I know absolutely nothing about makeup, and need help?

Question

I have fair, dry, and VERY sensitive skin, and know absoluely nothing about makeup. I have some scars from acne, and don't know how to cover them up. Nothing I've tried works to cover up blemishes. Also, my skin has pink-red undertones, and the makeup I've tried makes that worse instead of covering it up. Please, what kind (specific brands are helpful) of makeup do you think would work? I am willing to shell out some money if I need to.
Also, what is concealer, and foundation? (I really don't know anything about makeup!)

Answer 1

First I would like to address the dry sensitive skin.
Try using Shea Butter Cream as your moisturizer.
Shea Butter has many documented healing properties, with helping to strengthen Nails & Cuticles to helping heal scars, burns and blemishes, to minimizing wrinkles, just to name a few. Shea Butter melts upon skin contact to revitalize, soften and maintain moisture without leaving any greasy residue
Shea Butter is solid and comes from the natural fat obtained from the karite tree grown in West and Central Africa. Shea butter is an emollient. It is extremely therapeutic, helping to heal cracked, aged and damaged skin. Its chemical constituents help to heal bruising and soreness. Shea butter penetrates the skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth. It has vitamin A, E and is highly compatible with skin.

Use Shea Butter cream rather than lotion. It is more concentrated. A good quality Shea Butter cream is a bit expensive. The one I use costs about $36.00 for 6 oz.(this includes shipping and handling), but it goes a long way. It keeps my face moisturized all day long. I apply it in the morning before I put on my makeup and at night after I cleanse my face.

Second, the acne scars. Try using Vitamin E oil on the scars. You can purchase a bottle of vitamin E oil at most drugstores and some grocery stores. (or you can use Vitamin E capsules and poke a hole in the capsule with a sterilized needle). Apply the oil to your scars 1-2 times a day.

Third, you say your skin is very sensitive. You need to be real careful about what types of products you put on your skin. I use Affordable Mineral Makeup. It is natural and does not clog my pores or cause my face to breakout. It feels really good on my face. They carry concealers, foundations, and other products.

Here is my daily routine:
Application Steps
1.Exfoliant – use 2-3 times per week
2.Facial Cleanser.
3.Rub entire face with ice cube or splash cold water onto face. This step helps to minimize pores.
4.Toner. Witch Hazel works great.
5.Moisturizer. Shea Butter Crème (Let crème completely absorb before going on to next step.)
6.Concealer – Apply with a small brush. Swirl onto blemishes, scars, dark circles, etc. – You do not need to blend the enhancer in. The next step will blend it in.
7.Foundation – See Below.
8.Blush – Use sparingly, a little goes a long way. Apply to the apples of your cheeks and sweep up along cheekbones.
9.Powder – Brush over entire face.
10.Eye Shadow – May be used wet or dry. May also use for eye liner.
11.Eye Liner – May be used wet or dry. May use eye shadow for eye liner.
12.Mascara
13.Lips

Application Basics
Mineral makeup should be used very sparingly.

1. Start with clean dry skin (allow Moisturizer to completely absorb).

2. With lid on jar - gently tap a small amount of mineral makeup into the lid.

3. Using our Kabuki Brush, swirl the brush around the lid until the minerals are completely infused into the bristles. Tap brush on the side of the lid to remove any excess.

4. Starting along your jaw line (outside of face) lightly apply the minerals, working inward. Reapply makeup until you achieve the look and amount of coverage desired. Do not over apply! You will achieve a more natural, flawless finish if you build up several light layers of mineral foundation, rice setting powder, and multi-tasking enhancers.

Beauty Tricks: To set makeup, dust powder over your foundation. This will give you a beautiful matte finish while leaving your skin silky.

I have included some sites under resources. There are also a bunch of sites out in cyberspace available about how to apply makeup.

Answer 2

Ok, first..Foundation-in my opinion is one of the worst things you can do to your skin. I don't think anyone should be covering every pore on their face-plus it's hard to blend if you're just starting to use it. If you're skin is sensitive-I'd definitely forget about it. There are too many kinds, and too many chemicals to mess with. Concealer is used to "spot" cover pimples or scars, I also have fair skin - I use Max Factors white erase stick sometimes, it works well.
By far the best make up I can suggest can be found at http://www.bareescentuals.com/
I had seen the infomercial so many times before I finally tried it, and I have fallen in love! They are powder minerals, so it's actually good for your face, and safe for sensitive skin! I swear this stuff not only helps me get ready fast, but it really works. It covers everything wonderfully, from pimples to scars. It covered the scratch my kitten gave me on my nose! One more thing, if your skin is really sensitive like mine, one of the best things I ever read was to never try more than one new facial product at the same time, that way if something gives you a rash or makes you break out, you don't have to guess what did it. Finding what makeup works for you takes time and practice, so have fun!

Answer 3

I really don't know much either, but foundation is a cream the same skin tone as your skin; you rub it on to make your skin tones looke even. concealer is also a cream your same skin tone; but it's designed to be put on problem spots (say acne scars; thats why it's also called cover up). Another thing to remember is to ALWAYS keep your skin clean. which means washing your face especially when you are abuot to put makeup on. you say you have dry skin so MOISTURIZE!!! Although alitle bit pricey, ebel has a great moisturizer cream. You can also get alot of cheaper brands that work just as well. Another tip when shopping for foundation is to try putting a little spot of the foundation or concelar on your wrist or forehead. If it matches it's your tone. Happy makeupping!!

