Question about cosmetics

[skygazer]

It's been years since I used makeup regularly and I'd like to get a consult with someone who knows what they're doing in regards to the proper shades for my coloring as well as what would work best with my skin type.

Someone must do that type of thing - who? Can you get something like that at the Macy's cosmetic counter or something similar?

I don't want to end up looking like a co-worker of mine who kinda reminds me of Mimi from the Drew Carey show. :scared:

[dropkickpa]

1. MAC consultants are really good

I had a friend who worked for them for years and she and her staff really knew their stuff.

[skygazer]

2. And where would I find one of these people?

I'm totally clueless about all this. :D

[La Lioness Priyanka]

macys or at a mac store

[skygazer]

4. Thanks

:hi:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

5. there are some makeup staples that i can always pm you about

let me know.

i love love love make up

[skygazer]

8. I would love that!

:bounce:

I never wore makeup regularly and its been so long that I wouldn't know where to start. :hug:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

10. can i recommend a good book to you. its a very good book on beauty

i will pm you soon

[lildreamer316]

15. Please pm me also

I forgot what book that was...

[dropkickpa]

9. Big dept stores usually have a counter

That's the only place I've seen them in Pittsburgh, but bigger cities may actually have stores.

[Midlodemocrat]

3. Try the Erno Laszlo line.

Not just fabulous cosmetics, but incredible skin care line.

Be forewarned, though. Very, very pricey. They are at Saks, and other stores like that. The products last a long time, though, so might be worth it.

[Connonym]

6. this is really obvious but pick a consultant that you think did a good job with her own makeup

if they can't do themselves up well odds are they aren't going to be able to do you. I can't believe how many women I see behind the makeup counter who have horrible make up!

I recommend if you've got a Bare Escentuals store near you to go there and get a "make under" I think their stuff is fabulous and very natural looking if applied right

[La Lioness Priyanka]

7. true bare escentuals is awesome

[GirlinContempt]

11. Most of the good makeup lines that have stores or counters

in reputable stores will do consultations.
I know here at The Bay Clinique, Chanel and Mac all do them.
I use lots of Clinique, and Chanel foundation, I find the staff to be knowledgeable and helpful.
But I'm not sure what you have in the US.

[Phillycat]

12. In my opinion, DO NOT go to MAC!

Their colors are very bright and intense and the girls in there all look like clowns, and make their makeover victims look like clowns too! Plus you will spend an absolute fortune and it's not the sort of cosmetics you want to be fooling with if you're not used to wearing makeup. It is very pigment-intensive. It's excellent stuff, but not for the faint-hearted, in my opinion.

I second whomever said go to Bare Escentuals. Their makeup is 100% minerals, has no fragrances, colors, nothing at all. You can sleep in it. And their colors are generally soft and flattering to many. The most crucial part is getting a good match on the Bare Minerals (their foundation) - once you have that, you're home free. Keep in mind it's also pricey - but it takes a LONG time to get through a tub of that stuff. The brushes are extremely, extremely expensive, but I love them. I tried using cheaper brushes for a while, but none worked as well as the Bare Escentuals brushes.

[skygazer]

13. I've heard nothing but good things about Bare Escentuals

Thanks for the advice. I want to develop a look that is professional and natural and since I have gone so long without, I don't want to look in the mirror and not know who the heck is looking back. :hi:

[Phillycat]

14. Another couple pieces of advice...

They have a blush-type product called "Warmth" and it comes with many of the starter kits they sell. Depending on your skin tone, it might not work for you. It looks very orange-y and unnatural on me. I prefer their blush in the color "glee" which is a soft pink (more blue-pink than orange, if you know what I mean) and blends well with my skin tone.

Also, if you get a brush kit, I really don't like the angled eye shadow brush for applying eye shadow. My eyes are deep-set and that brush tends to get color everywhere but where I want it to be! I actually prefer the pointy concealer brush for both eyeshadow and concealer (I just use the regular foundation as concealer, but I use that pointy brush and it's much more concentrated) so I need to get another one of them. Remember to clean your brushes regularly (I just use cool water and mild liquid soap, then rinse thoroughly and leave to dry) and remember to tap as MUCH of the loose powder off the brush before applying as possible.

You're probably going to invest over $100 your first time there, but you won't need more makeup for a year, probably. DO NOT sign up for automatic delivery, as you will never go through it as fast as they think you should. Trust me on that. I really like their mascaras too.

One caveat: if you are older, and your skin is VERY dry, you may find that the Bare Minerals tends to sink into your fine lines and cake. I have NEVER had that problem, but my best friend's mom (she's 60 and has extremely dry skin) cannot use the product for this reason. Go get the makeover first, then walk around the mall for an hour or two and see how it's doing. Then you'll know how it holds up on your skin.

Anyway, good luck! :hi: