Makeup Tips

So, want to know how best to get rid of those dark circles? How about how to stop that eyeliner from roaming all over your eyelids? In need of the perfect blush? Then you have come to the right place!

Have a question about brands, products, etc? Please post it below!

my mom uses estee lauder all the time, i think its something from macy's, it works, she looks about 30 when she's about 40, she would kill me if she found out i told, lol

:lol: Yes Estee Lauder is a very nice brand. I love the eyeshadow color range. They have a wide selection.

Oh, you should have seen my makeup, and that of amny others tonight. It was the Homecoming football game, and we're the band kids, so naturally, it was just a bit insane.

But anyhow, does anyone have tips for putting on mascara?? I don't wear it often, but the fews times I've attempted to put it on myself have been quite disastrous as in, it ended up more on my forehead. :whistle:

But anyhow, does anyone have tips for putting on mascara?? I don't wear it often, but the fews times I've attempted to put it on myself have been quite disastrous as in, it ended up more on my forehead. :whistle:

When it comes to putting on mascara, two basic things apply -
1. Before bringing the brush anywhere close to your eye, wipe off some of the excess mascara from the brush (you can usually do it on the open edge of the tube). Otherwise, your lashes will be more likely to clump.
2. If your problem is a steady hand, then your remedy is simple - lean over your bathroom counter towards the mirror, allowing the elbow of whichever arm is applying the make-up to rest there, and use the other arm to stabilize the movement of your body against the counter (not as difficult as it sounds, though it is hard to explain - basically, use the counter for support so that you don't move too much). Once your body and arm are stable and steady, you should find that you have more control over the application process.

Just basic strategies for mascara - never share, and keep on eye on those expiration dates - your eyes are too sensitive and special to chance!

I once made the mistake of trying to get a girlfriend make up for her birthday, I thought it would just be a matter of going into the shop, choosing something nice and leaving but no it was way more confusing than that. In the end I just left and got her concert tickets instead

^ Probably a better gift anyway (the concert tix).

Oh, you should have seen my makeup, and that of amny others tonight. It was the Homecoming football game, and we're the band kids, so naturally, it was just a bit insane.

But anyhow, does anyone have tips for putting on mascara?? I don't wear it often, but the fews times I've attempted to put it on myself have been quite disastrous as in, it ended up more on my forehead. :whistle:

When it comes to putting on mascara, two basic things apply -
1. Before bringing the brush anywhere close to your eye, wipe off some of the excess mascara from the brush (you can usually do it on the open edge of the tube). Otherwise, your lashes will be more likely to clump.
2. If your problem is a steady hand, then your remedy is simple - lean over your bathroom counter towards the mirror, allowing the elbow of whichever arm is applying the make-up to rest there, and use the other arm to stabilize the movement of your body against the counter (not as difficult as it sounds, though it is hard to explain - basically, use the counter for support so that you don't move too much). Once your body and arm are stable and steady, you should find that you have more control over the application process.

Just basic strategies for mascara - never share, and keep on eye on those expiration dates - your eyes are too sensitive and special to chance!


Excellent tips! Especially the expiration dates. You should never keep a mascara more than 6 months. One other thing for good application, make sure to wiggle the brush a bit at the roots. It will make the lashes look fuller and give you that nice dark eye.

Excellent tips! Especially the expiration dates. You should never keep a mascara more than 6 months.
What about that old-school solid/cake mascara made by La Femme, the kind that you have to add water to use? That doesn't have an expiration date. (Only have it because that's what my film makeup professor preferred & had us get for our kits for class.)

I can't wear mascara; it makes me look like I have really bad fake eyelashes, even when I only use a tiny bit (of course, I have naturally curly, dark, long lashes anyway, so it doesn't matter :p).

The one thing I always have trouble with is blush. I don't wear it very often, but when I do, I can never get it to look right... it's always too dark, or too light, or not blended right, or not the right color, etc, etc. Does anyone have any tips that might help with that?

Ok, I like powders only (tried the cheek stains and they just don't work for me) my favorite blush is from NARS... I can't say the name because is is too racy for the site (all their colors have interesting names). Then I just sweep the brush over my cheeks (and by brush I mean something like this):

http://a1377.g.akamai.net/7/1377/8278/20070205193742/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P136707/P136707_hero.jpg

This is short, squat and flat. It is the perfect tool for the job. Then just smile and start at the apples of your cheek and sweep up lightly. If it is too dark take some powder on the brush and sweep over that.

Ooooh, makeup thread! I likes it!

About foundation...I'm hopeless when it comes to foundation...is there a best kind?? I've been sticking with the dream matte mousse kind. It's by maybelline. I'm really not sure if it's doing any good at all. I don't usually wear foundation, just eyeliner and mascara and I'm good, but I'd like to wear it...

Also, I got frost bite on my cheeks as a kid and now when I'm hot or cold or speaking in public my cheeks flush...so I'm thinking I shouldn't use blush??

And is there a makeup-applying tip to make pores appear smaller? My pores are noticeably bigger than normal (thanks for those genes, dad!! :grumble:)

Like I said, I'm hopeless. It's usually just eyeliner, mascara, chapstick, and hoping no one looks at me too closely. :blush:

Ooooh, makeup thread! I likes it!

About foundation...I'm hopeless when it comes to foundation...is there a best kind?? I've been sticking with the dream matte mousse kind. It's by maybelline. I'm really not sure if it's doing any good at all. I don't usually wear foundation, just eyeliner and mascara and I'm good, but I'd like to wear it...

Also, I got frost bite on my cheeks as a kid and now when I'm hot or cold or speaking in public my cheeks flush...so I'm thinking I shouldn't use blush??

And is there a makeup-applying tip to make pores appear smaller? My pores are noticeably bigger than normal (thanks for those genes, dad!! :grumble:)


Actually, most of my make-up is pretty pricey, but I'm cheap on both foundation and powder because I've found that Covergirl suits me best - I use just their normal, oil-free foundation, and their normal, oil free (the kind in the green compact) powder. Covergirl doesn't make my skin break out like some other brands do, and I find that they blend spectacularly if applied correctly.
About the blush situation - anyone CAN wear blush - it's just a matter of finding the shade that best suits your complexion, general coloring, and knowing how to put it on.
As far as the pores situation goes... bless you! I have the same issue, but I generally find that if I apply my concealer (lightly) over my most troublesome pores areas, then use foundation, then use a really great brush to apply the foundation, I'm pretty set...I don't have the best skin, but I've actually gotten compliments about how smooth and beautiful my skin is! :D That's make-up, not me.

P.S. Few people realize: A really fantastic set of brushes is the best thing you can do for yourself as far as applying make-up goes. Splurging on those is far more important than splurging on the make-up itself. Personally, I like the brushes by Estee Lauder - they're really soft and if cared for properly, they last forever!

You are so right about brushes! Good brushes mean the world. I personally like the L'Oreal True Match line. I use both their powder and foundation (remember this is the same company that makes the more expensive brand Lancome) ;)

Regarding blush... I agree that anyone can wear it YET I may stick with something that matches your flush. In my previous post, I recommended NARS and am sticking to that. Excellent colors!

Oh and, when putting foundation on, use a brush or a sponge. If you touch the makeup, the oils in your hands will break down the foundation and it will not last as long.

Under eye concealer- what's a good one that doesn't get cakey if you use a pressed powder foundation? I want to minimize dark circles without maximizing under eye wrinkles!

I don't like mascara much because it it's not waterproof, it gets all over, and if it is waterproof, it feels heavy, but I'm kind of liking "Neutrogena Clean Lash Tint"

Does anyone have any tips and/or product/brand recommendations for covering up acne? I've never found anything that works really how I want it to, so I was wondering if anyone else has had some success here.

My friend taught me how to put on my make up properly... thank goodness. SHes got me using liquid eyeliner, which can be messy but I think it generally looks better than pencil. It depends what look you want too.

Does anyone have any tips and/or product/brand recommendations for covering up acne? I've never found anything that works really how I want it to, so I was wondering if anyone else has had some success here.
You mean like foundation? I use Revlon foundation (01 :lol: I think I actually need lighter!) which is quite good.

Under eye concealer- what's a good one that doesn't get cakey if you use a pressed powder foundation? I want to minimize dark circles without maximizing under eye wrinkles!


Does anyone have any tips and/or product/brand recommendations for covering up acne? I've never found anything that works really how I want it to, so I was wondering if anyone else has had some success here.

For both of you, try Benefit's Boi-ing (here (http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P1273&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5333)) it is an industrial concealer that will cover things up without caking. Put it on after foundation with a brush for maximum coverage.

Rell you may also want to try a foundation. I like True Match by L'oreal. It is so easy to match one's skin tone with this line. Get the powder that matches and be sure that the foundation looks like it disappears on your skin. If you notice it, then it could make the acne look worse.

This question drives me crazy but maybe you guys have a good answer for it:

Which makeup is better: the one that looks natural but may or may not have a lot of products involved or the makeup that actually looks like it's heavily present but it does make one look good?

This question drives me crazy but maybe you guys have a good answer for it:

Which makeup is better: the one that looks natural but may or may not have a lot of products involved or the makeup that actually looks like it's heavily present but it does make one look good?
I personally feel that the point of make-up is to simply enhance what is naturally beautiful and so whatever you need to do to achieve a nice, natural look is what is right for you. If that requires more different products, then that is fine. I would usually avoid going overboard to a point where make-up becomes more present than your natural features. (I.e. super dark, heavy eyeliner, foundation that doesn't blend with the rest of your skin)

This really is a personal call, and it depends more on what looks best on you. If you are unsure as to what make-up would be best, I would recommend talking to some sort of consultant like a Mary Kay rep or someone at the mall and ask for help achieving your best look.
Does anyone have any tips and/or product/brand recommendations for covering up acne? I've never found anything that works really how I want it to, so I was wondering if anyone else has had some success here.
In addition to using a nice foundation, as has been suggested, I've found that using a make-up sponge can also help cover up red spots better when you dab on to the affected areas. It kind of helps the foundation settle into the area you need it to instead of spreading it on with your fingers.

Thank you so much Lisa! A good applicator like the sponge is essential to any good look. But be warned they are made of latex and if you are allergic you will need an alternative. I use a good foundation brush. I spent $30 but it will last and is good for concealer and foundation.

Now about your question Rainie, it is never okay to see the makeup UNLESS you are going for a specific look like dramatic eyes or lips. If it is day, always go natural, keep it light and simple. For evening you can add a bit of liner or thicker mascara or maybe a darker lip.

Please, whatever you do, remember it is NEVER okay to have foundation show. If you can see the foundation, it is the wrong color. If there is a line, it is the wrong color. Foundation should disappear on your skin. If your foundation does not do this, it is time to change colors, run do not walk to the store.

Oh and a great tip for finding the right one, GO OUTSIDE :D Those lights are always bad and can cause you to pick the wrong color.

For both of you, try Benefit's Boi-ing (here (http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P1273&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5333)) it is an industrial concealer that will cover things up without caking. Put it on after foundation with a brush for maximum coverage.


Industrial strength!!!!! :rotfl:

Yeah, okay. I'll look for that. :D

:lol: I have really dark circles and this only takes a bit!

Just another little tip, after applying the under eye conciler...use a translucent powder to set the conciler. this will prevent it form creasing

Emma - do you know of a good translucent powder? I currently have one that leaves color (True Match) but I don't have just a translucent one.

Do you combine different brands? Or do you find it works better to stick with one product line?

Do you combine different brands? Or do you find it works better to stick with one product line?
I'd say whatever works best for you. I know I generally use Mary Kay products, but I found that I really like the Cal 2000 mascara better so I use that instead. It's really a personal choice.

Does anyone have any idea how long one can use a make-up sponge before throwing it out? I bought a pack of 40 of wedges recently, but I'm not sure if you are supposed to throw them out after each use or if they are usable multiple times.

Lipstip trick for everyone:

After applying lipstick, take your index finger and pop it in your mouth, then pull it out. The excess lipstick will come off on your finger rather than your teeth.

A good trick that works. :)

I'm the type of person that buys the nice make-up and perfume, but only ends up spraying the perfume on. My signature perfume; Chance by Chanel.

Any other signature perfumes out there, Harry Potter fans?