Answer 4

try going to a dermatologist first. when you purchase cosmetics try them on your hand. check for a reaction. foundation should seem almost invisible. try this on your jawline in daylight. concealer should be one or two shades lighter than your real color. get a treatment done and consult. find out what needs to be done. maybe you need a light reflector concealer pen like the one from the body shop. basically concealer is to hide blemishes, dark under eye cirlces and zits. foundation is used to even out the skin tone and create a smooth canvas for the other makeup. for coverage try mac studio fix duo powder foundation. it acts as a face powder when dry and foundation when wet. if you hav dry skin though you should try maybe a tinted moisturizer which is a moisturizer with sheer coverage (nivea, clinique and mac have these) or liquid foundation which is applied with a damp sponge or a foundation brush (try mac and clinique)

overall i think that mac can do the trick of covering up your blemishes and stuff. just go to the nearest mac counter and ask for help.

Answer 5

First you need to start off with a good moisturizer. Clinique moisture surge will work wonders. Apply it to your face whenever its feeling dry (it can be put on over makeup) but rountinely after you wash your face at night and before you put on your makeup in the morning.

Clinique and Lancome have the best foundations and concealer that wont irritate your skin.

Apply the concealer to your acne blemishes/scars then apply foundation to your face. I put on foundation with a makeup sponge. Put the foundation on the sponge and dot it on your forehead, on each cheek, your chin, and then your nose. Then just put the excess anywhere.. Then take the sponge and blend it all together all over your face (be sure to check the jawline after applying for makeup line, to get rid of a makeup line just rub with tissue)

Youre also going to need eyeliner (black), mascara (black), eyeshadow(whichever color you want, If you're fair Id stick with earthtones), some blush (a lighter peach color).

you can buy these products minus the blush and eyeshadow at your local walmart. They wont break out your face. For the blush and shadow stick with clinique. (clinique and lancome can be found at most department stores ..ie. dillards, macys, nordstrom)

Eyeliner - Ive tried many brands from expensive to really cheap, and Im still in love with the Mary kate and Ashley one from walmart! It goes on great and doesnt smudge at all. Its in a silver twist container. You apply eyeliner as close to your lashline as possible (some smudging with a Qtip will help it look softer and not like a blunt line around your eyes).

Eyeshadow- I apply a base color such a white/cream color (i have a slight tan so it works) and then put a little shimmer with it. i get the shimmer from Victorias secret makeup collection.

Blush- SMILE BIG. The apply the blush on your cheek bones. Go easy, dont over do it. A little goes a long way!

Mascara- Its best if used after curling your lashes with an eyelash curler. Those can be tricky, but once you get the hang of it its simple. Apply mascara to top and bottom lashes. If it gets clumpy use an eyebrow bush and run through your lashes.

Complete your look with some lipgloss and you're good to go. If you have any more questions message me at
www.myspace.com/meghangene

Also heres a video site:
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-curl-your-eyelashes
Shows you how to do everything with makeup

Answer 6

Concealer is applied to help cover up little imperfections ie dark circles under the eyes, a blemish. Foundation is used all over the face after the concealer is applied and shound be as close to your skin tone as possible. It helps to smooth out your skin tones. I have found MAC to be really good. You can find it at Macy's. I recommend it because you can also get a consultant to help you out with all that you need. They WILL try colors and different types of make-up to find the perfect one for you.

Answer 7

ok, im close to an expert on makeup from my sisters, and i wear it all the time. concealer and foundation make a base to put on your face and it also covers up blemishes. but if you dont know what color you should get, you should go to macys and ask for help from one of the workers in the makeup station. I love MAC makeup, and they always show you how to put on makeup and stuff. and it is also for free. but the makeup they sell is pretty expensive. also make sure that whatever kind of make you use, you are not allergic to. You can also put some face lotion on to help your dry skin. Hope it all helps you!

Answer 8

I was just like you..I didn't know anything about makeup, so I never wore it. in July of 05, My Aunt sent me an invite to her Mary Kay cosmetics party. I wasn't going to go at first, but I went to support her. I tried the product, asked the consultant a ton of questions and tips...and I loved the product and the wonderful techniques. I was so happy that I signed up to be a consultant and now just like my Aunt and the consultant who helped me, I can help other women! I've been wearing makeup every day since and it feels great! If you ever want tips, feel free to e-mail me..also if you just want to have fun with different looks, there's a virtual makeover on my marykay website..no money involved, it's free..also the best part is, if you like any of the looks you create, you can buy them on the spot! e-mail me at [e-mail] or you can e-mail me here...and if you'd like to try the virtual makeover, you can go to http://www.marykay.com/TDavis75721. Hope to hear from you soon! I'm glad I could be of help..

Answer 9

concealer is a girls best friend !! it is a liquid that comes in many shades and covers up lots of blemishs!!! foundation is helpful to even out ur skin tone !! (get one shade lighter than ur actual skin)
also i would user light colors........ dior is a good brand to get ur make up! and so is maybeline . um so plz do get yourself some dior or maybeline concealer for those acne scars ! um also i would use some good moisturizer to make that dry skin smoother ! and DONT worry , concealer wont damage ur skin! but just get good brands like dior those wont hurt your skin!

Answer 10

I'd ask your friends for help or if you have a big sister. Otherwise you can go to Sephora, M.A.C., Lancome, or Clinique counters and they will probably give you a makeover and tell you which shades of makeup go best with you.