New Makeup - Clueless...

I agree with all the previous posts about first making sure to take care of your skin with facial wash, moisturizers AND a great primer before applying any make-up to your skin! The primer will help the make-up last longer and give it a more natural look. I am not going to lie..but I LOVE make-up...I don't wear it all the time but I have tons of it (I have a cosmetology license ;) ) Anyway, to answer your question the one brand of make-up that I recommend to EVERY woman that is a MUST need is BareMineral make-up. It's very light, refreshing, doesn't gunk up, and lasts all day. They have the kits that you can buy from the actual store, Ulta, Sephora, etc. The kits are about 45-60 dollars and it comes with about 10 products (that last for months!) in it including brushes!! (Foundation, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, lipgloss, primer, mineral veil to seal your make-up, and all the brushes!) WITH a DVD on how to apply it all. Yes, I know with the DVD makes it sound like it may be a lot of work but trust me it is not!!! Once you watch it and apply it the first time you will be able to handle it from then on AND you will recieve so many compliments on how natural your make-up looks. I hope this helps!!! Good Luck!! :)

I only spend about 10-15 minutes each morning on my makeup. But it is a MUST, and so worth it. I constantly get compliments on my skin and makeup.

Check out Suzanne Somers spray on primer and makeup. I am not kidding. You will be amazed. It is SO easy, doesn't cake, looks natural ALL day. All those other foundations cake and look too makeup-y.

I am also a fan of MAC and LANCOME cosmetics. When you go to their counter, be VERY clear you want VERY simple and easy and less is more. Watch what she does as she does it (in mirror). The only thing you can do is practice to perfect.

Basics you need:

- a good face lotion in am, then a good primer or base/foundation, or both preferably. Do not buy some heavy, cheap foundation or you won't use it.

- eyeliner - I use lancome - love it. I use cafe instead of black so it is not so drastic. I have dark hair and green eyes. See their counter for help. Tell them what you want, if they don't do it, go elsewhere. Don't be afraid!

- Mascara - I use lancome here as well. Definicils. Cannot beat it!

- light color lip gloss

I do a smokey eye and wear very light almost clear lipgloss on my lips. Bright lipstick looks overdone and like you are trying too hard, esp during the day. If you want a good smokey eye kit, check out Mally Beauty online. SO easy to use, I promise. I also use a primer from MAC under my eyeshadow. Makes such a difference.

IMPORTANT tip - no makeup will do much unless you have a good base to work with under it all. You must take care of your skin and prep it for makeup. Eat lots of healthy and good skin foods like avocado and blueberries. Get microderm and peels regularly at a dermatologist to brighten your skin and make it more even. Use GOOD QUALITY face products and lotions. Vivite is PERFECT for your age and works like magic. Makeup is far less important than the skin appearance under it.

Google "how to apply eyeshadow" or "how to apply foundation", etc. Watch videos, then practice!

Your budget? I would say at least $150 - $300 range (for a good morning cream, foundation, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara and gloss) -because again, you need good quality stuff. You get what you pay for.

Good luck!

I think you should get a "makeover" at both Clinique and BareMinerals. I don't like the BareMinerals eyeshadows (way too intense, and hard to apply in loose powder form), but BareMinerals foundation is absolutely amazing. It's lightweight, doesn't feel like you're wearing makeup, and it looks great.

Use Clinique for some lipsticks and eyeshadows and a blush, and then go to the drugstore to fill in whatever else you need (mascara, eyeliner, etc.). BareMinerals is about $30, so maybe budget $100 for your first shopping outing. (You can buy both brands at Sephora, possibly also at Ulta.)

Skin care is important too, so if your skin isn't in great shape, ask the Clinique lady what you should be doing to care for it.

I wear Clinique and have since I was about 11. I am 49 and pass for early to mid 30's. I LOVE Clinique and my 17 yr old daughter uses it as well.

I do not wear much makeup at all, 5 minutes max in the am. I do use primer on my lashes and my lashes look like I have extensions but I don't.

Don't be intimidated by the counters, the staff is there to assist you not to "steal your money", be ":heavy handed"..... GEES..... and take advantage of you. You are under no obligation to purchase when you go. Just be honest with the staff as far as your likes, dislikes and let them know what you are interested in .