Emma - do you know of a good translucent powder? I currently have one that leaves color (True Match) but I don't have just a translucent one.

Laura Mercier makes a good one.

Does anyone have any idea how long one can use a make-up sponge before throwing it out? I bought a pack of 40 of wedges recently, but I'm not sure if you are supposed to throw them out after each use or if they are usable multiple times.

You can use them multiple times. Probably should throw them out before they get all gross though.

I'm the type of person that buys the nice make-up and perfume, but only ends up spraying the perfume on. My signature perfume; Chance by Chanel.

Any other signature perfumes out there, Harry Potter fans?

People follow me when I wear Burberry ;)

Where can you buy foundation brushes/sponges?? My skin color changes between summer and winter...so I'm guessing I'll have to buy different shades of foundation? and umm...What is concealor? :blush:

Does anyone here actually wear lipstick often?? I used to for my dance performances because it was required, but I found it to be sticky and unnatural looking. Is chapstick and gloss good to stick with, or should I try out some lipsticks? I have very full lips if that matters to the lipstick question...

Kimmetje, My favorite perfume is Chill by Curve. :D I also have Embrace Today from the mary kay collection and one called Perfect Calm from The Healing Garden. I like the perfume from Hollister and American Eagle, but it can get expensive!

Ok, I wasn't sure if I should include this here but it seemed a better place than the fashion thread...My hair stylist, who I absolutely love anyway, isn't that great at cutting my hair for a style I can do...The problem is I have VERY curly long hair and she cuts and styles it straight, which looks great except that I don't straighten my hair. I've asked for a cut that will work with my hairtype and not end up making it go all weird...but she (and every other hairstylist I've been to) doesn't really know how to cut and style curly hair. Is there anyone else on here with curls who knows what I mean and can recommend a better way to style my hair or something??

Also, with my curls, my hair will basically look good two ways: down or in a ponytail. I'd like some variety, but nothing else really works.

Does anyone here actually wear lipstick often?? I used to for my dance performances because it was required, but I found it to be sticky and unnatural looking. Is chapstick and gloss good to stick with, or should I try out some lipsticks? I have very full lips if that matters to the lipstick question...


Nope, I don't wear lipstick much either, for the same reasons you mentioned. What I do sometimes, however, is put on chapstick/gloss, then a tiny bit of lipstick for color. I find that works pretty well; there's color, but it looks a lot more natural than straight lipstick.


Ok, I wasn't sure if I should include this here but it seemed a better place than the fashion thread...My hair stylist, who I absolutely love anyway, isn't that great at cutting my hair for a style I can do...The problem is I have VERY curly long hair and she cuts and styles it straight, which looks great except that I don't straighten my hair. I've asked for a cut that will work with my hairtype and not end up making it go all weird...but she (and every other hairstylist I've been to) doesn't really know how to cut and style curly hair. Is there anyone else on here with curls who knows what I mean and can recommend a better way to style my hair or something??

Also, with my curls, my hair will basically look good two ways: down or in a ponytail. I'd like some variety, but nothing else really works.

That depends on what "type" of curly your hair is. Is it like really fluffy/poufy curly? Or more wavey/ ringlet curls? (sorry, I know those aren't good descriptions...) Because I have a friend who has really fluffy-curly hair, and for a long time she couldn't do anything with it either, but recently she got it thinned out a bit, then cut shorter (just above shoulder length), and it looks really cute.... if that's what your hair is like, you could try that. Otherwise... I don't know.:shrug:

Do you combine different brands? Or do you find it works better to stick with one product line?

I use many different lines. The only thing I keep the same line is foundation and powder.


Does anyone have any idea how long one can use a make-up sponge before throwing it out? I bought a pack of 40 of wedges recently, but I'm not sure if you are supposed to throw them out after each use or if they are usable multiple times.

You should totally keep them and use them a few times. If you wash them once a week well you could keep it for about a month.

Lipstip trick for everyone:

After applying lipstick, take your index finger and pop it in your mouth, then pull it out. The excess lipstick will come off on your finger rather than your teeth.

A good trick that works. :)

I'm the type of person that buys the nice make-up and perfume, but only ends up spraying the perfume on. My signature perfume; Chance by Chanel.

Any other signature perfumes out there, Harry Potter fans?

Excellent tip! :tu: I love Lovely by SJP :D

Laura Mercier makes a good one.


I have her makeup primer :tu: Thanks!


Where can you buy foundation brushes/sponges?? My skin color changes between summer and winter...so I'm guessing I'll have to buy different shades of foundation? and umm...What is concealor? :blush:

One for summer and one for winter is fine :D A great place to buy products is www.sephoral.com BUT do not discount your local drugstore or beauty supply place. Sponges are so cheap... drugstores are really good.


Does anyone here actually wear lipstick often?? I used to for my dance performances because it was required, but I found it to be sticky and unnatural looking. Is chapstick and gloss good to stick with, or should I try out some lipsticks? I have very full lips if that matters to the lipstick question...

Gloss works well ;)

Ok, I wasn't sure if I should include this here but it seemed a better place than the fashion thread...My hair stylist, who I absolutely love anyway, isn't that great at cutting my hair for a style I can do...The problem is I have VERY curly long hair and she cuts and styles it straight, which looks great except that I don't straighten my hair. I've asked for a cut that will work with my hairtype and not end up making it go all weird...but she (and every other hairstylist I've been to) doesn't really know how to cut and style curly hair. Is there anyone else on here with curls who knows what I mean and can recommend a better way to style my hair or something??

Also, with my curls, my hair will basically look good two ways: down or in a ponytail. I'd like some variety, but nothing else really works.

I am opening a hair thread :D

Any other signature perfumes out there, Harry Potter fans?

Actually - and it REALLY suprised me, as I am not a fan of it's namesake, nor am I typically a fan of anything that smells very flowery - I really love Britney Spears' Fantasy. When I'm low on cash and out of perfume, I also like Bath and Body Works' Japanese Cherry Blossom and their Warm Vanilla scents.

I have a few perfumes:

Chance - Chanel (my favorite)
JLO - Jennifer Lopez
Curious - Britney Spears
Oscar de la Renta perfume
Mango - Mango
Coco - Chanel

Yay for perfume! :D

You are like me I have so many little samples and 3 bottles :D I also like Sicily and Cartier Dulce Delices. It is new and such a wonderful rich scent.

I have;

Hugo Boss - pure Purple
Paris Hilton - Simply Me
Burberry
Charlie Red (Not sure if any of you know if this but it's lovely)
Sunshine (Don't know who by)
Britney Spears - Curious
Diesel - Red

I think I have more but Can't think at the moment haha! These are all between 30ml-100mls. I have a few little tester bottles, like from Avon.

My favourite one is Hugo Boss Pure Purple....I would like to get Britney Spears Fantasy as that just smells sooooo lovely!

Does anyone here actually wear lipstick often?? I used to for my dance performances because it was required, but I found it to be sticky and unnatural looking. Is chapstick and gloss good to stick with, or should I try out some lipsticks? I have very full lips if that matters to the lipstick question...
This may be a bit late, but I actually do wear lipstick sometimes. Last winter particularly, when red lipstick was big, I had this one shade I wore almost all of the time. I put it away for the summer though because it just seemed too heavy. As it is just now really turning into fall, I haven't decided if I'm going to break it out again or not. Does anybody know if red lipstick is still "in" this fall/winter?

On a general day to day basis, I use a chapstick, but I'm still in search of a perfect gloss. Anyone have any favorites?

Has anyone tried the Bare Escentuals or Bare Minerals line yet?

I am wondering if it is worth the price...

Has anyone tried the Bare Escentuals or Bare Minerals line yet?

I am wondering if it is worth the price...

Is that the foundation stuff thats all powder?? My mom was telling me about that stuff...I don't understand how it would work the way they describe it, but I am clueless with makeup. If it worked, I think it would probably be worth the money..

On a general day to day basis, I use a chapstick, but I'm still in search of a perfect gloss. Anyone have any favorites?

L'Oreal has some really nice ones if you are into drugstore finds! Now there are also lovely two sided glosses from Tarte (http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P38482&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5648)

They have amazing colors and such cute names!

Has anyone tried the Bare Escentuals or Bare Minerals line yet?

I am wondering if it is worth the price...

I have yet to jump on this bandwagon. I tend to stick to what the makeup artists use as they are the experts!

Let us not forget Kevyn Aucoin (http://www.kevynaucoin.com/)... he never used this and he made women look their best.

L'Oreal has some really nice ones if you are into drugstore finds! Now there are also lovely two sided glosses from Tarte (http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P38482&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5648)

They have amazing colors and such cute names!
Those look awesome!!! I really want one now!! I think Elle & Emmett is my favorite. And now I'm trying to figure out what they're all referencing. I've gotten about half! :lol:

The names are incredible! :D

I just went and googled all the ones I didn't know. :lol: I wonder how long it took or how many people they had to get all those??

My favorite color is Fred and Ginger :D

I also like Westley and Buttercup. However, (according to what many people have said, sometimes completely random people) I have a very good natural lip color, so I rarely wear things that have much of a tint to them. I do have one really pretty pink shde that I love, and it smells wonderful, but other than that it's mostly chapstick.

fave scents:

Ultraviolet by Paco Rabanne, it smells horrid on my skin though :(
Miracle by Lancome
Jaipur by Boucheron
L'eau d'Issey by Issey Miyake

I also like Westley and Buttercup. However, (according to what many people have said, sometimes completely random people) I have a very good natural lip color, so I rarely wear things that have much of a tint to them. I do have one really pretty pink shde that I love, and it smells wonderful, but other than that it's mostly chapstick.

You could always just do a clear gloss for some shine. MAC makes a wonderful product LipGlass (http://www.maccosmetics.com/templates/products/sp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY15112&PRODUCT_ID=PROD1384) that is high wattage shine!

To all Americans, for lipgloss, I would advice the ones from Victoria's Secret. They smell/look/taste great!

Personally for make-up I love buying Dior things, because they are solid - long-lasting - basic and prettily packaged.

OOOH are you talking about the pretty yummy ones?

Emma - do you know of a good translucent powder? I currently have one that leaves color (True Match) but I don't have just a translucent one.


sorry it has taken so long to reply...Computer has been down... anyway I have been using Estee Lauder...The nice thing about that is that in the shops they have the make up artists that are wonderful....If you can have yourself a seat and let them make their magic...they will be able to let you see which colors are right for you...

I personally don't use lipstick, just carmax or some lip balm or something of the sort.

But I do love MAC's eyeshadows. They have so many colors! I love how you can be creative and expressive with different colors and combinations.

Speaking of which, have y'all seen pursebuzz's videos on youtube? She has a bunch of eyeshadow tutorials as well as other things. She's really good, I got interested in eyeshadows and MAC just because of her videos.

sorry it has taken so long to reply...Computer has been down... anyway I have been using Estee Lauder...The nice thing about that is that in the shops they have the make up artists that are wonderful....If you can have yourself a seat and let them make their magic...they will be able to let you see which colors are right for you...

That is a really great idea. I haven't done that in so long :D I really should just to see, but I always feel like I have to buy it all...

Ok, this is the best place I can think to place this question:

For Halloween, I'm going as a character from a TV series (Inara Serra from "Firefly"). I'm trying to get the make-up to look something like what is common for her on the show. Some reference pictures can be found here. (http://www.browncoats.com/index.php?ContentID=42e83f30d2a65)

These are my attempts from today to try and get something similar:
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p136/lrunion/IMG_2595.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p136/lrunion/IMG_2607.jpg

If anyone has any ideas as to what I could do/change to get closer to the original make-up affect, I'd love to hear them. I realize there will be some differences because of my skin tone and such, but I'm going more for a general idea.

P.S. Please ignore the grossness of my hair/skin in the pictures! It's an off-Sunday... :)

I think it looks quite close! Just make sure you powder it all. Powder will give you a nice smooth finish and a vanilla shade of shadow on your eyes before the dark brown will set that off too!

