Makeup suggestions

cu97tiger

Hi ladies. One of my good friends who does flawless makeup on herself has offered to do my makeup (Ok, I asked her to, and she said yes). I'd like to go somewhere to find my makeup and do a trial... I like Clinique makeup, what do you think of going to their counter? Or should I go someplace like Ulta/Mac/Sephora? Pros and cons of those places?

bethsmiles

I went to a Clinque counter to learn how to put on make-up when I turned 16. They did a really good job. I would say go there.

flygirlmeg

What does your friend use?  You might want to go with some of her recommendations, along with something that works well with your skin.  If Clinique works well for you, go with that!  I like MAC for most of my eye makefup but I don't wear foundation from there . . . just my Bare Minerals because it doesn't feel like I have anything on.  Where you end up going, I would find a person who's makeup you like to work on you there at the counter and help you out. 

loves2shop4shoes

Go to Sephora.  If you go to a makeup counter, they'll only sell you their brand, regardless of whether or not another line carries a better version of the product.  Sephora has no brand loyalty, so they'll be honest with you about what the best products are.

Buy your products from Sephora.  And let me know if you need help!

Goldlie11

I second Sephora.  You will find lots of different brands there, including Clinique.  I used a lot of Make Up For Ever products, which is sold exclusively at Sephora.  As for actually having them apply the makeup, I'm sure it varies.  I didn't have a very good experience with a MUA at Sephora, but that doesn't mean they will all do a poor job.  Also, if your friend is doing your makeup, then she should do the trial and give suggestions on what products to use.  

desertsun

I think Sephora is fine, but I personally like drugstore makeup, too.

I would do some research and find recommendations for your skin type here:
http://www.beautypedia.com/AdvancedSearch.aspx

Search only for Paula's Picks as those are the most highly recommended products.

ETA: It's free to become a member and save things to your faves, and there is an app so you can access your faves on your phone while you're out shopping.

cu97tiger

Thanks everyone. I rarely wear anything more than (cheap) eyeshadow and mascara, so it's hard for me to know where to start. Here's the list I'm thinking I'll need... any other suggestions?

Liquid/cream foundation

Powder

Blush

Eyeshadow

Eyeliner

Mascara

Lipliner

Lipstick

Do I need 'primer'? I've heard people saying they've used it but I have no idea what it is or whether it's necessary.

Here's my inspiration picture. Highlight the eyes, neutral lip.

loves2shop4shoes

The foundation really depends upon your skin type/color, as does the powder.

For the blush, I'd go with Tarte Amazonian Clay blush in Dollface or Exposed.  For the eyeshadow, I think you'd be fine if you just got the Urban Decay naked palette.  You could really highlight the eyes in neutrals, and that's the best (and probably cheapest) way to do it.

I HIGHLY recommend primer for eyeshadow.  It really helps preserve the color all day.  Urban Decay makes a great Primer Potion.

For regular pencil liner, I'd use Urban Decay 24/7 in whatever color you want.  For liquid liner, go for the L'Oreal Lineur Intense felt tip liner in Carbon Black.

For mascara, go for L'Oreal Million Lashes (in the gold tube) in Carbon Black.  If you want REALLY bold lashes, use the Diorshow primer before you apply the mascara.

For a nude lip, use NARS Striptease gloss.  If you want neutral, but not necessarily nude lips, find a nude lip liner, line your lips, and color in the lines!  (This will help the lipstick last longer!)  Then use NARS Dolce Vita lipstick over the liner.  Dolce Vita is my favorite neutral lipstick!  And it finishes like a balm.  LOVE IT!

jemmini6

I went to Sephora last week after I had to cancel my MUA and they did a great job helping me find makeup I liked.  She even did one half of my face in one foundation and the other half in another so that I could see and feel the difference, which was really great.  I bought the really good brands for foundation, concealer, eyeshadow & brushes, and then I'm using drugstore makeup for my powder, blush, & mascara.  I'm actually going to try to do a mini-trial today to see how it all looks together

Goldlie11

I think that primer and setting powder are very important for getting makeup to stay.  You might also want to try setting spray.  Urban Decay makes one.  You can get the small size for $11.  

When deciding about drugstore vs. HE here's what I personally have found that I must go HE for:

-Foundation, blush, primer (face and eyeshadow) and finishing powder.  I tried almost every foundation that my drugstore had to offer.  Nothing worked.  I think that my skintone is kind of hard to match.  So, maybe you'll have better luck.  A lot of ladies like Revlon Colorstay.  I've never seen a translucent finishing powder at the drugstore.  Maybe they sell them, just not at my local store.  For me, I've never found a drugstore blush that is well pigmented and long lasting.  Once again, it can be because I have darker skin.  I used MAC blush on my wedding day.  They have a ton of colors and it does last pretty long.  I also really like Tarte Amazionian Clay blushes.  

As for the other items here are some reccommendations:

eyeshadow: I really like Maybelline colorplush eyeshadows.  They remind me of Urban Decay.  They are easy to pick up on the brush and very pigmented.  With a good primer, they should last all night.

http://www.maybelline.com/products/110/eyes/eye-shadow/eye-studio-color-plush-silk-eyeshadow/sapphire-siren/20?shadeId=579

Eyeliner:  If you are going for a pencil, I like Maybelline Unstoppable

http://www.maybelline.com/product-explorer

Lipstick:  I like both Revlon and L'oreal.  If you are sensitive to the way things taste, stick with Revlon.  I hate the taste of L'oreal.  

Mascara:  If you aren't wearing false lashes, I would go with Maybelline the Falsies.  I really like the black drama kind.  However, since you are blond, that might be too dark for you.  So maybe try the black.

http://www.maybelline.com/products/68/eyes/mascara/volum-express-the-falsies-waterproof-mascara/very-black/1?shadeId=352

I also think highlighter is a good product to use on your wedding day.  I used Phyician's Formula Mineral glow pearls.  

http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/face/pressed-powder/07043.html