Where would a complete makeup idiot go to learn how to use it?

In My Humble Opinion
1

I am in my fifties and have never worn makeup in my life (except for when I did a couple of plays in high school, and somebody else did it for me). I have no interest in prettying myself up (I’m a fairly androgynous person and prefer to stay that way) but I’ve seen some YouTube videos where they show before and after and I think I’d like to have the option to use some basic makeup to smooth out my skin, get rid of the big dark circles under my eyes, etc.

Is there someplace I can go where people listen to what makeup idiots want to do and then teach them how? I’ve tried to learn from YouTube videos but it doesn’t work–I’m a learn by doing type and I need an actual, knowledgeable person to show me the tricks, show me what I’m doing wrong, and help me pick out the right products to use. I don’t just want a makeover–I want a teacher.

I’m really intimidated by those big makeup shops (Sephora, MAC, etc.) at the mall because it seems like everybody in there is young and gorgeous and probably looking at me like “what the heck are *you *doing in here?” Maybe I need to get rid of that perception?

2

You’re probably right about the people in those shops but…who the heck cares? You don’t know these people. You don’t gotta see them again. You don’t live at the mall (er, do you…?)

Go to Sephora and get a little makeup class. They may judge you while they’re doing it but they’ll do it, and do it with a smile.

You might want to try multiple places, and see if they give you similar tips or very different tips, so you have some options to choose from.

Don’t be intimidated by those shops! You’re a consumer, with money - go intimidate them! :smiley:

3

There are also books along the lines of makeup for dummies that should be helpful.

I would suggest getting some basic supplies, setting up in front of a mirror, and practicing. Follow along with the book, or with a YouTube video (there are some good ones), and take it step by step. Use make up remover as needed, and be patient with yourself. Practice will definitely help. No one who wears makeup in public started off looking perfect. You’ll get there. :slight_smile:

4

Hair salons sometimes offer make-up lessons too. If you have a hair cutter you like, ask him or her about it. Might be less pressure to buy lots of stuff.

5

Whether big or small, the biggest problem with makeup stores is that you can run into a pushy saleswoman, but that’s a problem whenever we go to buy something; it’s a bigger problem when we need to buy something we’re not familiar with, as we feel insecure (logical!). Don’t be afraid to say “no” if that happens to be the case; for what you’re describing it sounds like you should be able to make do with a concealer and a colored facial/hydrating base. A lot of videos and books are oriented towards people whose interests are for stuff a lot more involved than that. You don’t need to learn about contouring, you don’t need eyeshadow, you don’t need to mix’n’match two different tones of lipstick and three lip-pencils. A reason many newbies end up looking like racoons is that they’re doing the makeup equivalent of saying “I’m going to learn to bake!” and go for a wedding cake as their first try.

A good saleswoman will be able to sell you some base and concealer which match your skin, explain about how to difuse them so you don’t end up with a sharp edge around the made-up area, and also sell you what you need to remove the make up. You shouldn’t come out with more than five items, and that’s counting concealer, base, remover, tonic and cleanser. Get comfortable with those, and if you ever decide you want more, hey, the store will still be there!

6

As I mentioned, though, I don’t want a book or a video. I want a real person who can answer my questions, show me what I’m doing wrong, and help me figure out what I want to do. I’m not good at learning things I’m insecure about from a book. I need feedback. I’ve watched a few videos, but it seems like every one of them had different ideas about which products to use, what kind of approach to take, etc. It’s overwhelming.

7

I suspect Sunny likes makeup more than I do… I’m in the “has been known to growl at pushy saleswomen” boat :smiley:

8

You can often book a makeup lesson at a salon. Or hire a makeup artist to coach you - and that in itself might be fun since the makeup artist could work with you over time. There is a pinup photographer near me who works with makeup artists who will give recommendations - maybe you could find something like that near you.

9

That’s what I was thinking. Find out who does people’s makeup for weddings or whatever, and get them to teach you.
When I was a little girl, I got into my mama’s makeup bag and tarted myself up good before going out to play. Mom had to laugh. Then she told me that the secret to applying makeup properly was to make it look like I wasn’t wearing any at all. That sort of stuck with me and probably kept me from looking like a clown during my teenage years.
Other than finding an actual person to help you, you might just get some cheap stuff to experiment with. It’s fun!

10

Go to Sephora. Plan to purchase at least one item - it doesn’t need to be the most expensive one, but plan on at least one.

That will get you a basic tutorial. For a more in-depth session, you can pay a fee for a class - usually ~ $35.

It’s well worth it if you don’t know what you’re doing. There’s no point in getting the products and then being too scared to use them, or muck it up so you look like Pennywise.

