Make-Up The Basics Part I

So this weekend we went up to NJ for my brother-in-law and now sister-in-law's wedding (Congrats!!). It was so much. They looked beautiful and the day was great. My little hobby of playing with make-up came in handy too. I ended up doing not only my make-up but one of the bridesmaid's and the bride! :) I need to say I don't have any training - this is all stuff I picked up along the way from practice, magazines, websites, etc. And the one thing I am shocked about is when people say they are scared of make-up. When someone says this to me, I always encourage them to just play. It's not permanent. You can wash it off and start again. Take a Saturday morning and just do different things. Tear photos from magazines and try to mimic their make-up. Start small. Maybe do something like conceal dark circles or a zit. Then work on smokey eyes. There is nothing to be scared about - I promise.

So this is the start of a few posts. Make-up basics. I'm not going to teach you anything crazy just yet - just a little how-to of what you need. First up for the make-up rookies the basics of what you need. I'm not advocating rushing out and buying the most expensive make-up out there. Find what works for you whether that be drug store bargains or high-end splurges. I tend to mix and match. My photos are of things I use but you should try any and everything until you find the right fit for you. This weekend I used Lancome on them -I've never used it but I was super impressed with the consistency and colors. Proof you will learn something new when you experiment with different brands.

First up...

Moisturize

So important!! Your skin needs moisture. I apply moisturizer as soon as I'm out of the shower or after I've washed my face. Find what works for you and stick with it. Tip: Put moisturizer on a few minutes before you put on your make-up. This way it can soak into your skin and you're not damp before you start.

Hands down my favorite moisturizers are Eucerin (not pictured) and Estee Lauder (the little pink jar). Both come with anti-aging properties and sunscreen. For a girl whose always running late (me) it's perfect. I don't need multiple steps when I'm short on time. Loads of people swear by the Clinique moisturizer pictured (left) - I've used it off and on for years - this one was a freebie. For my skin it's not enough but my skin tends to be pretty dry. This is proof that you need to try different things - Clinique may be great because it doesn't break me out but I need a more heavy duty moisturizer. You may find their moisturizer works just find for you.

Tinted Moisturizer

I know I just said moisturizer but for non-foundation fans this is tool number one. The bonuses: if you have normal or oily skin you can maybe skip the moisturizer and opt for a tinted version (look for sunscreen and use a night cream (at night) to get anti-aging benefits) or if you're like me simply layer on over your regular moisturizer as your foundation.

This little beauty does the work of a foundation and moisturizer in one step and most come with some sunscreen protection - yay! It's not as thick as foundation but it evens you out a bit. I love this in the summer - lighter than foundation and perfect for hot days (or the beach) where you want a little help but not a face full of make-up.

Since they are not as heavy duty as foundations they typically don't come in a lot of shades - Estee Lauder's (which as been discontinued) came in light, light-medium, medium, etc. Try a few - even with diligent sunscreen use you'll probably see a little change in your skin tone from summer to fall.

Cream Blush

So you're moisturized and tinted - next try a cream blush. Easier to use (I think) than powder, I think. These blend in with your fingers and are great for layering on color. Start with a bit and amp it up until you get the desired shade. The three I pictured are from Maybelline (technically a mousse not a cream), Clinique and Sonia Kashuk's Target line (technically a liquid not cream). I think the Maybelline and Clinique are the easiest to use. Put a bit on your fingers and blend in. It should look like a natural flush - like you just finished a brisk walk or stepped outside in the snow. Don't go warpaint and paint stripes across your cheekbones. The trick with blush is natural. The Sonia Kashuk blush's motto should be a little bit goes a long way! This is more of a stain. One drop (I'm serious) is all you need for both cheeks. This is harder to blend but can look beautiful and since it's more of a stain will last a bit longer. (Next time I'll tell you my trick of making blush last longer).

As far as colors - I tend to go for rosy pinks, it's more natural with my skin tone but take a look in the mirror and see what color your cheeks tend to be. Maybe a bronze would look better or a peach. Practice!! Most make-up counters will let you try it out and CVS (last time I checked) has a great return policy where if you try it and hate it - you can return it!

