It’s taken me an embarrassingly long time to learn how to apply makeup. And I’ve had a lot of help in the process – from my sister, my sister-in-law, a coworker, the women at Ulta and Clinique… After many years, I feel like I am finally coming close to liking what I am seeing.
I thought I should share some of the tips I’ve learned – most of which seem to be related to eye makeup. Maybe this knowledge is natural to some women – but it sure wasn’t to me! (I apologize for the long post, and the fact that it has a more specific audience.)
Brand Loyalty Isn’t Always a Good Thing!
I think the first mistake I made was that I was trying to stay loyal to a drugstore brand – Maybelline. Seriously, I had been buying their products since 2000. When I wanted to try a new color, I would stick to Maybelline, and often be disappointed. This resulted in tubes of unused lipstick and stacks of barely-touched eyeshadow (Do people ever return those things? I feel guilty, since I used it ONCE).
Now I’ve realized that just because I love ONE Maybelline product (their liquid eyeliner) doesn’t mean I need to stick with them for EVERYTHING. I’m branching out.
The Brows Frame Your Face
I’m not sure if I was looking for an eyebrow pencil and gel when I went into Ulta a few months before our wedding, but I ended up with Sue Devitt’s “Sudan” pencil and gel (I’ve since moved on to Maybelline gel – it works the same for half the price) in my shopping bag when I left.
Wow, penciling in my eyebrows really helped me look more polished. Of course, it’s taken me quite awhile to learn how to use the right amount of pencil. At first, I was using the side of the pencil, drawing long, flat strokes. Ugh… no! No wonder that pencil lasted a whole year!
I recently read in Allure’s Confessions of a Beauty Editor (you know I was thinking of you, Diane, when I checked it out at the library) that the pencil should be sharp, and the strokes more “hair-like.” Yeah. Duh. That’s helped. A LOT.
Add a beautiful Mario Tricoci eyebrow wax (because they don’t do threading) and some gel and voila – muchos polished.
Use an Artist’s Tools for Your Canvas
I took my mother to Ulta the day before the wedding for a makeover, and to surprise her by buying some of the products. (My mother RARELY wears makeup. I’m not even sure if she brought any with her! Maybe some lipstick.)
The makeup artist used an assortment of brushes to apply her eyeshadow. Larger, softer brushes for the entire eyelid and up to the brow, and angular, flatter brushes for close to the eyelid. I was hooked. These brushes can be expensive, but I feel like I have so much more control with them – compared to the ones that come with the shadows. Of course, I am still learning how to blend colors and create different effects.
Get a Professional’s Advice
A month ago, I dug out all those old eyeshadows to look for something “new” to try. I tend to wear the same shadow everyday, but vary it by season. And it was time for a “Fall” look.
I saw nothing I liked at home. I finally dumped all that old crap into the garbage and made my way to the Clinique counter. I told the stylist the look I was going for, and she recommended the Strawberry Fudge Duo.
I’m liking it so much, I am considering trying another duo for a different, more dramatic, evening look. I am applying the shadow the same way – with the brushes – bit first using a bit of foundation on my eyelids to give the powder something to stick to all day. They had a product for this purpose at Clinique, but foundation works well for it.
Clump Free Is the Way To Be
I think I’ve tried every Maybelline mascara. Thick, Volume, Extending, Rubber Applicator – they all clumped and made my lashes look like nasty spider legs!
I decided to go out on a limb and try the CoverGirl Last Blast.
THAT was an extreme help.
Then, a coworker recommended using a round mascara-wand-like brush to comb my lashes before and after applying mascara (then clean the brush).
Wow. This helps so much more. The wand separates the lashes and you can actually tell I have individual eyelashes! I am only embarrassed that they were clumpy for so long!
Fin
Well, these are all of my tips as of now. I am still working on figuring out lips and face! What tips do you have to share?
I have to use eyeshadow base – I hate creased shadow. My favorite is MAC’s Paint Pot in “Bare Study,” although I think it’s meant to be more of an eyeshadow than primer/base, that’s what I use it for and it’s great. I also like Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion, it works well too, but one bottle of Urban Decay lasts a couple months and MAC’s paint pot lasts over a year.
I love this little tutorial. It’s all things I’ve pretty much known for a while, but rarely practice.