11

You got me. I don’t wear it much these days, but I did stage makeup years ago, and I have a secret addiction to the stuff. :stuck_out_tongue:

The main point I was trying to make is that even after someone shows you what to do, you’ll need to practice until you’re comfortable. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t look quite right at first. It’s a learnable skill. The book (or not) is just there to remind you what to do next.

12

Here’s my opinion, for what it’s worth. I’ve worn makeup since I was in 9th grade (I’m 57 now) and I’ve sold Avon for 20+ years.

I’m not sure what type of makeup you want to wear. If you know someone that sells Avon, she’ll be able to help you with everything you need. If not:

If you want to wear foundation that’s the one thing you should get help with. Have someone at a makeup counter find the right shade for you. Their foundation will probably be pricey but after buying it there, you’ll be able to find the same shade in a less expensive brand at WalMart or Walgreens from then on. The same with concealer if you want to cover dark eye circles.

Buy the following at WalMart or a drug store:

Eyeshadow - You don’t need brightly colored eyeshadow. Find a soft shade of champagne or a creamy light brown. Just cover your lids. Don’t try to do a smokey eye or blend colors. Just a light color will do. Or skip eyeshadow. It’s not necessary.

Blush - a light pink or rose color is flattering on most skin tones. When you apply it, smile hard and brush it from the apples of your cheeks to your hairline at about ear level.

Eyeliner - I don’t know your coloring, but a soft black or a dark brown pencil is the easiest. Run the pencil along your upper lash line while you stretch it with your other finger. You don’t have to attempt your lower lashes at first. It might be a bit tricky. Save that for later. Or skip liner. Sometimes mascara is all you need.

Mascara - Depending on your lash color, black or brown. Just a couple sweeps on your lashes is all you need.

Lips - Again, light pink or rose is the most flattering. Try a tinted lip balm. Lipstick can be heavy in the coloring.

Actually for the first few times, just use some blush, mascara and tinted lip balm. You’ll see a huge difference. Go from there if you feel you want to add foundation, concealer, liner, eyeshadow, etc. then do it a little at a time.

Good luck and have fun! You can always wash it off. :slight_smile:

13

@TRC4941, thanks for the tips. Just to reiterate, I don’t want to look girly or feminine. I actually want to look androgynous - doing things like making my brows more pronounced and emphasizing my jawline (what little I have!). So my ideal makeup solution would be not looking like I’m wearing any at all. A little foundation, some eyebrow pencil, a little shading. I definitely don’t want to get into things like mascara. One thing I do want to do is get rid of the prominent dark circles under my eyes.

14

Is there a cosmotology school near you?

15

I will say what others have said - Sephora. Here in the Great North, it is $50 for a makeover of your choice, but that $50 is also applied to any product you choose to buy, so it’s not bad.
I would book with them or a MAC store and have your lesson. :slight_smile:

There are also always tons of freelance artists. Cruise FB or Instagram in your area, find one you like and call about a lesson.

Easy, peasey

16

That’s really the easiest way to do it.
You’re not the first person to walk in and say “I don’t know what to do” and you won’t be the last. I’d say to go to the mall/anchor store and look around at the pictures of people in makeup and see which ones you like (e.g., MAC is edgy. Bright colors. The women and men working at MAC counters are not going for subtle. While somewhere like Bobbi Brown does 800 shades of brownish, “natural,” makeup.) And ask a person at that counter for help.

You do not need to buy anything - especially if you don’t like it. But if you do like it, it could help.

It is also easier to do makeup well with at least decent makeup brushes. If you don’t have them, that could be hurting your results.
Sephora has issues with ageism and racism. Avoid them.

17

Have you considered reaching out to the drag king community? They may have tips and tricks more geared towards achieving an androgynous look.

18

I’m not a fan of the Sephora makeover. They are heavy handed (the more they put on, the more they believe they will sell you). They tend not to be focused on finding you a product that works for you (with foundation that’s crucial). And too frequently they are paid by the product line - so its great if you really wanted to buy Nars and the Nars girl is there, and lousy if you should have been trying Clinque and the Nars girl was there.

However, they, and a big department store (like Nordstrom) will often hand out samples - which can be helpful if you need to go home and play.

19

Sorry! I guess I missed where you said you want to look androgynous.

20

Emphasizing your jawline is something that can also be done with a different hairstyle (says the Lovely and Talented Although Definitely Not Androgynous Mrs.Shodan).

That is basically all I gleaned from her last attempt to explain the mysteries of the Make-over. It had to do with something about framing and how to direct the eye to emphasize or de-emphasize various features.

FWIW she looks great.

Regards,
Shodan