Makeup 101
Makeup is used to highlight features you like, disguise ones you don't, and trick the eye by making things look wider, bigger, smaller, etc.
The downsides of makeup are that using a lot of it can lead to wrinkles and skin problems like breakouts. Also, wearing too much makeup can present a bad image.
Here's a run down of the basic kinds of makeup and their details:
Skin
Foundation- Can be in cream(liquid)(for dry skin) or powder(for oily skin) form. Used to even out skin tone and provide a base for concealer. It should be applied with a cosmetic sponge or foundation brush* by dipping the brush into the foundation and blending over the cheeks and T zone, or patting powder on the sponge and and smoothing/patting the sponge over the same area.
*http://pics.drugstore.com/prodimg/54837/200.jpg
http://www.your-cosmetics.com/images/lc_brush_foundation3.jpg
When finding your shade, if you are at Ulta, Sephora, or a Department store, ask the lady at the counter and they will find your best shade. Then, if you want to get a drugstore brand, see which of the drugstore shades most closely matches the one they gave you. You basically want it to match your skin tone without rubbing or blending. See a dermatologist for special foundation that covers and treats skin. As for store brands, I like Bare Escentuals, Revlon, NARS, Almay, and Smashbox.
Concealer- Creamy, heavier consistency than foundation. Used to cover blemishes. Applied the same way as foundation, but sometimes comes in wand form. The same brands as above.
Blush- Used to create the illusion of a rosy glow, add color to cheeks, or visually raise cheekbones. It is usually powder form, but sometimes cream. (Which should be put on skin and then blended.) Get a shade that is not too bright or dark. (Paler colors for fair skin, deeper colors for dark skin. A medium to light pink works on most skin tones, but you may wish to use something with more brown.) Apply with a blush brush* by smiling and dusting the blush on the apples (round, raised part) of your cheeks. You can also apply a bit darker shade just under your cheekbones to make them look higher.
*http://www.smashbox.com/images/site1/products/processed/7_dt.jpg
Maybelline and Clinique have the best blush.
Bronzer- Bronzer is exactly like blush, but is used to create a tan, glowing look. Clarins is THE best.
Eyes
Eyeshadow- Can be cream or powder, is used to highlight eyes, create depth(or the opposite), or add color. It should be applied with an eyeshadow brush along the lid, crease, and/or brow bone. (While there are many different kinds of brushes for different eyeshadowing techniques, it's best to stick to just one basic brush.)*
*http://pics.drugstore.com/prodimg/147006/200.jpg
Darker colors on the crease(line where your eyeball and brow bone meet) and lighter colors on the lid add depth. (You might want to add depth if you have asian eyes.) Vice versa will lessen depth if you have a deep crease. Also, light shades make the eyes look bigger and open up the eyes, while dark shades have the opposite effect. Eye shadow can also be applied shust on the lash line for a look that is subtler than eyeliner. A creamy shade that is close to your skintone is best for every day. For night, try brighter colors or a 'rainbow' effect (one color at the brow bone, another on the lid, ex: purple to blue.) To make eyes stand out, choose the color opposite from your eye color on the color wheel:
http://www.sanford-artedventures.com/study/images/tertiary_triange_wheel.gif
Maybelline, Revlon, and Loreal have nice eyeshadow. (You shouldn't splurge on eyeshadow because cheaper brands have enough pigment and last just as long, but if you are looking for unique colors, try Urban Decay.)
Mascara- Mascara can lengthen, volumize, or darken the eyelashes. It is applied in wand form, and for extra curl and thickness you can curl your lashes beforehand. ( Look at this link for instructions on how to use an eyelash curler: http://beauty.about.com/od/makeuptrickstips/ht/curllashes.htm) Pull the wand out of the tube and wiggle it back and forth lightly with the wand horizontal to your lashes, working from the root to the tips. (Do not pump the wand in the tube, it causes bacteria buildup, which can lead to an eye infection, and pushes air inside the tube leading to dried out and unusable mascara! Shu Umera offers the best eyelash curlers on the market, and no matter how much you hear about expensive brands, Maybelline has the best mascara of all. You might want to use brown mascara if you are a pale blonde or pale red head. Colored mascara is a new option for night time.