Nordstroms and Neimans are my favorites with the best Clinique reps (and other reps as well). Dillards and Macy's are not bad. Also, if you have a Sephora, they have all types of brands and can lead you to make a good decision as well.

You do need good moisturizers, cleansers, etc. I use the Repairwear series and I spend about $60 per container of the day, night, laser focus, eye cream, etc BUT.... they last at least 6 months so it is not as extravagant as it seems. You get what you pay for.

Make sure you have a good skin care routine. We are very faithful with our routine morning and night. I also atribute my good skin to good genes, healthy habits, drinking a lot of water and using sunscreen EVERY DAY.

Good luck. Still if you feel uncomfortable going by yourself, take a friend and just go have fun... Rest assured... they are not out to steal your money... they are there to help.

Bare Minerals. It's the best. I've used it for nearly 10 years and will never switch.

GO TO BARE ESSENTIALS!

I'm almost 44 and know what you mean. Fighting the age thing.

The BEST part about that make-up is it's idiot proof. You can't put it on wrong! I love make-up but don't consider myself a girly girl even though others say different. It works, it HELPS your skin and they will help and not PRESSURE you like the other places.

Start with their starter kit and you'll be fine.

HINT--buy the primer. It REALLY makes a HUGE difference. I put on some mosturizer and then the primer. WOW, that make-up stays on and starts to look BETTER as the day goes on.

I would go to Ulta. There you can check out a few different brands and the makeup ladies can help you out, try it on. I love Bare Minerals because it looks natural, is easy to use, you don't get the cakey feeling, and it is natural products so they last a long time. I don't wear makeup everyday so when I do I don't want everyone to "notice" I have makeup on.

I buy my make up at CVS, our local drug store. What to get really depends on your skin tone and whether your skin is oily or dry or in between. I am very fair and my skin is very dry.
1) A moisturizing cream is the most important for me, I am 51. I use the CVS version of Nivea Soft, a thick cream that really moisturizes, about $10 for a big jar (10 oz?). I apply it day and evening. In the summer I apply the CVS version of Olay SPF15 over it for daytime.
2) Then I use loose powder that I apply with a big soft brush all over my face and neck. I like Cover Girl cosmetics a lot, but if you have sensitive skin I would start with Neutrogena products. Loose powder tends to come in less shades, just Neutral, Light, Buff and then darker ones. I am fair and buy the light. Probably about $12 for a container of loose powder, and probably just as much for a fluffy brush at CVS.
3) Blush - a very light peach or rose color blends well. Again about $10 for a compact with a brush in it. Many people prefer a bigger blush brush but I always just use the one it comes with, apply it in a 3 shape from temple to cheeks to chin on each side, then blend a bit by gently rubbing it with my hands.
4) If nothing else I would use mascara. You can skip liner and eyeshadow but mascara really makes you eyes "pop". The most sold brand is Maybelline in the pink and green tube. I buy waterproof because my eyes water a lot in the AM and it does not smear. This does mean you need a make-up remover (not just soap and water). Mascara's start at about $6 for Maybelline and can go to $40 for Chanel, but I fail to understand what makes one soooo much better than the other. I choose by brush type (I do not like curved brushes or those rubber tipped ones that seem popular now).
So on the cheap end you could start with about $50 and see how you feel.
REMEMBER: CVS will take back any make-up after you have tried it for any reason. I have returned stuff because the color on my skin looked different than on the box, or because a lid on a container broke days after I used it, and make-up remover that made my eyes sting. They ask no questions, just bring the receipt and they will make you sign a return slip, and you get cash back. So browse and start with some basics and return if you dislike them. Have fun!