Natural Eye Shadow

I'm a big eye shadow fan. I think it's the most fun product - where else can you put all that color. But if you're a newbie - I don't suggest running out and buying up a bunch of black, purple and blue eye shadow. Why? Simply because done wrong you could be stuck in a time warp or look like you got punched. You can buy them but practice first with some natural looking browns. It's the easiest to master. Trust me.

Start with a lighter shade (the one on the left). You want something subtle so look for something a shade or two lighter than your skin - you can try a matte or a shimmer - shimmers will give you a bit of a highlight but mattes can look a bit more natural). I run this all over my eye from lash line to eye brow. One it's a great base for the next color on your lids and gives your brow line a bit of a highlight. Next take the darker brown and run it over just your lid. Start about a pinkie tip in from the corner of your eye. You can do a V-shape along your lash line and crease or simply fill in your lid. I like to do a modified v-shape (my name for it). I do the V so the shadow is darker at my lashes and the crease (usually darkest in the crease) and then lighter of the rest of my lid. Go back to the lighter shade and blend everything. If it still looks too dark take your finger or Q-tip to blend some more.

This is one area where you need to practice what looks best for your eye shape!


Mascara

I cannot say enough about mascara. It instantly opens your eyes - making you look more awake and your eyes bigger. I like mascara on my top and bottom lashes. For the bottom open your eyes wide and simply swipe the wand down your lashes - use a Q-tip in eye make-up remover to get rid of any that hits your skin.

For your top lashes - I tend to press the wand as close to my eye as I can (any on your lid will look like liner - saves a step) and wiggle it to the ends. This helps get even coverage.

I'm not a fan of waterproof mascara for everyday. It's a pain to get off and I found made my eyelashes brittle and prone to falling out. Two of the ones pictured are Estee Lauder freebies I've gotten in gift packs the other is Maybelline. For the money I've found Maybelline makes the best mascaras. Another tip I'd give - go with a black mascara. Unless you have really fair skin and hair (and even then I think a soft black would look nice) I don't think brown mascara looks great. Black will give you a bit more definition and you can go as heavy handed as you want - for natural or a falsies look.

Lip gloss

I'm not a lipstick fan. I think gloss is a subtle easy way to do your lips quickly.

If you want to layer over lipstick dab the gloss in the center of your lip (top and bottom) and then press your lips together. The gloss should spread outward but the heaviest concentration will be in the center of your lips making them look fuller.

I tend to go for more natural colored glosses but here almost anything can go. If you're just starting out you'll probably feel most comfortable in something a shade or two darker or lighter than your natural lip color.

I would stay away from anything too sticky or shiny. You're going for subtle sheen not like you used car wax on your face. As far as sticky - I just don't like it clinging to everyone you kiss or your hair, etc. Test them out to find ones that work for you. Again there are great finds at all price points.

One last tip. I tend to use brushes and my hands a lot. If you're going to use your fingers - wash your hands! You don't want to spread germs all over your face. I personally think some make-up tinted moisturizers and cream blushes included go on better once they're warmed by your hands. And your hands are a great way to even out mistakes. As for brushes - invest in a quality set. Yes, it seems a splurge but you'll use them for years. I have make-up brushes from five years ago. Wash them regularly with face wash and set them out to dry before you use them again. Brushes are great for things like eyeshadow to give a better finish than those little sponges that come with them (keep the sponges for clean-up though  if you make mistakes!).
Ok this was just a few basics. I wanted to get you started. I honestly think you could do a whole routine with just those products and look fabulous. Once you've gotten it down I doubt it would take more than 10 minutes. Have fun!

Maybelline You Surprised Me...

So I hate drug store make-up. Strong statement, I know. Why?

First off aside from the lower-end department stores, drug stores have horrible lighting. We're talking full on bright lights that know how to highlight every perceived flaw. Bad lighting and make-up just don't make a good match. I always end up buying things that seem like a good idea in the store but as soon as they hit daylight it's pretty obvious that the pale shade of pink is really full on florescent fuchsia. Not pretty.

Second, do you know how hard it is to choose make-up hidden behind plastic? Incredibly hard. As much as I hate the thought of everyone's grubby hands and lips rubbing all up on the department store testers, at least you can rub it on the back of your hand and hope for the best. In drug stores, you're stuck holding a plastic and cardboard container up to a tiny mirror in the hair department. Hmm I think this looks ok... And again in the privacy of your bathroom it usually looks like complete junk.