Eyeliner- Eyeliner is used to line the eyes and create definiton. It is usually in pencil form but for a more dramatic, 50's look you might choose to use liquid eyeliner, which is in a tube. For nighttime looks colored eyeliner is very glam, and white eyeliner amkes your eyes look HUGE, but the most common colors are brown and black. Black should be used on people with darker skin and hair, while brown is the color choice for those with paler skin and hair and freckles. You should also use a light shade if you have small eyes. Eyeliner can be applied all around the eyes(this works best if you have larger, average set eyes), only on the top or the bottom(your preference), or on the inner/outer corners. If you have far set eyes, apply eyeliner on the inner corners. If your eyes are close set, apply eyeliner on the outer corners. If average set, take your pick. To apply eyeliner on the top of your eye, use the index finger of the hand you don't right with to pull back and flatten your lid. Tilt your head down and look down. With the other hand, draw a line along your lashline or just above it, starting in and working out. When doing the bottom, tilt your head up and look up, while drawing the line in to out. You can smudge the eyeliner for a softer or more punky look using a smudger brush* or your finger.
*http://www.smashbox.com/images/site1/products/processed/21_dt.jpg
DO NOT smudge liquid eyeliner. I like Elizabeth Arden and Sephora brand eyeliner b/c they're long lasting and have good colors.
Lips
Lipstick- Lipstick comes in a tube and stick from and can be matte or shiny. Lighter colors look more casual and make lips appear bigger, dark colors make lips seem smaller. Swipe the tupe across your top and bottom lip, then purse lips and put your index finger inside the part of your lips to get rid of any escess that could end up on your teeth. Revlon, Clinique, and YSL have wonderful lipstick.
Lip Stain- Same as lipstick , only it lasts longer and is quite matte. I love Urban Decay.
Lip Gloss- Gives lips a glaze, for a shiny look. Can be worn alone or over lipstick. Be careful with lipgloss, it's suprising how many 'long lasting, non sticky' versions are anything but. I like Neutrogena and Bath and Body Works, and occassionally Bonne Bell has a good non sticky version.
Basic Makeup Looks:
Sexy/Dramatic- Smoky Eye(apply eyeliner, mascara, and various shades of black and grey eyeshadow, perhaps with some cream eyeshadow, and pair with nude lips.) Red Lips(Matte bright red lipstick, more pinky tones for fair skin and deeper tones for dark skin, paired with a bare or natural eye.)
Day Look-(See fast tips below)
Fun Party Look- Bright or rainbow eyeshadow or colored mascara paired with a little sparkly lip gloss or vice versa. (Pinky lips with minimally glittery eyes.)
Rocker Look- large amounts of black eyeliner, a bit of lip gloss
Retro 50's Look- Black liquid eyeliner with slight wing at outer corners, red lipstick
Fast Makeup Tips:
To make the nose appear straighter and slimmer, apply white eyeshadow along the sides. (Just enough for contouring!)
Cream blush and bronzer can be used as an all over product- for eyes, lips, and cheeks.
Apply a bit of foundation on your lips before lipstick to make it last longer
Remember your main rule: heavy, dramatic eyes should be paired with neutral lips, and vice versa!
The Best Day look I've ever seen is something natural but attractive(and will make a teenage girl look mature) is a little mascara and smudged, neutral eyeliner, a creamy shadow close to your skin tone, a little concealer if needed, a tad bit of rosy blush, and little lipgloss.
The most important thing to remember is that makeup is not neccessary, and when you wear it, you should always wash your face well with a good soap or cleanser, toner(if needed), and EYE MAKEUP REMOVER! Clinique and Clean and Clear work very well.
Since you're new to makeup, try to keep products to the bare minimum, you don't need eyeliner and lipstick every day! Concealer, lipgloss, and mascara are the only three products you might want to wear every day.
Also, remember to keep on picking up new tips from books and magazines! Good luck!
2006-12-31 16:57:47
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answer #1
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answered by Jacy 3
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Go with the bare minimum. I suggest using just a powder instead of a heavy foundation (unless you have very blemished skin and you are trying to cover it up). Use also some blush powder or preferably a bronzing powder. But, if nothing else, I always do my eyes (to include liner for the top lid, a neutral eyeshadow, and mascara), and wear lipstick/gloss. I think a more natural look is far prettier, and so do most men.
2006-12-31 14:15:21
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answer #2
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answered by sfb_wolfpack_girl 2
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Depending on how much work you want to do. you could go to a Department store that does the makeup and they will show you or just buy some liquid makeup, reading and going for something light and for your skin type and color. Then apply it evenly over the face making sure not to leave marks around the neck area, blend it in well. Then use compact powder to set the makeup it desired, Use a little eyeshadow and mascara. you can use an eyelash curler if you want but, not needed. Start with some lip gloss that has a little color. you don't want to start out too heavy at first. Go light with everything and as you use it more you will become more confident and will know how you want to use it. you can mix a little lotion with the makeup to thin it out if it feels too heave on your skin, i don't like heavy makeup myself, just enough to cover faults and add some color to my face. Good luck.
