tap it off so there isn’t much product there. You can always build up :). > [@Renee](#): > > Hey, **Diosa** , I’m looking at that Coastal Scents website, contemplating the [gel liner.](http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm/product/1965_127/exotic-gel-liner.cfm) Have you tried that? I’ve never used a gel liner (didn’t know they existed in fact) but I’m never completely happy with pencil liners. It just so happens that I love, love, love gel liner. Now, I haven’t tried their brand, but I have heard many, many good things about it. [Here’s a review.](http://www.temptalia.com/coastal-scents-gel-liners-color-for-a-bargain) Personally, I prefer gel liners because you have more control than a pencil, the application is more consistent than a pencil, and I think they look more polished than a pencil. I use a [brush like this one](http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm/product/2182_37/divine-taklon-liner.cfm) for my gel liners, but I also do like my liner to be a little thicker (not OMG THICK! but you know what I mean) and a little more cat eye like. Don’t let that freak you out, though: you definitely can control how much liner goes on to the angle brush and make a pretty thin line. Some people prefer [brushes like this](http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm/product/2179_37/destiny-precision-angled-liner-brush.cfm) for liner, but I don’t really like it. Personally, I think my liner gets all wobbly and ridiculous with a brush like that, no matter how much I practice. 😃 Also, \*\*HazelNutCoffee \*\*, it looks like Coastal Scents is doing a 20% off the whole store Memorial Day weekend sale! ---
**Author:** ![lindsaybluth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90db22/32.png) [@lindsaybluth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lindsaybluth)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2011, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/38 "2011-05-27T16:42:16Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > I found the name of the other blush I mentioned earlier - it’s Maybelline’s Dream Mousse Blush. It comes in a little jar, and has a fairly light and creamy texture. Excellent. Didn’t pay for the Nars, might as well get something on my own! > [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > With all due respect to your friend :D, I think she may have been applying it poorly if she thought she was too white for it. What’s interesting about Orgasm is that it really does build up well- for me, being dark, I do have to layer it on a little bit to show up. . . but I’ve also put it on my ghostly friends, just very lightly. Whatever though: FREE BLUSH. 😛 We’ve given each other stuff over the years (nothing foundation based, obviously) but I’m not about to give it back 😛 Hell, with that 20% off there’s no reason _not_ to. Thanks **Diosa** 😃 ---
**Author:** ![kathmandu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kathmandu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kathmandu)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2011, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/39 "2011-05-27T18:00:59Z")
Clinique Superbalanced foundation in Alabaster - matches my skin tone exactly. Fresh Supernova mascara. Christian Dior Creme de Rose plumping lip balm. I prefer the texture and feel of MAC lipsticks. Everything else I’m flexible. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2011, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191/40 "2011-05-27T18:09:42Z")
> [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > Also, \*\*HazelNutCoffee \*\*, it looks like Coastal Scents is doing a 20% off the whole store Memorial Day weekend sale! OO! I like their brushes and sifter jars…that’s what I mix my sample powder kits in. Maybe my daughter needs something… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-what-works-for-you/583191.md?page=3)