You need to go somewhere that appeals to you, my fav is Ulta most of the people there do know what they are talking about. What I can tell you for what you are looking for Stila is a brand you may like as well as bare minerals or even Eyes Lips Face - mostly avail online. Stila has wonderful natural color paletts that will go with the look you want/need, bare minerals has good products but if you are not looking for too much all over facial color you may want to look into the colour supplements from Lush (lushusa.com to find a store). I find that clinique is way over priced for what they are selling and many of their products are poorly pigmented and hardly do what they say. I prefer to stay more natural with the products I use to clean my face since I "play" with make up more I find the more natural stuff cleans it away and repairs my face better. For your initial visit I would have a good couple hundred to spend but here is what I suggest you spend it on.
Lush Colour Supplements 15.95 (mine has lasted 6months and I use it almost daily)
Make Up Brushes- Foundation Brush, Powder Brush, "C" or paddle brush, blending brush, blush/contour brush, expect to spend money on these or you can go to eyselipsface.com and get a steal.12.00 anywhere else 50-75.00
Natural color palette with GOOD PIGMENT- drug store stuff is cheaper, for a reason! 39.99 stila all the way up to 69.00 I suggest the Stila "In the Light" shadow palette for starters.
Eye Shadow Primer - this will hold your color where YOU put it all day with no gastly creasing ... honestly on older skin creasing is terribly common. 18.00 (a tube will last 6-9months w/ daily use) what you want depends on your skin and needs I suggest the standard unless you have dark cirlces or discoloration.
Benefit has the best blushes as well as stila - long lasting not too powdery looking and good color choices, I always suggest Benefit's "Papa Don't Peach" it works for all skin types.20-30.00
Lips, honestly Stila's lip gloss collection is great, but I like good old lip balm or over the counter Lip Stains, cover girl has a good line there
Mascara, again over the counter - if you want pretty nothing too much go with Classic pink and green Maybeline but I like lush lashes and go with L'oreal double extend with Maybeline One by One layered over it (I like the drama) about 10ish at Walgreens.
So for my shopping list (only the basics) you would spend (no tax incl) 126 up to 170 depending on what you go with for a palette if you got everything w/out being savvy at say, clinique or another counter like that you are looking at a good 200 plus for all these items.

http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/face/colour-suppleme...
http://www.eyeslipsface.com/makeup/tools/brush-sets
http://search.ulta.com/search?p=Q&asug=too+faced&...

I went to Ulta and they gave me a makeup lesson. They showed me what colors look right on me and how to apply them. The girl showed me a quick 5 minute look for everyday. She then added to it for a 10 minute look and a little more for a 15 minute look. The 10 minute look is for nights out/dates and the 15 minute look is for weddings and uber special occasions.

I love Ulta because they have great makeup, and a huge selection (unlike some of those places that only have "their" brand.) They'll also tell you what colors look best and bring out your best features.

Good luck!

For starters, make sure you are taking care of your skin. Here is what I suggest:
- Face Cleaning Wipes (easy but a must!): Neutragena Deep Clean Wipes ($6 at Walgreens)
- Good Night time lotion: Aveeno Clear Complexion Moisturizer...not too heavy and will keep your skin clear and glowing, I love it! ($7 at Walgreens)
- Daily moisturizer: I like Clinique's yellow moisturizer (the lotion not the gel). Its effective yet light enough to wear under my powder ($20)
- Powder: I use Clinique's Double Powder Super Face powder. Its a pressed powder (I just make a mess and waste too much of the loose powder). Its not too thick and not too thin...just right! ($25)
- Eye shadow (google to find what would look best with your coloring or ask a person at the Clinque counter): I really like cliniques eye shadows because they seem to last longer than drug store brands ($10-15)
- Eye shadow blending brush: a necessity if you use eye shadow, the spounges are awful. ($5-10) @ clinique
- Blush (again, google to find your best color): I think drug store brands are just fine ($5-6)
-Blush Brush: Get a good one and you will be glad you did ($5-10) @ Walgreens
- Mascara: I agree with Oprah on this one...Covergirl Lash Blast ($6 @ drug stores). ITs the bests one I've ever used and I used to use Clinique, but this one is better by far.
- Lip moisturizer (chap stick works just fine)
- Lip gloss: Just something to give you some color and shine and finish off your look but it need not be too much color. Clinique has some good ones ($6-10)

Hope this helps!

(P.S. I know this looks like a lot, but really it only takes me 5 minutes max to but on my make up!)

I like Nordstrom for makeup because their sales people aren't tied to one line. One person can help you with foundation from one line, mascara from another and so on. I think it is rare to like makeup all from one line. Most of us like to mix it up! I was just there yesterday for pressed powder and mascara with no particular brand in mind. Lovely girl suggested 2 different lines based on what I my needs were.