I've been quite proud of myself lately. I'm not wearing as much foundation as I used to... but it's actually a direct results of not being able to find the right kind. I tried 'Dream Matte Mousse' by Maybelline but it doesn't stay on the skin! It always comes off on my clothes despite the fact that it gives a good coverage and makes my skin look really soft. I also used L'Oreal's 'True Match Super Blendable Powder' but it just made my skin look pale and dull after a few hours. I think I might be buying the wrong colours, but it's really hard to find the right foundation for my skin. I should be quite proud of my skin as it is as it's clear and naturally has a golden glow (I have dark tan skin) but a lot of foundations make me look paler than I really am. I've actually switched to using powder bronzers on my face instead of usual face powder, but I only use the bronzer sparingly. My best beauty secret is 'St. Ives Swiss Formula Apricot Scrub'. It's a face wash, but it might as well be a foundation! My skin's never looked better and I really recommend it. I've spent year using all sorts of foundations and the idea of going bare-faced was always quite scary... but now I'm really proud of my natural skin because of this miracle of a face wash!

I love that stuff!!! I use it as well. One thing I noticed, you said something about powder. Powder is great but it has to be specially designed to be a foundation, not all powders are. Mostly if you are happy with your skin and it is pretty even you may not need foundation at all. But if you go for one, go liquid and apply with a sponge.

If none of that appeals to you, try just a bit of concealer where needed and buff it out with a big powder brush and a bit of colored powder.

Yes, I'm really only using foundation on blemishes now (as a concealer). I don't like using it all over my face anymore as it makes my forehead and chin look dull and caked. Thankfully, I don't have a lot of blemishes on my forehead or chin and I just use a bit of foundation on my cheeks to hide the occasional pimples. Now, if only I could stop using foundation on my face altogether! :lol:

See then that should be perfect :D You know if all else fails, you could always hop to a makeup counter and have someone make you over. You don't have to buy a lot but, it will help you to see some different products.

Yes, I'm really only using foundation on blemishes now (as a concealer). I don't like using it all over my face anymore as it makes my forehead and chin look dull and caked. Thankfully, I don't have a lot of blemishes on my forehead or chin and I just use a bit of foundation on my cheeks to hide the occasional pimples. Now, if only I could stop using foundation on my face altogether! :lol:

I've been focusing on skin care instead of make-up too and I've found it makes a huge difference. Like you, I've only had the occasional pimple, and using foundation makes my face look plasticky, a different color, caked, or any combination of the three. I've changed to Laneige skin care products lately and now I don't actually need to use any cover make-up.

@ Tonks: That's a really good idea! I don't know why I haven't tried any make-up counters yet! It seems like the smart thing to do.

Thanks, I might try that on Saturday then :tu:

Edit: YellowPoofBall, I can't believe it took me so long to realise that I could just optimize my looks just by focusing on skin care. I got a little too attached to make up, I think!

Ok someone help, what do you do regarding skin care? Is there some cream I am missing?

Ok someone help, what do you do regarding skin care? Is there some cream I am missing?
I've used several different products, but I have yet to find what I would call my "optimal" skin care regime. I've used Mary Kay, Aveeno, Proactive, and Noxzema. Currently, I'm using Noxzema, and it works fairly well. I've got normal/combo skin, and Proactive totally destroyed my face. My sister uses it and is completely fine with her oily-ish skin, but it dried mine out. Mary Kay worked well for a long time for me, but it stopped working as well.

I guess that wasn't very helpful. The only thing my experimentations taught me was that Proactive is not the cure-all it's made out to be in the commercials.

If it's bad, you should see a dermatologist. But for every day skin care, a face wash and some facial lotion is all you really need. I think it's just a matter of finding what works best for you through trial and error. I've found that exfoliating washes do not work at all for me, and neither do the salt-based type. The Laneige products I'm using now are the cleanser and the refiner. I'm also quite fond of Neutrogena's Deep Clean.

Well, I'm completely devoted to Noxzema, so my answer is probably a little biased. :)

They have a really good face wash, Triple Clean Anti-Bacterial Face Wash. It's a cream, and it works very well and won't dry out your skin if it's Normal/Dry. If you have oiler skin, then I would recommend the Foaming Facewash. It's quite popular here in Dallas, and when I go to my local Target, they're always out. Even on the days that they've restocked! :D

But besides face wash, you should have a good face lotion too. My sister and my mom like Clinique's face lotion that goes with the three step (I can't remember what its name is). I used this before I started buying my own beauty products (and before I realized that it cost about two weeks of my allowance at the time). I use Olay now, which I like more than the Clinique. They have lots of different kinds though, but I would recommend getting one with SPF for day, and then the Beauty Fluid (which comes in a pink bottle :) ) at night.

Just don't ever use Clean and Clear. That is by far the worst brand ever. Their face washes are just terrible. And my sister used some of their acne gel, and it scarred her nose. :scared:

No clean and clear and no Proactive :tu:

I currently use a combo of L'Oreal and Lancome but not sure it works well enough because I am still a bit oily in my T zone...

I use Oxy to get rid of pimples. Summer is the only season where I break out, and I barely got any! I use maximum strength.

Just don't ever use Clean and Clear. That is by far the worst brand ever. Their face washes are just terrible. And my sister used some of their acne gel, and it scarred her nose. :scared:

I've used some of their brands for pimple medication, and none of it worked. And Morning Burst didn't do anything to my face either. However, the Oxygenating Facial Scrub is the best scrub I've ever tried in my life. Neutrogena and other well known brands haven't made my face nearly as soft and clear as the Oxygenating scrub does. It's amazing!

I have never tried that. But I do love St. Ives Apricot Scrub. It is really great.

Has anyone seen those new makeup brushes for one's eyes? They are forked to help create that 7 look in eyeshadow.

I have never tried that. But I do love St. Ives Apricot Scrub. It is really great.

Has anyone seen those new makeup brushes for one's eyes? They are forked to help create that 7 look in eyeshadow.


This may be a stupid question, what what do you mean by 7 looks in one?

Forked makeup brushes? Hmm....I am still trying to find the best place to buy my make up brushes, I have a cheap set at the moment but they don't really work for me, the bristles keep coming out! I want to get a complete set, but I don't want to have to pay a fortune. Anyone know where I can get some good brushes at a decent price?

Honestly brushes are totally expensive. BUT the set I bought has lasted... 10 years??? Lancome are mine. Now for you... Sephora has some great inexpensive brush sets here: http://www.sephora.com/browse/section.jhtml?categoryId=S4900

As far as the "7" goes... this is the set I mentioned: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P193225&categoryId=RPCS

And the look: http://www.thefrugalface.com/images/eyeshadowapp.jpg

The 7 is the black and brown :D

Oh, wow, there's a special brush for that? And here I am, doing it the hard way with a regular brush. :sigh:

Although I rarely do my makeup like that anyways. I like my creme eyeshadow too much to!

Does anyone have any tips for 90s makeup? I've got !Decades Day! on Monday for Homecoming week. I want to make sure it doesn't look 80s (as that's what everyone else will be wearing), and I don't want it to look too crazy. A little crazy's good though! :D

Edit: Nevermind. I couldn't find anything to wear but my Spice Girls schrunchie, so I'm not going to dress up. :upset:

Awww that is so sad :( But really... you could do an easy 80's costume with some teased hair and an off the shoulder sweatshirt. Just add some blue eye shadow and you are all set :tu:

Just don't ever use Clean and Clear. That is by far the worst brand ever.

:lol: I used the Clean & Clear cleanser and I have done for years! I really find it works for me and I definitely notice the difference when I don't use it for a few days.

As for toners - I can't recommend anything higher than Clinique - also, their moisturiser is fantabulous. Once you sort out which number is for you, you'll never go back. My skin is always lovely when I'm using that stuff :) Seriously, Jen, use the Clinique number 3 toner. It'll last you ages and is perfect for oily T-zones.

As for toners - I can't recommend anything higher than Clinique - also, their moisturiser is fantabulous. Once you sort out which number is for you, you'll never go back. My skin is always lovely when I'm using that stuff Seriously, Jen, use the Clinique number 3 toner. It'll last you ages and is perfect for oily T-zones.
i will definately second this one!! My roommate my sophomore year in college recomended I try Clinique, because she had just started using it and loved it. I have been using it now for the past four years! I love it and will never go back to anything else...oh yeah and my number is a 2. :D

This may be a stupid question, what what do you mean by 7 looks in one?

Forked makeup brushes? Hmm....I am still trying to find the best place to buy my make up brushes, I have a cheap set at the moment but they don't really work for me, the bristles keep coming out! I want to get a complete set, but I don't want to have to pay a fortune. Anyone know where I can get some good brushes at a decent price?

OH. A good complete set (with some for face, blush, eyes) is the one from Costco. I got it and I like it! I got it for $21 and I like the brushes. It even comes with its own case to put em all in.

And here's a video review (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkGGxJAWGvo)of them if you wanna see more about them, including what you can use em for.

As for toners - I can't recommend anything higher than Clinique - also, their moisturiser is fantabulous. Once you sort out which number is for you, you'll never go back. My skin is always lovely when I'm using that stuff :) Seriously, Jen, use the Clinique number 3 toner. It'll last you ages and is perfect for oily T-zones.

Thanks for the tip Lou! I need those whisps :lol:

It's funny, I just had like what felt a billion spots on my face the other week, all i did was cleanse tone and moisturise once, used a face wash cream about twice that week,Garnier I think it was cream wash or something (Pure collection), and voila my spots are gone. Not that I actually have a problem with spots, I normally only get the odd one or two around that dreaded time of the month. This month, I think my face wanted to get rid of them all in one go, so hopefully I won't have any spots for a while.

I don't cleanse, tone and moisturise as much as I should. I really should do it more! My boyfriend requests I do his face too once I have done my own, lol! He gets spots, but the are normally around his sideburn's and the bit of skin next to your eyes, and by your hair. That's normally where I get mine, or on the chin!

I actually got a facial the other month and the woman doing it said I had quite a good complexion, not very oily, and that I don't really need a foundation, just a tinted moisturiser (can I find one? nope, not a hope in hell have I managed to find one). But I still wear foundation, but I must admit, I used to wear make up like every day when I was in secondary school, nowadays I only wear it if I am going out for a night out or to hide spots (which I know I shouldn't do, but they just look so ghastly).

[QUOTE=AngelicaSkye;4820602]I actually got a facial the other month and the woman doing it said I had quite a good complexion, not very oily, and that I don't really need a foundation, just a tinted moisturiser (can I find one? nope, not a hope in hell have I managed to find one).[QUOTE]

Tinted moisturiser is practically extinct it's so hard to find! All I ever see is full on foundation. I don't wear foundation ever, but sometimes my skin color goes a bit funky (like when I have a cold), and all I want is for it to look even! But since I can't find a tinted moisturizer, I just put some foundation and face lotion in my hand and blend it together. It doesn't look quite as good as an actual tinted moisturizer, but it works. :)

That is an excellent tip! I love tinted moisturizer in the summer it is so nice and light!

[QUOTE=AngelicaSkye;4820602]I actually got a facial the other month and the woman doing it said I had quite a good complexion, not very oily, and that I don't really need a foundation, just a tinted moisturiser (can I find one? nope, not a hope in hell have I managed to find one).[QUOTE]

Tinted moisturiser is practically extinct it's so hard to find! All I ever see is full on foundation. I don't wear foundation ever, but sometimes my skin color goes a bit funky (like when I have a cold), and all I want is for it to look even! But since I can't find a tinted moisturizer, I just put some foundation and face lotion in my hand and blend it together. It doesn't look quite as good as an actual tinted moisturizer, but it works. :)

That's what I do normally, mix foundation and moisturiser, it looks fine to me, but then again it could look totally horrible to everyone else lol!

I was hoping I could find some tinted moisturiser, I hate having to mix stuff together. A bit time consuming to get it the exact right colour for me.

As I always say, check out Sephora:

http://www.sephora.com/browse/section.jhtml?categoryId=C10550

There is the tinted moisturizer search for you :D

Thanks, Tonks!

My sister gets ads from Clinique by email, and today while we were in class, she went to check her mail, and up popped an email from Clinque advertising their tinted moisturizer. I nearly laughed at how ironic this was, since I had only been on here yesterday talking about how I couldn't find one. Then I came on here later, opened your link to the Sephora website, and saw the same little tube of tinted moisturizer staring at me! It must be some sort of sign! :rotfl:

I need a good mascara...I have been flirting with other brands, but never found one that I really like for a full commitment. I have shorter lashes and would like them to look longer...any help?