I lost my eyelash wand and miss it. I hate the clumping. I’m not particularly loyal to one brand of make up though I used to be a MAC girl (then my esthetician told me they are bad for the skin). I am all about the mascara and blush and lip gloss. And getting your eyebrows shaped can really change your face. I use a brush to put on the brows but lately am feeling like it’s not working for me. I might new brushes. I think I’ll treat myself to a make over when I get my first big pay check.
wow. i just learned SO much right now! i never wear makeup, and i don’t know how to apply it properly. it’s something i want to know — and i AM super girly in other respects. but makeup application is utterly foreign to me!
i am such a reject when it comes to makeup. one of these days i’ll learn to put it on and not look like i’m playing with my mom’s stuff. OH, and one day i’ll get my eyebrows done too. i’m guessing that day will be my wedding 😉
I have no brand loyalty whatsoever, haha. All of my makeup comes from different sources all of the time. I’m slowly trying to steer away from Stila eye shadows but that is the hardest habit for me to break!
I also think everyone should try something new. I never use an eyeliner or brow liner anymore. Well, I don’t really enhance my brows anyway since I generally rest my head on my fingertips (at the brow location) when I am working! However, I use dark eye shadows as eyeliner now and again and love it so much better than a pencil!
I’m kind of surprised about your feelings on Maybelline! I’ve been very happy with their mascara, and consider myself a loyalist on that product alone. I adore the newer Collosal Volume mascara–but I save it for going out, it makes my eyelashes unbelievably big!
I would say never be afraid to spend money on makeup. It is one of the things I think fall under the category of “you get what you pay for”. The exception is Avon, which I feel makes a consistently good yet inexpensive product across the board (eyeshadow, blush, lipstick, mascara) WITHOUT ANIMAL TESTING!
I am adding that book to my Christmas list. 🙂
Jenn – I have really been wanting to try Urban Decay. Aren’t they the ones with all the fun colors? Do they have more conservative colors as well?
Nilsa – Thanks. You have a big makeup day coming up! You probably don’t need my help! 😉
sizzle – Ooo, a makeover after that first paycheck would be so fun! Or maybe even before! 😉
marissa – I am happy this isn’t just all new to me! 😀
Alice – Aww, come on! It’s not that bad is it? Maybe you could start playing now, before your wedding 😉
Hilly – I think it is good to always be trying new things. Maybe I should try dark shadows! I am always afraid of them 😉
diane – After I wrote this, I was thinking perhaps the Maybelline mascara would work after I started using the wand. Duh. But I totally agree on spending the money!
Afew years ago I became a Consultant for Arbonne, a friend told me about it. It is all natural, no animal testing and NOT CHEAP. I use their cleanser exclusively, I have found none that I like better. I did not like their mascara, so I am using L’Oreal Bare Naturale, and so far I like it. Arbonne has mineral powder foundation that when I wear foundation is the only kind I will wear. I hate feeling like I’m wearing a mask and every type I tried felt this way. Although, normally I don’t wear foundation unless I’m going out or to something special. I have several of the eyeshadows and eyeliners that Arbonne offers, and several other brands also. I am not very good at application, however. I tend to wear either eyeliner or eyeshadow and cannot get the many colors application down without looking like a clown. 🙂 Mine has been trial and ERROR, I didn’t have a sister to show me the proper way. I’ve found also that some of the people that work at the Clinique, Este Lauder, etc. counters want to put TOO MUCH makeup on me . I have discovered also that I am allergic to Clinique & Avon eyeshadows, makes my eyes very bloodshot. Not a good look. Ever try wetting a corner of the eyeshadow and applying it wet for a more dramatic nighttime look?
you know that I am a lipstick woman, I firmly believe that the right colour (we’re being fancy here) can brighten the whole face, so just give the word and phase II shall begin 🙂
It’s amazing when you try new things. The hardest part is giving up the brands and worrying about price. But some things are well worth it. I was fortunate enough to attend a class where we were taught how to apply makeup. I never thought anyone would ever need such a thing but it really did help and teach me a lot of pointers.
Bare Minerals, all the way. As for eye shadows, I buy Physicians Formula. I love that they have several shades mixed into one color- I love the gold/brown/metalic one used to color the lower eyelid- and than use the white/silver/metalic for the upper part of my eye (the bone), then I blend of course.
I have to say this, I have thrown away a boat load of makeup in my day- but I actually USED every bit of my Physicians Formula eye shadow and now have to go buy more. That has never happened to me, ever.
Also, always blend, blend, blend. If ya put on eyeliner, make sure to blend it in w/ a nice soft brush. Those blunt lines don’t look natural. I guess maybe the trick is highlighting your own natural beauty! And, you have a lot of that girly 🙂
Very cool post! I’m glad you are having fun with it! I think you should do a “before” and “after picture”
Denise – I’ve never even heard of Arbonne! Where is it sold? In department stores? I’ve read in magazines, that when you are getting a makeover, you should go to the person at the counter who looks most like how you want to look. Because some DO look scary! I am going to have to try that wet shadow look! Thanks for the tip!
de – I am worried I will never be able to wear lipstick! The feeling of it on my lips… bothers me as much as wearing my hair down! 🙁
teeni – That sounds cool! Was the class sponsored by a specific makeup brand? I would love a class to show me minimalistic makeup procedures, that don’t take hours, or look too overdone!