Most importantly, NEVER feel pressured to buy something no matter how much time the sales person has invested. They won't hunt you down later! You can always say I'm going to think about this product or I'm building my collection a few pieces at a time. I would hate for you to walk away with lots of things you'll never use and have buyer's remorse. Good luck!

I worked for Clinique when I was in college - believe me, please DO NOT be intimidated by the counters or the women behind them. They work for you. Nordstrom is wonderful because they can help with all lines, but do a little research on line beforehand and it will give you more confidence when you are ready to walk into the store.

If your skin is generally in good shape and you want only the basics for makeup, I would recommend Clinique. Many people always thought of it was a line for younger women, but it's not. I still use Clinique and I am well into my 40's.

Regardless of what line you choose, budget at least $150. And I'll give you a hint about mascara- every girl behind the counter will tell you that they use and love whatever brand they are selling (don't buy into that!). When I worked at Macy's, nearly every girl in the department was wearing Maybelline in the pink/green tube! (Myself included- I saved my money for a better foundation) Just make sure you get a new tube every month...

To get started, you need a good moisturizer and a good foundation/base. I prefer the creme foundation because it is easier/faster to apply in the morning. You also need a good powder to set it all into place. Have the girl help you select a blush color (if you think you need it) because that can get tricky.

Have fun with this- remember, makeup should enhance your natural beauty, not overwhelm it! Good luck! :)

If you have never worn makeup I would go as natural as possible. I agree with Christy Lee on the Bare Minerals and then for everything else you want Arbonne, all pure, vegan, and natural.

I am in Colorado, but I help people all over the country with makeup and then you don't have to go to any place intimidating or have to sit out in an open store and have your makeup worked on. Send me a message if you want some help.

Good luck!

i don't wear much myself just eye liner mostly. i was going to suggest looking for a Mary Kay in home consultant to come out and help you at home where you would be more comfortable and not overwhelmed by as many choices as in the mall. Personally though, I don't love that brand, I like covergirl from the drugstore better.

I"m not sure i could walk up to a makeup counter and not feel like some freak, and then i would feel like someone stole all my money when i got home. lol. not sure i can help. doyou have someone you trust to go with you and maybe help if the make up lady gets a little heavy handed???

Book yourself a free makeup consultation at a make up counter. I like Clinique because a number of their products are fragrance and dye free and I have sensitive skin. Tell them what you've just told us. I've had wonderful success with this - and I'm not a "make-up" person. They teach you what to use and how to use it. Also, you don't have high pressure sales - I even recommend that you walk away without buying anything, then go back when they have their "bonus days" - you get a whole make-up bag full of sample sized make-up, facial cleansers etc, with a nominal purchase. Maybe purchase your skin care products at the bonus (have them ring it in separately, so for each $25 you spend, you get another free bonus kit). Then you'll have your sunscreen and skin care, then use the lip and eye colors you get for free (they are usually "in" colors and pretty neutral). Oh, and toss your wedding make-up. It's really only good for a few months, once opened.

Contact a Mary Kay Consultant and an Avon Lady. You can also go to a store and get a make over. I would do all 3 leave the make-up on all day and them use a good make-up remover and moisturizer before bed. I say use all 3 resources because if you are inexperienced with make-up and how they effect your skin you may have a reaction to one of the brands. I had an allergic reaction to a few make-up brands several years ago. I didn't break-out from them I got all sniffly and my eyes got watery and itchy. I removed the make-up and my 'cold' symtoms went away almost immediatetly.
Also different consultants are going to have different ideas on what blusher and eye shadow colors work best for you. This may depend upon what speicials they are offering currently. You may like one and not another.
I like try before you buy. You can test a few make-up brands and then decide which one to buy.

It is the make up counter, just pick one and tell them what you are after. If you like it, make a purchase and try that for a while. Next time, try a different counter and compare. I would start with a foundation/base, mascara, and a little lip color.

Everyone's skin type and needs are different. It is best for you to give them a try for yourself.

I like Prescriptives. My reasoning -- they make a foundation especially for your skin tone. It looks 100% natural. And, when I wear their stuff, no can tell I have makeup on and it brings out my greatest skin qualities. To me, that is the best makeup, unless you are in theater or taking photographs which requires heavy makeup. In everyday life, Prescriptives is perfect with the customized foundation - you can then play around with other accents.