Three words. Maybelline Great Lash.

Is eyeliner ok for during the day?? I have wide eyes, not like eye-popping wide or anything, but wide. They seem less wide when I have eyeliner on. To me, when I look in the mirror and I'm not wearing eyeliner, it looks like I'm sick or just woke up.

Nooo. Max Factor Masterpiece Max! I'm a huge mascara junkie - I'll try every single one out there, and this is by far the best I've ever used :)

Is eyeliner ok for during the day?? I have wide eyes, not like eye-popping wide or anything, but wide. They seem less wide when I have eyeliner on. To me, when I look in the mirror and I'm not wearing eyeliner, it looks like I'm sick or just woke up.

It's perfectly fine to wear eyeliner in the day, but it's slightly more...casual? to wear a brown instead of having a huge thick black line :lol: Just remember to blend properly. You can always widen your eyes by really wiggling mascara into the roots of your lashes and applying a nude liner to your bottom lid instead :)

I need a good mascara...I have been flirting with other brands, but never found one that I really like for a full commitment. I have shorter lashes and would like them to look longer...any help?

I like the suggestions so far, and will also throw in Telescopic by L'Oreal :D I love this in Blackest Black!

Lou: What do you mean by nude? I have never seen one for the eyes... only the lips.

Is eyeliner ok for during the day?? I have wide eyes, not like eye-popping wide or anything, but wide. They seem less wide when I have eyeliner on. To me, when I look in the mirror and I'm not wearing eyeliner, it looks like I'm sick or just woke up.

That's how I used to feel when I stopped wearing mascara full time. I've got black lashes anyways, but they were just so...different. :lol:

Like leenieloo said, you shouldn't go for black during the day, unless it's right against your lashes. And are you lining your eyes all the way around? I would recommend not doing that, as it will make your eyes look smaller. You shouldn't try to hide your big eyes, and most people probably envy them!

Try lining just the outside corners on top and bottom. It really looks great! I've got wide eyes too (except mine are sort of...bulging), and it doesn't look strange when I do it. And if you do that, you can get away with wearing a crazier color than brown too (my usual eyeliner color is purple!).

Lou: What do you mean by nude? I have never seen one for the eyes... only the lips.

You can get pale peachy colours that really brighten up the eyes :D Or just go for white and apply it sparingly.

That is a fantastic suggestion! I heard the white but I like the peach idea much better!

You can get pale peachy colours that really brighten up the eyes :D Or just go for white and apply it sparingly.

I do that, and I also go with the gold eyeshadow on the upper eyelid. Also, a little bit of that gold eyeshadow on the inside of the eyelid and dark shadow on the upper eyelide really does make a great impact. :)

You can get pale peachy colours that really brighten up the eyes Or just go for white and apply it sparingly.
OOo I do that! :clap: I saw it on the Tyra Banks show a while ago and it really brightens they eyes.


Thanks everyone for the mascara suggestions, I will have to try them out and see what I like best. :)

The good thing is a lot of the mascara is cheap 5-10$ maybe. So you can try them all :D

For blemish treatment and concealer at the same time I use this very thin stick from Maybelline which really works.

http://www.walgreens.com/dbimagecache/260202.jpg

Since I'm living in Europe (and Maybelline products aren't all similar to US ones plus expensive) the clear skin concealers are good. Either way I prefer getting the Maybelline one in the US, because it is really good.

btw; one stick has lasted me 5 months already and it doesn't look like its empty as of yet :)

I just have to pass on these small pieces of advice:

1. If you don't know how to apply it, practice, practice, practice before that first date/huge party/school prom etc!!!

2. For younger skin, don't use blusher, foundation, concealer, etc. Stick to eye and lip makeup. This reduces the risk of spots and breakouts!
Believe me, I don't have spots, I never have had (Except for the odd one). I haven't used any of the above, ever! My younger sister has a face full of spots and concealer and foundation caked on her face.

3. Have a pack of baby wipes handy at all times. They are brilliant for everything.

4. Make sure you are in a comfortable position in a well lit, preferrably sunlit, room.

5. Don't be afraid to be different every now and again, colour on your eyes and a bit of lippy can make your day brighter!

:D

I need a good mascara...I have been flirting with other brands, but never found one that I really like for a full commitment. I have shorter lashes and would like them to look longer...any help?

Maybelline Full 'N Soft is my personal favorite, even out of more expensive brands, but I do have long lashes....

I love baby wipes! They are a great makeup remover :tu:

I need a good mascara...I have been flirting with other brands, but never found one that I really like for a full commitment. I have shorter lashes and would like them to look longer...any help?
A bit late possibly, but I use Cal2000 mascara and absolutely loooove it.

OOOH I saw that... is it good?

What does everyone use for moisturizer?

I love baby wipes! They are a great makeup remover :tu:

I just found out about "Pond's clean sweep" cleansing & make-up removing towelettes. (Basically, they are baby wipes for your face.) They come in travel packs and don't need rinsing, so that's pretty handy.

My favorite part about make-up is taking it off because I don't like wearing it.

I love using baby wipes to take off my make up too, but watch which ones you use hear your eyes, as I found out, some irritate and make mines itchy, and I think those were the sensitive ones! Go for Johnson's, they are slightly thicker and a bit damper than normal ones, so I feel really clean after using them!

I just found out about "Pond's clean sweep" cleansing & make-up removing towelettes. (Basically, they are baby wipes for your face.) They come in travel packs and don't need rinsing, so that's pretty handy.

My favorite part about make-up is taking it off because I don't like wearing it.



:rotfl: Well that can be good! I have used the Pond's wipes and I love them. Biore makes good ones too!

OOOH I saw that... is it good?
I assume you're asking me? :lol:

It works really well. I get really great volume from my mascara, and my lashes look really long and full.

Yes I was :) What kind of wand does it have?

2. For younger skin, don't use blusher, foundation, concealer, etc. Stick to eye and lip makeup. This reduces the risk of spots and breakouts!
Believe me, I don't have spots, I never have had (Except for the odd one). I haven't used any of the above, ever! My younger sister has a face full of spots and concealer and foundation caked on her face.

Of course, this isn't always true - it's on a very case-by-case basis.
My skin is naturally very oily and very prone to break-outs. I inherited this lovely trait from my poor mother, who, I am afraid, suffered much more than I did when she was younger. The reason is that I know how to put on make-up (and I know which ones are better for my skin) and she didn't have those things available to her.
Because I do have break-outs, I use a concealer (I use one made by Mary Kate and Ashley), and because my complexion is naturally uneven (I am very fair, so any break-out or added redness - not to mention the fact that I have rosy cheeks - is always very apparent), I choose to also use a good foundation. The powder helps disguise the oilyness of my skin (especially my t-zone), and I adore blush, because it adds such pretty color to my face.
The best thing is, if you can find the right combination, sometimes the make-up can even help your skin clear up. I've noticed that the days I wear make-up tend to be followed by days of healthier looking skin as opposed to those days when I wear no make-up at all.
In general, though, I have to agree with you. If you're blessed with a nice complexion, putting make-up on will only serve to cover it up. But if you aren't so lucky, make-up can be your very best friend. :)

I dont know if anyone already posted this but I have some mascara tips.

Always wipe off extra mascara from the brush on the edge of the tube it comes in.

When applying put the brush at the base of the lash give it a very small wiggle and pull straigt up. for most folks this will give you a single great application of mascara and wont have to go in for a second swipe.... which is the one that usually leads to clumping.

Also to keep your makeup looking fresh and to make it stay all day you should use a primer. If you cant find or afford primer just give your face a spritz of hairspray (eyes closed, not squeezed).
Its better than spending extra cash on long wear makeup that just makes your face feel tight.

OOOH I saw that... is it good?

What does everyone use for moisturizer?

The vaseline body lotions. I know its not for your face but after washing your face with a mild soap and hot water give your face dab of that and it totally moisturizes without making your face greasy or giving you breakout.

I have super sensitive skin and it is the only moisturizer that doesnt burn on my skin.

Yes I was :) What kind of wand does it have?
Ummm.... a black one? :err: I didn't know mascaras had different wand types...

OOH yes they do :)

there are full ones: http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/1202877/2/istockphoto_1202877_mascara_wand.jpg

tapered ones: http://www.ronrobinsoninc.com/store/image.php?productid=3249

comb ones: http://www.maxfactor.com/images/products/eye_lashperfection.jpg

and curved ones: http://images.shopping.msn.com/img/2585/58/3/15799965.jpg

Also to keep your makeup looking fresh and to make it stay all day you should use a primer. If you cant find or afford primer just give your face a spritz of hairspray (eyes closed, not squeezed).
Its better than spending extra cash on long wear makeup that just makes your face feel tight.

Primer is key! Other cheaper alternatives are regular concealer (a little more eye friendly) or vaseline as a primer (just use a little). But as far as more expensive ones go, has anyone tried Urban Decay Primer Potion? I'm looking into it.

Question: My eyes have always been really sensitive, but they've recently become more sensitive than ever. I can only wear a little mascara and if I leave any mascara or eyeliner on at all overnight it kills my eyes. I've used Mary Kay for years because I used to sell it, but I'm running out of my supply. Is there any real difference in eyeliner brands like there is in, say, foundation? Are there any recommendations for eye makeup remover that do their job well without irritating your eyes or contributing to acne?

I said this earlier in the thread, but Neutrogena Clean Lash Tint is the least irritating mascara I've used. It's not heavy and it's not flakey and I can take it off with a wet wash cloth.

But if you're just having more of a problem lately, maybe the particular containers of make-up you are using now got spoiled with bacteria or something.

Question: My eyes have always been really sensitive, but they've recently become more sensitive than ever. I can only wear a little mascara and if I leave any mascara or eyeliner on at all overnight it kills my eyes. I've used Mary Kay for years because I used to sell it, but I'm running out of my supply. Is there any real difference in eyeliner brands like there is in, say, foundation? Are there any recommendations for eye makeup remover that do their job well without irritating your eyes or contributing to acne?

1. Never NEVER go to sleep without washing off your makeup.

2. Your products may be out of date or have bacteria in them. Throw them out now.

Question: My eyes have always been really sensitive, but they've recently become more sensitive than ever. I can only wear a little mascara and if I leave any mascara or eyeliner on at all overnight it kills my eyes. I've used Mary Kay for years because I used to sell it, but I'm running out of my supply. Is there any real difference in eyeliner brands like there is in, say, foundation? Are there any recommendations for eye makeup remover that do their job well without irritating your eyes or contributing to acne?

I love BiFacial from Lancome BUT please do make sure you change mascaras every 3-6 months...

Question: My eyes have always been really sensitive, but they've recently become more sensitive than ever. I can only wear a little mascara and if I leave any mascara or eyeliner on at all overnight it kills my eyes. I've used Mary Kay for years because I used to sell it, but I'm running out of my supply. Is there any real difference in eyeliner brands like there is in, say, foundation? Are there any recommendations for eye makeup remover that do their job well without irritating your eyes or contributing to acne?


I use Almay Eye Makeup remover pads (http://almay.com/Pg/Main/CatProdDet.aspx?catid=36&catnm=Makeup&subid=230&subnm=Eye%20Makeup%20Removers&prd=28629&osubnm=Eye%20Makeup%20Removers). They work very well and they don't irritate. I breakout easily, but have never had a problem with these causing a breakout. There are 2 kinds - moisturizing and oil-free. I recommend the oil-free ones, because the moisturizing ones are oily.

I'm sorry, you guys. I posted that last night when I couldn't sleep and didn't bother to read the posts before it that were talking about this very thing. Thank you for your polite responses. :blush: Now that I've actually read the posts before and after, I have taken note! :cool:

I found a beauty treasure in the drawer of my mom's bathroom: Apricot Scrub! Such a weird coincindence, I was going to ask her to pick some up and then I found it! She let me have it, she said she tried it and didn't like it. :D I will be testing it out this week. I already tried it last night and loved it! I like how you can actually feel the exfoliating bead things...in my other stuff you can't tell at all.

Do you guys wash your face with this type of stuff morning and night or just night? I usually do a face scrub at night and then just kinda wash it quickly in the shower in the morning. Is that bad?