And third, I haven't been overly impressed with drug store make-up. It usually feels cheaper to me. Like a knock-off version of their more expensive sister. Snobby maybe? From experience, I've found the shades don't always look the way you would think (lighter or darker), the consistency isn't always as great, and the staying power isn't always there. I've had eye shadow fade out by 11 am and I work a desk job.

Still, my one hold out was Maybelline. I love their mascara. Swear by it. (I really like it but mascara is also the one thing I refuse to pay over $10 for). So the other day when I was depressed I couldn't afford to buy out the Clinique counter, I wandered over to the Maybelline aisle at the grocery store and I ended up buying an eye shadow and liner. I justified that the costs - probably $10 for both - was cheap enough that if I hated it - I could toss it.

The thing is, I was delightfully surprised. I've gotten their mousse blush before and liked it so I don't know why I was so terribly shocked. Maybe because I've tried other brand's eye shadows and been horribly disapointed? At any rate ... I found myself looking in the mirror today and thinking - wow that is actually really pretty. And, it's after 7:30 pm and it still looks just as good as it did at 7 am. So I had to go on here and brag about them a little bit. I mean hello, if you can save $10 over the department store, why not give it a try? I got Sunkissed Olive (see photo above) and I think it'll be perfect all summer. I mixed it with Maybelline Cinnamon Spice (a hint from the Clinique counter to tone down green with a copper color). I'm in love. It might replace Clinique's Beach Plum as my go-to this summer... or at least be my alternate.

I took the lighter color that came in the duo and ran it across my lids, up to my brows. I always put a lighter color in the inner corners of my eyes to wake-up a bit so this works perfectly (and not too much shimmer that you look like you're clubbing at 8 am). Then I took the green and ran along my upper lash line and in my crease. I took the Cinnamon Spice and filled in most of my lid (minus the green areas and stopping a little past my pupil). Then I blended and lined my eyes with a green/gold eye-liner. Actually also Maybelline but I can't find it on their site.

So, what's your favorite drug store make-up?

Make Up Review Almay intense i-color play up thickening mascara

Wow long name. Okay, let's start by saying I love Maybelline mascara. The only time I usually use anything else is if it came with a free gift from a department store. Nothing against Clinique or Estee Lauder mascara but I've never seen how they are any better than Maybelline and they are at least twice as expensive. My feeling is if you can get a great product for around $8 why spend $20 plus?

That being said I was inspired by my recent writer's club meeting. A woman there had on royal blue mascara. I liked it because it was unexpected.

So off to CVS I went. Unfortunately as far as I can tell Maybelline does not make colored mascara. So I settled for the Almay mascara mentioned above. I'm not a blue girl so I chose the Purple Amethyst and as an added bonus apparently this brings out my eye color.

The pros: the mascara goes on and comes off easily. No eye make-up remover needed. Also, it didn't clump on me even after I added multiple coats.

The cons: It's not my blackest black Maybelline? Actually this is a complaint. It's so subtly purple you can't even tell and on my naturally black lashes it looks almost brown - and if you know me you know that I detest brown mascara (it might be okay for people with pale lashes but bring on ultra-black for me). In Almay's defense this mascara would probably be okay on someone with fair lashes (or someone who doesn't like to use the darkest mascara known to mankind).

The first day I wore it by itself (two coats on all lashes top and bottom). When I grilled my husband he couldn't even tell it was purple and in his defense I had to test it on my hand to be sure it was. Today I tried layering it over my black mascara. I'm pretty sure I'm going to try to exchange it for a new tube of my Maybelline Intense XXL.

On a side note and an unofficial review. I also bought Almay intense i-color bring out powder shadow. Seriously, they need to work on their names - well known make-up colors always have short quirky names not names that take half a sentence to write. I didn't like the color choice for brown eyes so I bought the one for green eyes - its two green powder shadows and one purple. I need to try it again but the day I wore it, the colors go on pretty intense and then faded to almost nothing by the end of the day. I will say it didn't crease (just like their website promises). Anyway, I'm going to say this is unofficial since I've only tried it once but once I play with it some more I'll give a final verdict.

So my quest for a colored mascara continues. I'll keep you posted on what I find.