2006-12-31 14:18:13
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answer #3
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answered by MISS-MARY 6
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Well this is coming from a womans point of view regardless of what you may think guys like, most guys don't like a chick who puts on alot of makeup...i would advise you not to even bother with foundation or powder on your face...I would say start of with eye shadow because its easy to apply and certain colors can bring out the tone in your face annnd maybe some lipgloss but get the sticky kind DO NOT GET THE WET KIND BECAUSE WHEN IT DRIES IT MAKES YOUR LIPS LOOK CRACKED AND MAKES THEM PEEL soo stick to sticky lipgloss =)
2007-01-01 03:14:25
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answer #4
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answered by Whitney D 2
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Start with coverup,
-You need to know what you want from your coverup (eg. glowing skin)
-You need to know what form of coverup you want (powder,mousse, etc.)
-Then ask an expert ( like the lady at the make up counter ) for help, they're experts so they know what they're doing. Plus they can help you out in finding the right shade.
Next Mascara,
-You NEED the cover girl mascara with that special little brush! ITS LIKE MAGIC!!! and thats all you need to know!
Eyeshadow,
since you dont usually wear makeup, i wouldn't advise that you dive right in to the full monty just yet. But when you do, get those little eyeshadow packs that complament your eyecolor and that give you three or four colors and they tell you how to put them on.
Blush,
Again, ask an expert for your skin tone, then dont use a lot. And for applying, smile, smile like you slept with a coat hanger in your mouth and apply it starting on the apples of your cheek going out up following your smile.
And last (but DEFINATLY NOT LEAST) lipgloss
Choose a lite color that stays on and then your good to go!
2006-12-31 14:26:21
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answer #5
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answered by Dane V 2
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Start with a foundation that matches your skin tone. A little blush, a fun eyeshadow and eyeliner, and lipstick are all you need to keep it simple. I like shopping at Kohls and JCPennies. But there are friendly associates at walgreens who would love to help you. Put the makeup on your forearm to find the right color.
2006-12-31 14:24:45
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answer #6
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answered by Angela B 2
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If you're not used to wearing makeup. I'd start with mascara and lipstick. If you need a foundation to cover your face, I personally prefer Bare Minerals (from Bare Escentuals), it's a powder foundation and covers just as well as a liquid, i get full coverage without any feeling of being smothered (as a lot of foundations can do) or any allergic reaction.
after you're used to wearing mascara and lipstick, I'd work my way to eyeliner and/or eyeshadow. A lot of department stores, or beauty stores (sephora or ulta) will help you with makeup application, although they tend to give you a heaver look than one would normally wear.
2006-12-31 14:13:11
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answer #7
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answered by betseylou69 3
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i started wearing make up about two or three years ago. i use MAC make up. it's the best product out there. and they do not test on animals like most others do. anyways... it is sold at dillards. they have make up artists there that go through a lot of school to be in their position. so my advice would be to schedule an appointment with them (it's free) and they'll teach you what./how to use it. christina aguilera, missy elliot, pamela anderson, etc all wear it. it's straight up amazing!
2006-12-31 15:09:49
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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make up is easy.. it's not a big deal
i'll give you a clear step:
1.)clean you face thorougly.. apply lotion to your type of skin
2.)find a foundation or concealer that has same color as your face
3.)put small amount of foundation on five spots on your face (forehead, 2 side of your cheeks, nose, chin) and gently rub them, make it smooth all over your face. (this step takes time because you must make sure you apply it smoothly and all over your face)
4.) then loose power.. small amounts all over your face
5.)find an eyeshadow(recommend light color, check out bobbi brown because they have a tone palette, makes it easier for you to do make-up). I recommend you to ask help from the counter to color your eyes because it needs practice and you must see how to do it yourself
6.) for your eyebrow try the brow groomer brush..easiest!!
7.) put on mascara (recommend maybelline)
8.) pale pink brush for your cheek.. try to make it light
9.)light pink lipgloss will do
10.)check your hair, put on your clothes, and you're ready!!
this is just a simple way to get started, a basic start, it actually need a lot more things for make up, but this will do a little go for you now
practice makes perfect =)
2006-12-31 20:00:57
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answer #9
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answered by cs 2
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It really depends on your coloring and skin tones. Is your hair light or dark, skin color, look at the inside of your wrist. Do you see more of a pink,blue, or red tone...A lot of things make a difference when choosing the right shades of make up. I will check back and help you if you'd like.
2006-12-31 14:14:05
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answer #10
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answered by LaurenElyse 4
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Well Honey You Should Start At Your Eyes Then Your Lips That's My Advice's I Hope You Like It, Eyeliner, Mascara, Lip Gloss!!!!!!!!!!!
2006-12-31 14:41:04
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answer #11
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answered by Emilee G. 1
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