Do you guys wash your face with this type of stuff morning and night or just night? I usually do a face scrub at night and then just kinda wash it quickly in the shower in the morning. Is that bad?

Scrubs should not be used every day. Most scrubs have a recommended use of 1 to 3 times a week.

So you definately shouldn't be using one two times a day! Your skin's probably screaming right now from being over-scrubbed! :lol:

If you're talking about the St. Ives Apricot scrub, then you should probably use it at a maximum of three times a week. This one's a little more gentle than others.

Just a word of warning: If this is the same apricot scrub I used in high school that is actually quite harsh, there's a reason you can't usually feel the beads. Harsh, sharp-edged scrubs can really do damage. Gentle exfoliation is best, and definitely only two or three times a week, unless it's the kind that's actually just a daily cleanser that tells you it's for everyday gentle exfoliation.

...Is there any real difference in eyeliner brands like there is in, say, foundation?

As far as eyeliner goes, there is a difference depending on what you want out of an eyeliner.

For pencils, I find that they do smudge a bit, no matter the brand. And the staying power can be different depending on the brand. I found that some of the best (cheaper) eyepencils are the Sephora ones, they've got good staying power, don't smudge that much (for a pencil, anyway) and come in a bunch of colors ($4 a piece).

As far as liquid goes, all I've used is the Revlon felt tip one, and it's pretty good, pretty long lasting. But if you want real staying power (and great colors) the liquidlast liners from MAC are the best.

My favorite kind of eyeliner is the cream/gel kind because once that stuff is set, it will not move until you use some sort of good eye makeup remover. I can wear it all day long and it'll still be there, exactly the same as when I put it on, and I don't get fallout or any black rings under my eyes (like with other eyeliners). And since you use a brush, you can really control the thickness and intensity of your liner.

I use MAC's fluidlines ($15), but some people like Bobbi Brown ($19) or HIP ones (drugstore, $10). I also like the fluidlines because I have an outlet store near me that sells them for only $10 ($5 off what MAC stores sell them for), and that jar will last you a good while. To me, it's really worth the money.

Sorry that was kinda long, hoped it helped. :)

I've never tried the gel ones. Does it go one like a liquid? I usually just smudge some eyeshadow into my lashline for during the day but this sounds good for night wear.

I've never tried the gel ones. Does it go one like a liquid? I usually just smudge some eyeshadow into my lashline for during the day but this sounds good for night wear.

The consistency of it is somewhat thicker than liquid, it's really between a cream and a gel (hence the name), but it's very pliable and you can get a really thin or thick line, depending on the brush you use and how you apply it. Plus, there is a huge variety of colors available besides black, like browns or grays or mixtures of the two that give you a more natural look. And you can smudge these out too, as long as you work quickly.

Even if I don't have time to do anything else in the morning, I always use a gel liner to tightline my eyes (basically filling in the upper lashline, not lining above the lashline). Instantly makes me look more awake and it doesn't smudge. :)

Alright, this sounds great! I am going to have to try it. HIP is a good brand you say?

With Baby wipes, you should always choose a fragrance free sort. Make up wipes tend to be fairly expensive so a good baby wipe can come in handy to those of us on a budget ;)

Of course, this isn't always true - it's on a very case-by-case basis.
My skin is naturally very oily and very prone to break-outs. I inherited this lovely trait from my poor mother, who, I am afraid, suffered much more than I did when she was younger. The reason is that I know how to put on make-up (and I know which ones are better for my skin) and she didn't have those things available to her.
Because I do have break-outs, I use a concealer (I use one made by Mary Kate and Ashley), and because my complexion is naturally uneven (I am very fair, so any break-out or added redness - not to mention the fact that I have rosy cheeks - is always very apparent), I choose to also use a good foundation. The powder helps disguise the oilyness of my skin (especially my t-zone), and I adore blush, because it adds such pretty color to my face.
The best thing is, if you can find the right combination, sometimes the make-up can even help your skin clear up. I've noticed that the days I wear make-up tend to be followed by days of healthier looking skin as opposed to those days when I wear no make-up at all.
In general, though, I have to agree with you. If you're blessed with a nice complexion, putting make-up on will only serve to cover it up. But if you aren't so lucky, make-up can be your very best friend. :)

Of course, and thankyou for pointing this out :). It does depend on your skin type, but generally, they do not recommend a face full of make up at a young age. I suffer combination skin, some days I'm drinking three times the daily recommended amount of water and slapping on the moisturiser to try and keep my face moisturised; And others I am trying to keep the oils at bay.
I haven't yet had a mass breakout, the odd one or two. Even the most professional make up artists do not recommend a daily routine for youngsters, because it can cause bigger problems in later life :)



I found a beauty treasure in the drawer of my mom's bathroom: Apricot Scrub! Such a weird coincindence, I was going to ask her to pick some up and then I found it! She let me have it, she said she tried it and didn't like it. :D I will be testing it out this week. I already tried it last night and loved it! I like how you can actually feel the exfoliating bead things...in my other stuff you can't tell at all.

Do you guys wash your face with this type of stuff morning and night or just night? I usually do a face scrub at night and then just kinda wash it quickly in the shower in the morning. Is that bad?

Please, don't use this twice a day. Generally, if you do want to use a product twice a day, get a wash. I don't know what brands there are in America, so I can't really recommend any, but use a natural wash, such as apricot, and anything specifically designed for the face. Don't use a body wash on your face as it tends to be more intense. :)


I would just like to suggest a method of making eyeliner pencils staying on for longer without smudging. Try to warm the end up some how. Making sure the cap is placed properly ((You could end up with eyeliner all over your hands ;) )) and rub the end between your palms :)
An alternative it to hold the end of the capped pencil near to a radiator for 10-20 seconds.
Also, make sure the pencil is cool before applying it to your eye, I always tap the end to my wrist, gently, for a second.

:)

I love heating the eyeliner! I actually saw it in a movie and began doing it. It makes pencil virtually smudge free!

I have a question, and I figured this would probably be a good place to ask it. I've been using Clearasil for a while on my face, and it works great for me. However, when my old tube ran out, I got a new one that was slightly different. I thought it was just the way it looked, but the new stuff seems to be irritating my eyes somewhat, whereas the other stuff was fine. I use it on my face, but not really near my eyes at all, yet every time I use it, they start to itch like crazy. I was wondering if anyone knows what might be causing it to irritate me, and if anyone can suggest something else that may work well, too, but be better for my eyes. Thanks!!

Alright, this sounds great! I am going to have to try it. HIP is a good brand you say?

I personally haven't used them yet but I plan to soon! I'm waiting for them to go on sale, seeing as occasionally Walgreens/CVS/Walmart have a buy one get one free sale for HIP items, and because I think $10 is a bit much for a drugstore brand, when with only $4 more you could get a MAC fluidline.

But I've read tons of reviews that claim HIP cream liners are just as good as fluidlines, same staying power and everything. But I've also heard from some people that it flakes on them, but I guess you'd have to try it out and see how it goes. One thing I did notice though, is that the brush that's included is awfully thick and prickly, so you'll have to use a seperate brush to apply it with. I like the angled painting brushes from Loew and Cornell (can be found in craft stores) because they're cheap and do the same job as the more expensive ones from cosmetic companies.


RaynePhoenix, I had never heard of warming up your eyepencil! I'm going to have to try that! Thanks for the tip.


Oh, 8m57w6, are you talking about the Clearsil Vanishing Cream? Because I loved that as well. It always worked so well on me. I know they changed the packaging, but I'm guessing they changed the formula too. The one I used to use before was pretty thick, and the new one is a lot creamier. It also doesn't work as well for me. My only guess as to why it's sort of irritating your eyes is that they did change the formula and it doesn't agree with you.

I have a question, and I figured this would probably be a good place to ask it. I've been using Clearasil for a while on my face, and it works great for me. However, when my old tube ran out, I got a new one that was slightly different. I thought it was just the way it looked, but the new stuff seems to be irritating my eyes somewhat, whereas the other stuff was fine. I use it on my face, but not really near my eyes at all, yet every time I use it, they start to itch like crazy. I was wondering if anyone knows what might be causing it to irritate me, and if anyone can suggest something else that may work well, too, but be better for my eyes. Thanks!!

Yes this sounds like you may be allergic or sensitive at least to the new ingredients. Perhaps you could try some of the Neutrogena products. They always have a reputation for being gentle and they have a whole line of clear skin products.

Thanks everyone!! I'll give Nutrogena a try. We're probably going to Target sometime soon, so I'll look for something there. If I still had the old stuff, I'd compare the ingridients on the two to find out what is different, and maybe try and avoid it, but I threw the old stuff out weeks ago.

Best of luck with the new stuff!

I personally haven't used them yet but I plan to soon! I'm waiting for them to go on sale, seeing as occasionally Walgreens/CVS/Walmart have a buy one get one free sale for HIP items, and because I think $10 is a bit much for a drugstore brand, when with only $4 more you could get a MAC fluidline.

But I've read tons of reviews that claim HIP cream liners are just as good as fluidlines, same staying power and everything. But I've also heard from some people that it flakes on them, but I guess you'd have to try it out and see how it goes. One thing I did notice though, is that the brush that's included is awfully thick and prickly, so you'll have to use a seperate brush to apply it with. I like the angled painting brushes from Loew and Cornell (can be found in craft stores) because they're cheap and do the same job as the more expensive ones from cosmetic companies.


$10 really is too much for DRUGSTORE makeup. Which is what HIP is, though they try to make it look fancy. The only really good product they have is the powder pigment, but for $13, I think I'd rather just pay the $20 for MAC's pigment. Or $13.50 for a MAC eyeshadow.

I've bought a couple HIP eyeshadows on sale. The colors come out dull (minus the purple/gold set, "Flamboyant"), the texture of them is odd because they're a little creamy and a little powdery at the same time, making them hard to use, and they are oily so they crease no matter what. People seem to rave over HIP because it's the only drugstore makeup that comes in really bright colors. But MAC and Urban Decay and Make Up For Ever are WAY more worth it, and only a few bucks more.

Also, I use MAC's Liquidlast, not Fluidline...but I'm pretty sure no eyeliner in the world could top theirs, because that stuff does not come off, and it rules.

Ok, now I am going to have to try the MAC liners. I have always gone with Lancome's pencils but I may just have to try the liquid.

$10 really is too much for DRUGSTORE makeup. Which is what HIP is, though they try to make it look fancy. The only really good product they have is the powder pigment, but for $13, I think I'd rather just pay the $20 for MAC's pigment. Or $13.50 for a MAC eyeshadow.

I've bought a couple HIP eyeshadows on sale. The colors come out dull (minus the purple/gold set, "Flamboyant"), the texture of them is odd because they're a little creamy and a little powdery at the same time, making them hard to use, and they are oily so they crease no matter what. People seem to rave over HIP because it's the only drugstore makeup that comes in really bright colors. But MAC and Urban Decay and Make Up For Ever are WAY more worth it, and only a few bucks more.

Also, I use MAC's Liquidlast, not Fluidline...but I'm pretty sure no eyeliner in the world could top theirs, because that stuff does not come off, and it rules.

Oh, I've seen the HIP pigments, how are they compared to MAC pigments in texture/lasting power/color payoff? Can you apply them wet? I love MAC pigments cause they're versatile and will last you forever.

And that's interesting, I hadn't heard about the eyshadows being creamy and powdery. I guess I should avoid them then since my lids are kinda oily anyway.

MAC eyeliners do rule! Tons of colors and the great lasting power. I mean, I swatched some liquidlast liners on my hand and it was still there the next day (and I wash my hands a lot). The only Liquidlast liner I have is Aqualine and I love it, it's so pretty. :D

Also, I love this time of the year because a bunch of companies (like MAC, Urban Decay, Stila) release holiday sets and it's great cause you can try several of their products for a good price.

Oh, I've seen the HIP pigments, how are they compared to MAC pigments in texture/lasting power/color payoff? Can you apply them wet? I love MAC pigments cause they're versatile and will last you forever.

And that's interesting, I hadn't heard about the eyshadows being creamy and powdery. I guess I should avoid them then since my lids are kinda oily anyway.