JQ14 – That is what I want to find – an eyeshadow that I used the ENTIRE container. Then just go buy more when I need it. Maybe I should look into Bare Minerals and Physicians Formula. I have not tried either! I am happy you liked the post! Maybe I will use before and after pics next time, if you promise not to laugh!
I’m pretty much make up dysfunctional. I can’t do it no matter how hard I try. I hope to get rich some day and have someone do hair and make up for me every morning. :o)
WOWZER!!! Thanks 🙂
The only tip I have, I learned while in Chicago. If you use a powder liner for your eyes, you can make your eyes look defined but not “lined” by brushing it on your eye lid (is that what you call it) on top. I have done this on the bottom but never the top till then. It tickles till you get used to it LOL 🙂
Oh and that brushes make all the difference in the world (evidently you can have more brushes than products because it will make your products do different things)
i must agree with Mannyed, i am make-up dysfunctional…. bad… i wear base, eye liner, and mascara although now i am tempted to try to branch out and try more… i’ve wanted too for a long time but was just way to embarrassed to ask for help… i’m working on becoming more “girly” so i’m printing out your tips to take home with me!!! thanks!!!
=^..^=
I am so not a girly girl at all. I hardly ever wear any makeup, and barely know how to apply it. My poor daughters! Actually, for my older daughter’s birthday in January, I was thinking of making an appointment for her to learn how to do makeup so she can avoid the cluelessness that I have about it all. I figure if she learns young, she can avoid ever being overly made up, and know how to enhance her natural beauty. Plus, I could pick up some tips from her too!
Gina (Mannyed) – THAT would be the life. I always say I would like to hace a cook, so I don’t have to think about eating healthy. But hell, I will take hair and makeup too! 😀
Felicia – I was hoping you would have some tips from your trip! 🙂 I have been using it on my upper brow. At first I was skeptical, but now realize it really makes a difference! I love it!
CourtneyInControl – Try them! And maybe go to the makeup counter for fun? Wouldn’t it be awesome and you and Manny and I could get makeovers together?!?!?!!? 😀 😀 😀
tori – I think that is a great idea – to help your daughter with it! I wish my mom would have. Or someone. Anyone!
I swear by Clinique’s 3-Step skin-care routine. When it comes to cleansing and moisturizing, nothing touches my face but Clinique. I’ve learned the hard way. But I don’t like their makeup because it has no staying power.
I have been on a lifelong search for the perfect mascara, and so far, it doesn’t exist. I loved how CG Lash Blast worked on my lashes, but it made my eyes red and burning. Right now I’m using an Almay one because it was the only waterproof sensitive-eyes formula I could find.
The most amazing makeup product I’ve ever used is Avon’s new MagiX Face Perfector. It’s light and invisible, yet makes your skin look FLAWLESS. And it absorbs oil and makes pores seem to disappear. Yet you can’t even feel it! The one drawback is the perfumey odor, which I couldn’t stand. As much as I loved it otherwise, I’ll never use it again. My niece, however, loves the scent.
SJ – Wow! I think you owe us a makeup post, because you have a lot of good tips! I noticed that the Clinique bottles say “no fragrance added” (or whatever). I didn’t realize that many companies add fragrance until after talking a friend about it. What’s the point of that (adding fragrance, not talking to friends lol!)?
I think most people must like fragrance in their makeup. Why else do companies add it? It makes me mad, because (for example) Lancome’s Renergie Microlift Eye R.A.R.E. is the best eye cream I’ve ever used, but the fragrance makes my eyes water. It smells wonderful, but dang it, my eyes are SENSITIVE!
By the way, that Clinique product they put under your eye makeup was probably All About Eyes. I call it a miracle in a jar, because it takes about 10 years off your eyes! It de-puffs, smoothes and makes your eye shadow stay in place all day. And NO fragrance! The Lancome eye cream is better for women my age, because it “lifts” saggy eyelids and has a more intense moisturizer, but it tends to make mascara smeary.
Okay, maybe I *should* do a makeup post … with before and after shots!
SJ – I can’t imagine wanting fragrance in your makeup. Is there something I don’t know? I think it is All About Eyes! I had some on pre-order and picked it up. And they gave me a free gift bag with a bunch of sample stuff. I am looking forward to your post!
Good tips. thanks for the tips