Need help with e/s application

[fishchick72]

I am new to MAC (less than one week wearing MAC e/s), but have never been good at being creative with makeup. I am trying really hard now. What drew me to MAC is that people I know who wear MAC are able to create these dramatic looks where you can really see the colors, which I've never been able to do with other make up lines & I rarely see others achieve it with other makeup lines. But no matter how hard I try, while I'm applying I feel like I'm not seeing color, so I keep on applying little by little, layer after layer. And then when I'm done in all honesty it just looks like I have way too much makeup on. It's not really the look I wanted to achieve. Has anyone else struggled with this? How did you overcome it? What did you do differently? Does anyone have any suggestions for me? I am so embarrassed to admit that I suck at this & I so desperately want to be good at it. So anyone suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I do look at the tutorials & the FOTD's, but not being able to actually see it being put on I think is the problem, that's the part I need to see. I did have the MA at Nordstrom do my makeup the first day I went MAC shopping & I do try really hard to follow what she taught me, but it doesn't look anything like what she did.

 

[tarteheart]

Some thoughts: If you're using powder eyeshadow, it's difficult to achieve brighter, darker colors just by trying to layer. There comes a point where, after trying to add more shadow, it will have no way to adhere, so you're just kind of brushing the shadow around. If you need the color to be more intense, you can try to "pat" the shadow on where you need it, instead of "brushing." But again, it may not adhere. Are you using a base for your eyeshadows, at least foundation if you don't yet own any Paints, Shadesticks, or Cream Color Bases? A base can intensify the color, change the color, and add longevity to wear because the powder has something to adhere to. Another thing might be that as you keep trying to intensify the color, you're applying the color to a larger and larger area, and that's why it looks like you have on too much makeup. Similarly, as you're applying more and more, you might not be blending the color effectively (either into other neutral colors, or into your skin). Hope that helps somewhat...perhaps no real advice, but some thoughts on things to be aware of.

 

[Renee73]

I'm a newbie as well. I found that once I used a base the colors truly intensify and are easier to work with. I love Beige-ing shadestick, I use it nearly everyday.

 

[fishchick72]

I do use a base, it's fade not crease not by Ultima II, I've been using it for years & have been very happy with it.

I'm gonna include a photo of my attempt today, again, I tried to do some greens, but again, I only see green in the inner v. Any suggestions?

I used ricepaper to highlight, juxt on the lid, overgrown on the inner V, humid on the outer V, & velvet moss in the crease & on the lash line.

Edited to add: I tried REALLY hard today to not overdo it, so this is a little better than most of my attempts, but I still feel like I'm not seeing the colors.

 

[fishchick72]

bump for more suggestions now that I added a pic........

 

[Raerae]

Practice is all I can really say...

I'm no means an expert, however in comparison to when I first started using MAC shadows, compared to now, I see a noticible difference...

One big thing... Use a base...

I was driving myself nuts trying to get Romantique to show on me the first times I tried using it. Now I have no problem getting the color to show... Other colors I have show with or w/out a base. Diff tricks for diff colors.

Couple things that helped me...

1. Paint for a base...

I'm using Bare Canvas right now... Initially I smudge it on my lid with my finger... Then I use my 242 brush to even it out/blend into my skin on the edges... Working quickly while my base is still tacky, i pat my lid with the side of the 242. I also use a lot less shadow on the brush now than when I first started. B4 I would get pixie dust everywhere, and not much on my lid. Now I get color on my lid, and very little excess shadow. Patting helped me apply this color, as I found that when I brushed it, it was brushing the color away. Different colors apply differently depending on the type of ingredients in the shadow. Gotta try different ways to find what works for you.

2. Brushes

I was skeptical initially with brush types/quality. I figured a brush was a brush, why would I need more than 1, never have b4... I know better now. Again diff brushes apply different shadows differently. I make sure to always buy a new brush when I buy e/s, so that i can find what works best for the pots i'm using. A brush I have now might work ok, but who knows if a diff brush would do it better.

3. Varying Shades of the same color to blend with

Wanna not look like your wearing way too much? Get lighter more, "sheer" versions of colors your using. I use these above my crese on my brow to highlight,and also blend my color into my skin.

Like SushiFlower in Crese/Pink Venus on brow... By blending Sushi into Venus, I can keep the pink look, while avoiding the intensity that having Sushi flower on my brow would bring (unless you want that look). And since pink venus blends really well into my skin, it's a great color for me to use to finish my pink looks.

4. Have fun when you have the time to fool around...

Nothing worse than trying to learn how to apply your eyes when your on a time limit (although i'm guilty of trying new things when I really shouldn't in the morning lol). If your rushed, your not going to take the time you need to learn, and then prolly end up fustrating yourself because you can't get it to look the way you want it to.

The Romantique/Sushi/Venus look i've posted about is my current FAV. Took me a few hours of messing around on a weekend to get it to look the way that I wanted though. I just did one eye at a time, then if I didn't like any of the looks, i washed my face and tried a different way. I've been wearing it daily for the last week, and each day I get better at applying those colors. I have my next combination laid out, and when I have some time, I'm gonna learn how to do that one. But I'm not gonna try to learn it 1 hour b4 I have to go to work LOL.

Again it all comes down to practice. The more you mess around, the better you'll get.

 

[Raerae]

Other things that can help your color show brighter is to get a base in the color your using... or a shadestick

Kinda like putting an opalescent nail polish over a solid of the same color. Alone the opalescent isn't always dark enough to show w/out using 890878675678 layers. But if you apply it over the same shade, you get the shimmer effect you wanted w/out all the trouble.