I know a girl who applies the HIP pigments wet and they look stunning on her, and just as bright as the MAC ones. I don't know if they stay on as well because I've never used them myself.

I can't really explain myself with the creamy/powdery thing. But I found them difficult to apply, and that's the only way I can explain it. Oily is probably the word I was looking for all along.

What I do about my oily eyelids with any shadow I apply is, I put powder on them. I have these little powder papers from Crabtree and Evelyn that I've been using for years, and hardy any of my eyeshadows ever crease.

That is a really good tip with the powders. I always apply concealer and powder to my eyelids and I have never had this problem. There are also eye shadow primers one can buy or an all over makeup primer like I have which helps too.

This is it:Makeup Primer (http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P109929&categoryId=C12210)

I have used it for years and I love it! My makeup is always smooth and fresh.

I use my MAC concealor as a primer when I wear eyeshadows that require it. It works wonderfully, so I've never bothered to buy another product for that purpose.

So I took your advice and bought some Nutrogena stuff, and I must say, I love it!! Thanks so much for recommending it! It works a lot faster than the other stuff does, and does not irritate me at all. :tu:

Has anyone tried the Bare Escentuals or Bare Minerals? I think this might've been asked a long time ago, but I wasn't sure.

If it works it'd be awesome stuff, I think...I just don't want to buy something if it's a scam. :(

This (http://www.qvc.com/cgen/render.aspx?qp=class|1214&cm_ven=GOOGLEPAID&cm_cat=BEAUTY&cm_pla=BAREESCENTUALS&cm_ite=BARE_MINERALS&ref=GBE) stuff for those of you who don't know what I'm talking about.

I used to have a terrible time sleeping when I was younger, so when I couldn't sleep, I would watch infomercials at like, 2 in the morning, and the Bare Minerals one I saw so much I practically had it memorized!! But, yeah, I was always skeptical about whether it worked as well as they said or not. After all, they had the magic of T.V. to aid them. However, they did put it on people who were in the audience live, so people could see how amazing it was right in fornt of them. Still though, I'm not totally sure about it.

I've never tried any of those mineral foundations, so I'm no help. All I've heard is that for some people, it works like a charm, for others, not so much. You could always go to Sephora and try some on, then go around and see what it looks like in different lights, outside, etc, to see if it works for you. Because I know my Sephora has kinda weird lighting, things always look a bit different in the store than when I take them home.

Even with eye primer, I try to stay away from oily products. NYX has some great jumbo eye pencils that are somewhat like MAC shadesticks, only they're way cheaper. But some of them are awfully oily (like the black and white ones) and I have a much harder time using them. If I try to put any eyeshadow on top of them, the eye pencil color ends up on the brush and it just ends up making a bit of a mess.

And speaking of eye primers, I just bought some Urban Decay Primer Potion, and so far it's holding up great! I've had it on all day and my eyeshadow is still the same. This stuff really is like magic. Now I just have to test it against my other primers from MAC and see how it holds up.

I used to have a terrible time sleeping when I was younger, so when I couldn't sleep, I would watch infomercials at like, 2 in the morning, and the Bare Minerals one I saw so much I practically had it memorized!! But, yeah, I was always skeptical about whether it worked as well as they said or not. After all, they had the magic of T.V. to aid them. However, they did put it on people who were in the audience live, so people could see how amazing it was right in fornt of them. Still though, I'm not totally sure about it.

Oh yeah Bare Minerals products are great and they're very gentle on sensitive skin :) They sell them in make-up stores, like Ulta, in California.

So I took your advice and bought some Nutrogena stuff, and I must say, I love it!! Thanks so much for recommending it! It works a lot faster than the other stuff does, and does not irritate me at all. :tu:

Yay!!! I am so glad it worked!!!

I use my MAC concealor as a primer when I wear eyeshadows that require it. It works wonderfully, so I've never bothered to buy another product for that purpose.

I love concealer for that. It will help set the color as well because the pigment has something to grab onto. The primer that I use is for my whole face so I don't recommend putting concealer all over. Just where needed.

Has anyone tried the Bare Escentuals or Bare Minerals? I think this might've been asked a long time ago, but I wasn't sure.

If it works it'd be awesome stuff, I think...I just don't want to buy something if it's a scam. :(

This (http://www.qvc.com/cgen/render.aspx?qp=class%7C1214&cm_ven=GOOGLEPAID&cm_cat=BEAUTY&cm_pla=BAREESCENTUALS&cm_ite=BARE_MINERALS&ref=GBE) stuff for those of you who don't know what I'm talking about.

I agree with the Sephora tip. They let you try everything. Go there first and decide for yourself. But I do know it is like a craze. It is everywhere, from infomercial to insta-fame.

I used to have a terrible time sleeping when I was younger, so when I couldn't sleep, I would watch infomercials at like, 2 in the morning, and the Bare Minerals one I saw so much I practically had it memorized!! But, yeah, I was always skeptical about whether it worked as well as they said or not. After all, they had the magic of T.V. to aid them. However, they did put it on people who were in the audience live, so people could see how amazing it was right in fornt of them. Still though, I'm not totally sure about it.


I know! I am so shocked this has made it's way into main stream cosmetics and Sephora of all places! It seems so odd! I mean it was an infomercial! How did this happen? Those things are not supposed to work. :lol:

... i need some makeup tips.. =p I have no idea how to use makeup, or what colours work with my skin tone...
There's a picture of me, if that helps.. (I'm the girl.. and I'm not wearing makeup in the picture)

http://photos-115.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v63/39/88/510891115/n510891115_19616_9533.jpg

... i need some makeup tips.. =p I have no idea how to use makeup, or what colours work with my skin tone...
There's a picture of me, if that helps.. (I'm the girl.. and I'm not wearing makeup in the picture)

http://photos-115.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v63/39/88/510891115/n510891115_19616_9533.jpg

I'm not good with judging makeup for other people, but what I did (and would recommend) is going to a place that sells really good makeup, like MAC or Clinique or something like that, and asking them for one of their makeovers. They can show you what's the best way to put on makeup, what's the best colour for your skin tone and what makeup looks suit you best for day, night, or whenever you usually wear makeup. Plus I'm a big subscriber to buying expensive and good quality foundation - I always use MAC which I love, but I feel that if you're putting it on your skin, the better the quality it is the better it will be for your skin and the better it will look!

... i need some makeup tips.. =p I have no idea how to use makeup, or what colours work with my skin tone...
There's a picture of me, if that helps.. (I'm the girl.. and I'm not wearing makeup in the picture)


I agree that going to a makeup counter may be a good idea, especially for application how-to's BUT just looking at you, I say neutrals.

Here is one look:

http://www.beautyriot.com/article.php?id=1777&c_id=4

And this is a bit younger and also neutral:

http://www.beautyriot.com/article.php?id=1758&c_id=4

I know! I am so shocked this has made it's way into main stream cosmetics and Sephora of all places! It seems so odd! I mean it was an infomercial! How did this happen? Those things are not supposed to work. :lol:

I had no idea that Bare Minerals made its way into stores through infomercials but they're actually pretty good. I never use foundation, concealers or anything of the sort on my face but my sister got it and I just sort of tried it out and I really liked it. My sis has very sensitive skin - gets too dry or oily depending on the climate - and the stuff she uses on her face from Bare Minerals suits her really well :)

And kuroi_shi, since you have dark hair and eyes, try using light or colorful shades of eyeshadows - if you go to any makeup counter, like Lancome or MAC or Clinique in your local department store, the people there would show you how to apply it :) I suggest MAC because their products are just too good. The same goes for lipsticks - try neutrals as Tonks suggested. I have dark hair too and putting on dark makeup makes me look like a vampire :lol: So my suggestion would be to use colorful, light shades for your eyes and cheeks, and light, glossy earth colors for the lips :) You can experiment depending whether it's day or night - I usually make my eyes smoky at night and use very light eye shimmers from Revlon during the day. Hope that helps!

kuroi_shi With dark hair and pale skin, I really love red lips and simple eye makeup like just mascara and a neutral or white eyeshadow. Maybe a little eyeliner.

When you say white eyeshadow, what do you mean? A sheer sparkly white to brighten? Or is it an opaque white?

I think she meant a shimmery white, because an opaque white would look odd.

But yea, kuroi_shi, go to a counter, they can help tell you what kinda undertones you have and what colors flatter you and which ones don't. But as far as eyeshadow goes, you really can't go wrong with a light nuetral eyeshadow on the lid and a slightly darker color in the crease.

Long has the time been since I was last on the forums...But I'm back, and I'm here to give you MAKEUP TIPS! *Nomolous theme music starts up*

Sorry for the randomness, but it's 2 in the morning, and I have insomnia, and it's driving me insane.

Kuroi_shi:

First off, I've got one thing to say to you. I want your skin. How is it that perfect? What do you do to it? It's amazing!

Well, stating the obvious, you do have very pale skin (which is majorly gorgeous), so I wouldn't recommend a bronzer, as it will look really fake and obvious. Get a good blush, but go to a makeup counter and ask for them to pick one out for you. The people there are genius, and will probably come up with a better blush than you could pick out yourself. I had peach blush for years, but I went for a consultation, and came out with plum blush. I thought the lady was nutty when she pulled out this purple blush, but it actually looks good on me. It's all about the undertones in your skin, baby! They'll give you some tips on where to apply it as well.

For eyeshadow, you shouldn't try anything too dark, especially for daytime. There's always neutrals like browns or peaches, but since you've got brown eyes, I'd recommend getting a purple eyeshadow (not anything overwhelming). Apply the purple on your lid, though, and maybe choose a more neutral color, such as brown, for the crease. Again, go to a beauty counter, and they'll pick out the right brown for you.

No clue about the lips though. Again, not anything dark, maybe even just a little bit of lip balm. I wouldn't go with anything heavy either, as you've got slightly full lips, and lipstick can often look clown-ish on larger lips.

You also might want to wear mascara, though since your lashes are dark, you really don't need too. If you want them to be longer, then wear mascara, but if you think they're a fine length, then use an eyelash curler to curl your eyelashes. And that last part wasn't redundant at all. :rotfl:

Hope that helped a bit.


And time for more insomnia-filled randomness! Whose with you in the picture, hmm? Is he a friend or a friend? :eyebrows:

It'll probably end up being someone your related to, and I'll get to laugh at myself. Oh how fun the internet is. :)

Thanks for the tips everyone =) .. I'll definitely ask at a makeup counter.. I think I know where there's an MAC =D...



First off, I've got one thing to say to you. I want your skin. How is it that perfect? What do you do to it? It's amazing!

I don't really do anything to it... I just use normal soap/body wash (usually what ever is on sale) when I'm in the shower..


And time for more insomnia-filled randomness! Whose with you in the picture, hmm? Is he a friend or a friend? :eyebrows:

It'll probably end up being someone your related to, and I'll get to laugh at myself. Oh how fun the internet is. :)He's my boyfriend.. We've been together for 4 years... A lot of people think we look a bit alike ^^;; A former co-worker thought he was my brother..

See that always amazes me, you uses regular soap and have an amazing complexion. No moisturizer?

Tonks, I know what you mean! Soap really dries up my skin, although I've never had any preferences to the facewash I use, I avoid soap on my face all the time.

See that always amazes me, you uses regular soap and have an amazing complexion. No moisturizer?

Nope.. I've tried some moisturizer before.. I've also tried proper face wash stuff, and it doesn't work well.. I find it leaves my skin kinda oily... Plain soap, or body wash works best for me

Tonks, I know what you mean! Soap really dries up my skin, although I've never had any preferences to the facewash I use, I avoid soap on my face all the time.

I use Lancome actually. I have forever and I can't stop :D It is called Califiance and I have never found anything I like better.

Nope.. I've tried some moisturizer before.. I've also tried proper face wash stuff, and it doesn't work well.. I find it leaves my skin kinda oily... Plain soap, or body wash works best for me

Color me jealous! :(

So I stopped using the Apricot scrub after just two washes. It made me break out a little bit. I just bought Biore's pore refining face wash, so hopefully that will work better and help my pores out a little. :)

Oh no :( I actually just used that yesterday but I have never had problems with it. I think it depends on the skin, I know I can't use Oil of Olay products as they make me breakout.

