How to apply make up

[LILA]

I've gone to cosmetic counters in finer stores and including Merle Norman have had nothing but extreme sanitary conditions. Each and every one of them displayed the samples you were going to try along with the applicators (if necessary) to apply them that were taken out of New packages, etc. in front of me. I would not have tried any samples in an unsanitary condition. There was never ANY pressure to make any purchases. They were also willing to send some samples with applicators home with me to try in a different light. They would also write the information on a card to have so if you decided later you would want to make a purchase they would have the informations of the color match they had at the time and also would be willing to change whatever you didn't like. I was shown everything from skincare, makeup, and nails.
If you check www.cosmeticscop.com you can find other information that more expensive cosmetics aren't always the best. It is a very informative site and I saw this lady on television then went to her site.
I would say from experience that the cheaper brands look as good as the more expensive brands.

[LILA]

Like I said check out this site:

www.cosmeticscop.com It will be a learning experience.

Every one's skin is different and Mary Kay or the expensive ones aren't always the answer.
Most places like Rite Aid offer a money back guarantee if you purchase makeup there.

I have tried Mary Kay buy three different reps and ended up with three different color charts?

Good Luck!

[sharlibird]

I am one of the fortunate ones who can wear the cheaper makeup. I use mainly Maybelline, but will use others when on sale.

I have dry skin on my cheeks; normal elsewhere on my face. I use a moisturizer mainly on my cheeks, applied using an upsweeping motion. Then I "dot" my makeup on by placing a "finger-dot" on my nose, forehead, and chin, and several dots in a triangle shape on my cheeks. Then, using light, sweeping motions, I blend the dots of makeup into light coverage. When finished with my face area, I sweep the makeup under the "line" of my chin/lower face edge area towards my neck. This really eliminates the "mask" look.

Then on goes blush. I use a professional makeup brush bought from a dept. store. I sweep it across the powder blush; then tap the brush on the lid of the compact (knocks off any excess blush powder). Looking straight ahead and starting at a point just under my cheek bone & under my eye, I sweep the brush backwards towards my ear. Then I "fill in" the immediate areas both above and below the blush line to blend (without getting anymore blush from compact). I use the brush that comes with the blush compact to add highlights to my eye area by applying a light coat of blush just below my eyebrow.

Then, I use my fingertip to apply eyeshadow starting at the center of the eye, sweeping to the outer edge; then coming back to the inner corner and sweeping across the whole eyelid. Then I apply liquid eyeliner to both top and lower lash lines; then mascara. It helps a lot to "look up" while applying to top lashes/lash line and "look down" when applying to bottom.

I know this sounds like a lot of time/info, but it only takes me about 5 minutes to do my makeup. But it did take me years to perfect the "art". Even with all the makeup I use, depending on the color palette you use, it can look "natural".

[Bilby]

For eyebrows I always get mine waxed at a salon (it doesn't hurt much that way). My brows are fair and I only need them done twice a year. On occassion when I need to go out and be dressed up I lightly touch up my brows with a pencil. I use small light strokes then rub my thumb over them.
I use a once only compact that needs no powder. I found I waste too much if I use a liquid.
I agree co to a cosmetic counter and get the make up done and watch what they do and ASK many questions. You don't have to buy.
Keeping it light and simple is easiest.

[navywife]

I have been using Aveeno cleansing bar, scrub, toner and moisturizer. I had a facial(gift) as she was doing my facial, I asked many questions. I also explained that I needed something good that did not cost a fortune. The most expensive part was the moisturizer, but it takes just a small amount so the jar should last a long time. For my foundation, I use almay. Clean, tone and moisturize your face. Take a damp makeup sponge to apply the foundation. This helps to keep the foundation very light. Then set it with a light dusting of powder.

I agree with some of the other ladies, go to a makeup counter and ask LOTS of questions about the products they are using and how they are putting the makeup on.

[Jackied39]

I haven't worn makeup in years and just wanted to put a little color to my face. I decided to try Bear Essentials sold on QVC. I am 40 and have trouble with mild acne. It is a powder base foundation and bronzer. Then I use a little cheek color and lipstick and I am all set but it doesn't seem to make me break out at all.

I just started to use Pro Active also for acne it seems to be helping my face but I have only been using it for about a week. I ordered this on the internet. They also have a 60 day money back guarantee even if you use all of the products up they will give you your money back. I like to try products like that.

I am not an expert when it comes to makeup but listening to all of you talking about what you do is a real eyeopener. Thanks for the tips.

;-)

[nagymom]

I'll be 50 in March and gave up make-up except for special occasions and church. I used to be the type who wouldn't go to the store without make-up on. I am FREE of that now. Dh loves it too. HOWEVER at your age (27) I'm not saying you should give it up. (BTW I do use tinted moisturizer now. I ALWAYS use moisturizer which is one big reason I am wrinkle free at almost 50 )

There is nothing wrong with "cheaper" make-up if you don't have sensitive skin. I've used Mary Kay (YEARS ago) and it broke me out. Bought Beauty Control and can't run fast enough in the opposite direction now when anyone mentions it. Talk about OVER done. It's glops on me! My youngest dd went to Merle Norman once and they did a fantastic make-up job on her. She looked gorgeous and natural. I highly recommend them.

If you do want regular "cheap" stuffWhich btw I don't consider $8 to $10 cheap :p , then the new Aqua Smooth by Cover Girl is very good. Goes on smooth and light, doesn't glop on and stays natural looking.

This is a tip that my Avon rep shared with me years ago when I lived in Colorado: In summer time keep your foundation in the fridge. It lasts longer and feels soooo good going on your face on a hot day.

If you have a beauty school in your area call them about waxing. It IS cheap and advanced students or instructors (here anyway) do the work. I am a wimp and can't pluck more then 2 hairs on my own but have no problem having wax or pluck done. Nothing brightens your face like a good eye brow waxing.

Jayne

[Bilby]

Jayne
My make up/foundation is a Covergirl one it's a compact but not the creamy one, it's the powdery one. Apply with a damp sponge and just stroke over face. I find that so easy. It's about AU$12 for here that's a good cheap one.
I will have to try keeping it in the fridge I could use the coolness on my face about now

[lrivetz]

Is it okay to use different brands on your face?

I am using Olay as my cleanser and moisturizer, Mary Kay for liquid foundation, Cover Girl for powder foundation, and Avon for lip and eyeliner. I just bought an Avon liquid eyeliner and some of the liquid is going into my and it is really burning my eye. Had to quit using it. I manage to use tweezers on my browse and I got it shaped to my liking. I have used other brands and some are too oily, not working or it makes my face itch. Anyway, thank you ladies for you’re all very wonderful advise.

[navywife]

I use several different brands and have not had any problems. I just make sure that I do not add more than one new product at a time, just in case I have an allergic reaction.