One scrub-type thing I use is by Artistry (http://www.artistry.com/en/SkinCare/artistry-skin-care-cleansers-10648.aspx). I believe the type I have the Claifying Foam Cleanser. My mom got it through someone where she works, and I really liked it. It made my face feel so clean after using it! I ran out a while back, and really want to get more.

Those products look amazing!

I have just received my order from Sephora! I have succumb to peer pressure and purchased a gel eyeliner. I got a Stila Smudge Pot (http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P62612&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=3865). It looks so great! The best part is I can use it as an eyeliner or shadow!

Tonks, that's great! You'll have to tell us how you like it! :)

I just used it yesterday and I LOVE it! It is so smooth and it doesn't budge at all! Excellent product!

Tonks that looks great! I love Stila products and their lipglosses are amazing!

Thanks! This is my second Stila product, I also have a lip gloss, and I am so pleased! I just have to use a smidge too and it lasts forever!

I probably have the most questions or something >.>,...most are pretty sad and pathetic actually. I'm 16 (turning 17 in like 6 months ) and I dont know the first thing about it.

It's mostly because my mom wouldn't let me start waring it till..well actually I still can't ware it.. but it's my junior year, I can start dating and I'm about to graduate in 09 and go off to college...>.> so ya.. I think i need to know how to put on make up

1) How do you put on foundation, mascara, eye liner and all that stuff

2) How can you pick the right color for different skin tones (African-American here)

3. What are the rules when it comes to make up?

4. How do you know whats too much and not enough

5.Which products are the best ones to use?

6. How do you get make up off

1) How do you put on foundation, mascara, eye liner and all that stuff

2) How can you pick the right color for different skin tones (African-American here)

3. What are the rules when it comes to make up?

4. How do you know whats too much and not enough

5.Which products are the best ones to use?

6. How do you get make up off

I think it'd be best if you go to a makeup counter, for instance Mac, Lancome, Clinique etc in your local mall or individual and they'll show you how to do each of them :)

Regarding foundations, it depends on the quality of your skin. If it's oily, try getting the powder foundations from Bare Minerals or Mac powders which are really good. Foundations should always be very close to your skin tone, unless you wish to look fairer or more tanned and so forth - I hardly ever use foundation but I have tried out this bronze-ish colored cream-like foundation which is darker than my skin tone. The fact of the matter is that the basic function of a foundation is to cover up any scar or spot you may have on your face and to give your skin a clear and polished outlook.

About mascaras, you can try out the ones with the thin wand and brush because I find the thicker ones a bit too clumsy. Mascaras from Revlon, Maybelline, Mac, Lancome are excellent. Over application of mascara can leave chunks on your lashes so a couple of deep strokes with the brush should do the trick. Oh and make sure that they're water proof otherwise it'll get runny, but the only drawback is that it is the water proof mascaras that leave chunks on your lashes. However, that can be remedied by a small, thin brush that is meant for getting rid of the chunks, but you may not even need it.

When I first started using eye-liners, I almost always asked my mom to help me because I would accidentally smudge it. Lancome eye-liners are top notch IMO.

About the right colors for your skin tone, just experiment away. Get a few shades of eye shadows - I suggest shimmers because they gave me a basic idea of what suits my skin color when I first started applying makeup. The best way to go about the right colors would be if you go to a makeup counter, preferably Mac because the people there are outstanding with the blending of colors. But you can always test out different colors by yourself before anything :)

Has anyone ever used fiberwig mascara? Fiberwig (http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P174100&searchString=fiberwig)

I have heard that it is like fake lashes due to the fibers. I would love to hear a first hand account.

Has anyone ever used fiberwig mascara? Fiberwig (http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P174100&searchString=fiberwig)

I have heard that it is like fake lashes due to the fibers. I would love to hear a first hand account.



OOOHHH I have a sephora inside my mall. I need to buy this and try it out. Looks good. :tu:

OOOH tell me how you like it! It isn't all that expensive but I hate to buy it and not like it...

That looks great Tonks! I'll have to check it out!

I'm still having a little trouble with concealer and foundation...can someone help? I found makeup sponges, and what I've been doing is this:

-put on moisturizing lotion (with sunscreen)
-put concealer on nose, chin, and the dark spots beneath my eyes
-rub the concealer in with the sponges
-then use the sponge to apply the foundation

I use the concealer and sponges to cover up the pores on my nose, which are slightly big. The thing is, although using it has helped a lot, I still notice them. And sometimes, even with the moisturizer, parts of my face look very dry and flaky once the foundation is on. (which it isn't...my face isn't dry at all)

I'm still having a little trouble with concealer and foundation...can someone help? I found makeup sponges, and what I've been doing is this:

-put on moisturizing lotion (with sunscreen)
-put concealer on nose, chin, and the dark spots beneath my eyes
-rub the concealer in with the sponges
-then use the sponge to apply the foundation

I use the concealer and sponges to cover up the pores on my nose, which are slightly big. The thing is, although using it has helped a lot, I still notice them. And sometimes, even with the moisturizer, parts of my face look very dry and flaky once the foundation is on. (which it isn't...my face isn't dry at all)

I have the dry-and-flaky-problem a lot, too. I’m not sure what causes it… but here’s what helps me: Wash your face and use an exfoliating scrub a few minutes before applying anything else, then pat dry gently. I don’t use concealer usually, just foundation, but when I use too much of that is when the dry look problem usually gets worse, so maybe it would help if you stopped using concealer? I know it sounds counterproductive, but it could be that the problem is having too much stuff on your face.

Right now, I’ve been concentrating on improving my skin enough so I don’t have to wear foundation… I think I look much better and healthier without it, but I used to have a really terrible acne problem that hasn’t quite cleared up entirely, though it’s much better than it used to be. I like makeup, but I try not to wear too much, or wear it all the time, because I really don’t want to become dependent on it like some of my friends are. :no:

I know some people have different ways of going about it, but I've heard that putting on foundation first then concealer helps. That way you use less concealer. Also, make sure you don't reuse sponges, those things harvest germs and might just end up messing up your skin.

How long have you had your foundation and concealer? What kind is it? (liquid, powder, etc...) Because it could have already turned.

I hear you on the pores on nose, mine are huge. My skin's pretty decent, so I don't need to use much foundation, but my nose is my biggest problem. But I know the best way to make pores less noticeable is to unclog them and close them up.

Right now I'm trying different exfoliators/pore removing things to see what works on getting rid of them, but so far, I've had no luck. Those pore removing strips do unclog them, but not evenly, and in a few hours my pores are all clogged again. None of the toners I've tried work either. I'm going to be trying clinique stuff for pores to see if it works. I'll let you know what happens.

Right, so yesterday I went to the options about my contact lenses. He basically told me that I can't wear eyeliner, but I really feel that it's a great, every day way to widen my eyes and make them more defined. Does anyone have any other methods of widening the eyes to make them appear bigger? :D

Really? I have friends who wear contacts and eyeliner...

Really? I have friends who wear contacts and eyeliner...

My mom does both. She can't have her eyes "naked" as she says. :lol: Besides, she can't really see without the contacts, and she really loves eyeliner, so it's all a major routine for her. :shrug:

You can wear eyeliner and contacts. I've been wearing contacts for more than 15 years and I've never had a problem.

You do have to clean your contacts properly (DAILY) and be sure to take your make up off every night. If you can't do that, then I agree with the doctor - no eyeliner.

For eye make up, I recommend Almay eye makeup remover pads. I believe I linked to them earlier in this thread.

I've had contacts for almost 6 years, and I wear eyeliner. It is true that you need to clean your contacts very well each night. There are proteins in your eye mucous that will build up on the contact if you don't clean them, and then your eyes can get infected or something. I hear it's not pretty.

And just be sure to wash your makeup off each night. You probably already know this, but sleeping in your makeup is a big no no. :) I knew a girl once who never took her makeup off! She'd sleep in it and just wipe off the smudges in the morning, and apply more and more constantly throughout the day(after a shower, after gym class, after school, before bed, etc.)...I'm not sure what happened to her skin, cause we're not friends or anything, but I heard it was really bad.

Does anyone know a good way to get rid of redness after eyebrow waxing? Mine stay red for about 24 hours it's terrible..

Right, so yesterday I went to the options about my contact lenses. He basically told me that I can't wear eyeliner, but I really feel that it's a great, every day way to widen my eyes and make them more defined. Does anyone have any other methods of widening the eyes to make them appear bigger? :D

Really? That's odd, I have contacts too and I can wear eyeliner - they just told me I had to be careful putting it on.

Maybe dark eyeshadow would work for widening the eyes... use the brush to put it on very close to where you'd put the eyeliner, then blend with another color for the rest of the eyelid. Also, a small amount of mascara can work wonders - put it mostly on the lashes very close to the roots, and not much farther out. Hope it helps!

Does anyone know a good way to get rid of redness after eyebrow waxing? Mine stay red for about 24 hours it's terrible..

Have you always gone to the same esthetician? Did you ask them about alternatives? Seems weird that they would continue using a technique that caused so much irritation. Ask him or her about sugaring (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugaring_(epilation)), it's a different technique that my friend has done on her eyebrows because she has super sensitive skin. It may be a good choice for you.

My esthetician uses a special cream before and after waxing and it seems to do the trick. I will ask next time I go.

You can wear eyeliner and contacts. I've been wearing contacts for more than 15 years and I've never had a problem.

You do have to clean your contacts properly (DAILY) and be sure to take your make up off every night. If you can't do that, then I agree with the doctor - no eyeliner.

For eye make up, I recommend Almay eye makeup remover pads. I believe I linked to them earlier in this thread.

Yeah, he said that the bottom of you eye is connected to the part of your eye that makes tears. If you use eyeliner it can block it and therefore you can't produce tears properly and your contacts become dry. And I am pretty high on eye hygene (i.e washing my hands before touching them, cleaning them properly and I can't go to bed without taking my make-up off.) I think I'll just use eyeliner on the odd occasion :D And, Almay? I'll check it out :) Thanks! :D

Maybe dark eyeshadow would work for widening the eyes... use the brush to put it on very close to where you'd put the eyeliner, then blend with another color for the rest of the eyelid. Also, a small amount of mascara can work wonders - put it mostly on the lashes very close to the roots, and not much farther out. Hope it helps! Thank you! I'll try that out. And yeah, mascara can be really good for widening, as I've found out today :D

Yeah, he said that the bottom of you eye is connected to the part of your eye that makes tears. If you use eyeliner it can block it and therefore you can't produce tears properly and your contacts become dry. And I am pretty high on eye hygene (i.e washing my hands before touching them, cleaning them properly and I can't go to bed without taking my make-up off.) I think I'll just use eyeliner on the odd occasion :D And, Almay? I'll check it out :) Thanks! :D


Here is the link to the make-up remover pads (http://www.almay.com/Pg/Main/CatProdDet.aspx?catid=36&catnm=Makeup&subid=230&subnm=Eye%20Makeup%20Removers&prd=28629&osubnm=Eye%20Makeup%20Removers). Be sure to get the oil free kind.

Your tear duct is located in the inner corner of your eye. I don't know about you, but I never wear eyeliner across the entire lower lid. You aren't supposed to go near your tear ducts, regardless of whether or not you wear contacts.

You can actually look at your own eye and find out exactly where your tear ducts are. They're at the inside corner of each eyelid. If you pull your eyelid down a little, you can see them clearly...there will be a quite obvious little hole there. :) After you know where they are, it's easier to avoid them with the eyeliner. If you're nervous about it tho, you could just go without the eyeliner.

About eyeshadow...how do you know what colors are right for you? And what is the correct way to put it on?
I really would like my eyes to "pop" but I don't know how. My little sister did eyeshadow on my over the weekend, and did them the same way she does hers...hers always look gorgeous, but mine turned out kinda funny looking, to me. She used blueish-purple on herself and green on me (cause I was wearing a green shirt), and went below my eye with the shadow.

Have you always gone to the same esthetician? Did you ask them about alternatives? Seems weird that they would continue using a technique that caused so much irritation. Ask him or her about sugaring (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugaring_(epilation)), it's a different technique that my friend has done on her eyebrows because she has super sensitive skin. It may be a good choice for you.

My esthetician uses a special cream before and after waxing and it seems to do the trick. I will ask next time I go.

Ahh thankyou, I will ask about sugaring next time I go to get waxed haha :D

My little sister did eyeshadow on my over the weekend, and did them the same way she does hers...hers always look gorgeous, but mine turned out kinda funny looking, to me.
:rotfl: That happens all the time with me! Someone will do my make-up because I like theirs and it turns out not how I thought it would.

About eyeshadow...how do you know what colors are right for you? And what is the correct way to put it on?
I really like Shimmering Sands by Cover Girl, it is a light pink, light brown, and dark brown that all shimmer. I think the three colors blend really nicely together and really look natural. I have been using it since high school. Also on the back of the packageing it comes in, it shows how to apply the shadow for different times of the day (morning and night).


Do people use eyelash curlers anymore?? I just found my Mary Kay one today and tried it and I didn't really notice a difference...maybe my lashes are too short :shrug:

i do....

but since my eyelashes are very short,i put the mascara on first...
whenits dry i use the curler,and they turn out great,a little angled,but they look better than they do straight.

me talking make up...so unlike me....

Do people use eyelash curlers anymore?? I just found my Mary Kay one today and tried it and I didn't really notice a difference...maybe my lashes are too short :shrug:
I do, but only occasionally because if I don't do it right I end up with mascara just beneath my eyebrows (not that I don't anyway...), but I like the way it looks. Just make sure you do it before you put on your mascara or you'll end up pulling out your eyelashes (and ruining the eyelash curler).

About eyeshadow...how do you know what colors are right for you? And what is the correct way to put it on?
I really would like my eyes to "pop" but I don't know how. My little sister did eyeshadow on my over the weekend, and did them the same way she does hers...hers always look gorgeous, but mine turned out kinda funny looking, to me. She used blueish-purple on herself and green on me (cause I was wearing a green shirt), and went below my eye with the shadow.

What color eyes do you have? There are certain colors that make eyes pop, but honestly, I think the most important thing is that you get colors that work with your skin tone. Can you tell if you have warm (yellow) or cool (pink) undertones? Certain colors just do not work with certain skintones (as in they make you look tired or sick). I'm guessing that the shade of green your sister used was not the best for your skintone.

About eyeshadow...how do you know what colors are right for you? And what is the correct way to put it on?
I really would like my eyes to "pop" but I don't know how. My little sister did eyeshadow on my over the weekend, and did them the same way she does hers...hers always look gorgeous, but mine turned out kinda funny looking, to me. She used blueish-purple on herself and green on me (cause I was wearing a green shirt), and went below my eye with the shadow.
With eye shadow colors, to make your eyes stand out, it is typically best to pick a color that is opposite of your eyes. For example, if you have blue eyes, brown shadows will work best, and purple is really great for green. The shade of color within that family will depend on what kind of skin tone you have because eye shadow colors will have undertones the way that human skin does-- some will be cooler and others warmer.

Typically you will have two or three colors: a highlight, a midtone, an accent. The highlight will be a cream or white color, the midtone a lighter color, and the accent may be a darker shade of the midtone or another color all together.

This site here (http://www.wildaboutmakeup.com/apply-eye-shadow.html) has many great ways to apply eyeshadow in a very simple but elegant way.

Hopefully this was helpful! :D

Yay! I love make up, so I am so jazzed that they have a topic for this! And even more fun than doing my own make up, is doing other people's make up. I am the unoffical make up guru for my friends and their friends and their sister and so on and so on.

As for eyeshadow, you can either go with the opposite of your eye color or compliments to your skin tone OR you can match with what you are wearing. But that requires creativity: for example I love navy and pink, so if I am wearing navy I will wear pink shadows with white compliments (so just picking two colors and neutral pairs is always fun and never boring). I love experiementing with different colors, but I always trying to keep it natural-looking. I love Revlon's cream shadows because they are easy and come in great colors.

One trick I have learned that people always compliment me on is taking a cream shadow in white (or a very light, bright color) and swiping it on your lower lash line (and not shading). It brightens your eyes and stands out.

But one thing that is a deifnite for everyone: black and brown mascara and liners are really important. If you are fair, black hardly every works. It is way too harsh. Brown is usually the way to go. It is softer.

One trick I have learned that people always compliment me on is taking a cream shadow in white (or a very light, bright color) and swiping it on your lower lash line (and not shading). It brightens your eyes and stands out.

Really? I'll have to try that, thanks :)
But one thing that is a deifnite for everyone: black and brown mascara and liners are really important. If you are fair, black hardly every works. It is way too harsh. Brown is usually the way to go. It is softer.


*cough* but that's not quite always the case. With me, for example: I have sort of dark honey-blonde hair (that lightens a lot in the summer, so it sometimes looks light blond), very fair skin, and blue eyes, but for some odd reason, my eyelashes are black. Brown eyeliner and mascara just looks really weird on me, and not at all natural (And it's the same with my sister). Anyway, what I’m getting at, is that I think it depends more on what your natural eyelash color is, than your hair or skin color :)

I love eyelash curlers. I actually am considering buying the Shu Uemura one. Does anyone own that?

*cough* but that's not quite always the case. With me, for example: I have sort of dark honey-blonde hair (that lightens a lot in the summer, so it sometimes looks light blond), very fair skin, and blue eyes, but for some odd reason, my eyelashes are black. Brown eyeliner and mascara just looks really weird on me, and not at all natural (And it's the same with my sister). Anyway, what I’m getting at, is that I think it depends more on what your natural eyelash color is, than your hair or skin color
Yes, you're right. But that is really awesome that you have that kind of coloring but black eyelashes. I bet that's pretty. I only use black mascara and eyeliner during winter, when I wear heavier eye makeup to parties and such (and my hair gets darker during the winter months). And I just learned this really awesome way to do eyeliner without using a bunch of it. On the lower lash line, at the outer corner of the eye, draw a 1 to 2 cm line that stretches out a little past the lash line. It looks a little Cleopatra-ish but not super heavy. It's nice, creative and unique.

I love reading makeup articles in magazines and I have loved the idea of these new moisturizing bases that have lotion in them. But they are really expensive, so I mix my own. That Jergens face bronzer/lotion is really great (it's light, doesn't have oil and not too bronzery) and I have mixed a bunch of different foundations, etc. with it but I love the Dream Matte Mousse by Maybelline. It's perfect: light but not super makeupy (with the icky line and such) and it has great coverage for people (like me) who have lots of pink patches and a small-ish break outs from time to time.

so i'm about 8 pages late on this.
but.
i love perfumes so...
vera wang- princess.
victoria's secret- pink (not the actual perfume, i find that to be too strong. the sheer fragrance mist is amazing)
clinique-happy
victoria's secret- pink with a splash "sweet & tart"
pacsun- lilu
pacsun- nollie
ae- aura
mary kay- velocity
andddd.
a cologne that I wear is abercrombie & fitch- 41.
it's amazing.

yes, i use all of those regularly

also, a little tip is to switch up perfumes. it makes it so people don't get used to your scent, you get tons of compliments and makes your perfume (and you!) stick out!

oh, and to get back on the eye shadow topic!

i love to take bright colors like pink, dark purple, green, blue, gold, (i love H-I-P) and run a little right along your lower lash line, and you can go coordinating, or neutral on top, and it can be dramatic or subtle.
i always get compliments on this! and if you do it right, it works for day too : )

I love reading makeup articles in magazines and I have loved the idea of these new moisturizing bases that have lotion in them. But they are really expensive, so I mix my own. That Jergens face bronzer/lotion is really great (it's light, doesn't have oil and not too bronzery) and I have mixed a bunch of different foundations, etc. with it but I love the Dream Matte Mousse by Maybelline. It's perfect: light but not super makeupy (with the icky line and such) and it has great coverage for people (like me) who have lots of pink patches and a small-ish break outs from time to time.

Are you talking here about making a tinted moisturizer with a self-tanner? Or is the product just a bronzer? I like the tinted moisturizers myself for the day or if I am not going anywhere special because they are light and I too usually make my own with my moisturizer and foundation. I use True Match by Loreal.

Are you talking here about making a tinted moisturizer with a self-tanner? Or is the product just a bronzer? I like the tinted moisturizers myself for the day or if I am not going anywhere special because they are light and I too usually make my own with my moisturizer and foundation. I use True Match by Loreal.

Haha, yeah! Tinted moisturizer. I could not think of the word. But yes, that is what I meant. But since those cost a bit more than I can afford (i.e. department store brands that run 30$ and higher), I use the Jergens natural glow (semi-self tanner) for face to mix my own.

As for perfume, I tend to favor one for an extended period of time, but I will go back an old one if I want to. I've only ever used about three perfumes: Shalimar Light, Lucky You and Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker. I love Lovely, it is perhaps the best perfume on me and it works for all seasons. But, like SheLovesRon said, instead of buying a bunch of other perfumes to keep things interesting, I use complimentary scents of lotion that change the perfume's smell a bit (which works best in the summer, because lotions and perfumes are stronger in the summer, esp in Texas).

Haha, yeah! Tinted moisturizer. I could not think of the word. But yes, that is what I meant. But since those cost a bit more than I can afford (i.e. department store brands that run 30$ and higher), I use the Jergens natural glow (semi-self tanner) for face to mix my own.

As for perfume, I tend to favor one for an extended period of time, but I will go back an old one if I want to. I've only ever used about three perfumes: Shalimar Light, Lucky You and Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker. I love Lovely, it is perhaps the best perfume on me and it works for all seasons. But, like SheLovesRon said, instead of buying a bunch of other perfumes to keep things interesting, I use complimentary scents of lotion that change the perfume's smell a bit (which works best in the summer, because lotions and perfumes are stronger in the summer, esp in Texas).


I love Lovely too!!! It is such an amazing scent! Thank you for clarifying. I was thinking of doing a facial tanner. Is it good? Does it turn you orange? I don't want to look like an Oompa Loompa :lol: And this happens a lot!

I love Lovely too!!! It is such an amazing scent! Thank you for clarifying. I was thinking of doing a facial tanner. Is it good? Does it turn you orange? I don't want to look like an Oompa Loompa And this happens a lot!
Haha, yeah, Oompa Loompa is bad. I've only used one or two different facial tanners but definitely my favorite is the Jergens Natural Glow for Medium Skin Tones. My skin is light, but I like the color of the medium. It's moisturizing but not oily, mixes well and not too expensive. I really like it. And it's natural-looking. And I sweep bronzer on my cheekbones/nose/forhead, as well.

And Lovely is just so lovely. Who knew?

Seriously! Lovely is the best!

I have tried a lot of body tanners so I will have to be bold and try the face one!

OMG I am so totally excited! I got two new brushes from Sephora!

This one that goes with my gel eyeliner:

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P134200&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=3865

And this for shadow:

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P38436&searchString=84954

I am really happy with both of these! I think good brushes are so important and can make even 99 cent shadow look incredible.

For Christmas I got some Urban Decay glittery liquid eyeliner and it's amazing! It stays on for hours and hours and looks really subtle and nice, just sparkles a bit around your eyes when you move your head in the light :) I've never had any Urban Decay make up before, has anyone else? Are the other products as good?

It stays on for hours and hours and looks really subtle and nice, just sparkles a bit around your eyes when you move your head in the light
Wow, I bet that's pretty. I love Urban Decay (I've only ever had a couple of their products...just a bit expensive for my budget)! But, yes, Urban Decay has great makeup products.

For Christmas, I got a pot of eyeshadow from L'Oreal's new line of HIP eyeshadows. Oh, man, I love it! I'm excited to go out and get some more! I love eyeshadow duos that actually go together (sometimes eyeshadows come in pairs and they are bascially the same color and look kinda weird together), but the HIP eyeshadows are different colors that look amazing (and don't fade!).

For Christmas, I got a pot of eyeshadow from L'Oreal's new line of HIP eyeshadows. Oh, man, I love it! I'm excited to go out and get some more! I love eyeshadow duos that actually go together (sometimes eyeshadows come in pairs and they are bascially the same color and look kinda weird together), but the HIP eyeshadows are different colors that look amazing (and don't fade!).

I LOVE those!! I have some that came in a group of four and they are awesome, its like lavendar, blue, purple and green...it sounds weird but when you put them on together they look amazing! Awesome stuff!