 

[fishchick72]

so do you think my base (fade not crease not by Ultima II) is not good enough? Should I try the bare canvas by MAC??

 

[fishchick72]

and I have TONS of brushes, most of which are by sonia kashuk. I have only one MAC brush so far. The angle one from lining with shadows. should I keep adding to my MAC brush collection or are the sonia kashuk brushes good enough? I had seen a review on here that said they were good.

 

[Raerae]

Heh no idea, not a MAC expert in any way shape or form...

Just sharing diff techniques that I use to apply my colors...

Mostly it's just trial and error

 

[koolmnbv]

I too will say I am no expert but I have been using MAC for about 5 years and within the last year I have become obsessed lol.

I had this same problem when I first really got into eyes and eyeshadow colors and these are a few things that really helped me get better color payoff. But I know there are much more talented,knowledgeable ppl. on here than me so this is just my 2cents.

First,I think your base is probably good for not creasing and keeping the longevity of the shadow but as for making the color brighter it might not be cutting it, I would try different colors in the paints like chartru paint as a base for your green eyeshadows and mauvism paint when you use purples and etc. Bare Canvas is a great paint but it is neutral so trying the colored paints will help add a little color and increase the color in your eyeshadows.

Also shadesticks work really good as colored bases and fluidline (eyeliners) also work really good just apply very sheerly with a MAC#224 style brush and use a light hand. Also when using the paints less is more! Meaning, when I first started with paints I thought more paint= more color and better color payoff w. my eyeshadows. But it just made a big ol' mess with lots of smears and creasing because I was using way too much paint. Only use the tinyest amount of paint even if it looks very light on your lid.

I also suggest packing the shadow on and not brushing,swishing it for a more intense color. I use MAC #228 and #236 for this ( you can check out brush pics @ maccosmetics.com to see if you have brushes similar)

Another thing that will help is wetting your brushes before applying eyeshadow. There are a couple of ways of doing this so you can do a little trial and error to see what works for you. I'll tell you different ways I have tried.
Just getting the brush a little damp w. plain water (not dripping wet-just a lil damp) and then dip into your eyeshadow (I just use a certain side of the shadow so that I don't get the whole surface wet) then pack that onto lid.

Or some ppl. swear by misting the brush with MAC fix+ and then doing just like above.

Or I like MAC mixing medium (water based) same technique as above but this product is made for this. This item is only sold at pro stores so if you don't live near one you can order from MAC phone# or ebay.

And last thing I can think of is to try pigments, they will 100% give you a very very intense pigmented color. Even before you use them wet. You can buy full sized ones at freestanding or pro MAC stores or you buy 1/4 and 1/2 tsp. samples from ebay. They last forever so samples are much more cost efficient and you can try lots more colors that way to see which ones you like. I love the pigments w.mixing medium. You will definitely see color!!

As for brushes I think your sonia kashuk brushes should be fine. They are high enough in quality to not interfere with application. Obviously there are better alternatives, more expensive alternatives, but Sonia Kashuk brushes are not a very poor quality esp. considering their price. Eventually I'm sure you will find MAC brushes that you like, a MA might use certain ones that you will love and have to have (your #266 liner brush is a great one).I have a ton of MAC brushes and MAC eye brushes and I love them!

I'm sorry for such a long post I hope some of this works for you. I'm not an expert by any means but I know how you feel because I used to come on here and try to recreate looks and it would never look the same (still usually doesn't) but these are a couple things that have helped me! I hope it helps you too!

 

[koolmnbv]

Also please post your progress as you get better! We would love to see the changes you make!

 

[fishchick72]

thanks so much, koolmnbv! those are some really great tips! when I went to Nordstrom the MA used bare canvas & my colors looked so great, & it would go with almost anything it seems, so that's why I was thinking of it.

today I tried applying my base with a brush (I usually use my finger, sometimes a q tip), the MA applied the paint with a brush, & I think applying mine with a brush instead worked a lot better.

I will try to post my progress, I am so nervous posting my pics right now cuz I'm so embarrassed cuz I'm so bad compared to everyone else.

I also did a very thorough brush cleaning tonight. I do rub them off on tissue after each use, but I thought perhaps I wasn't seeing colors well because maybe there's still old makeup on the brush.........dunno, just a thought. we'll see how it goes in the morning.

 

[Raerae]

Dont always discount the power of your fingertip! LOL, it's a very useful tool for applying your eyes

I think there are 2 reasons why when you get a makeover most MA's only use brushes...

1.) They sell the brushes... And as wannabe MA's (especially when were new, lol) we tend to go, "ok i have no idea how to do this, I'm gonna copy how she did it. She used X,Y and Z brushes for this look, and I like it. I dont have X,Y, Z brushes, so in addition to the colors she used, I'm also gonna buy the brushes." Always remember, they are in sales

I love using brushes, but q-tips, fingers, sponges, cotton balls, etc are all part of my application. I like buying new brushes because they give me new ways to apply my e/s. And also if you read the tuts, or the FOTD's, many of our talented peeps here on Specktra dont always use brushes. Diff tricks for diff looks, find what works best for you, and the look your trying to achieve, there is no, "right way" to do it. The right way, is what works the best for you

2.) They dont want to touch you.

Any MAC MA's have a comment on this?

It's not just a, "eww the customer is icky!" LOL But also a health risk, and a legal risk. Do you know where your MA's hands have been? Do you really want them touching your eyes (mucis membrane's here) with their fingers? Not to mention if they have acrylics like me, I have to be super cautious when using my fingers, and I know when I'm gonna twitch lol... Imagine the drama MAC would have if a MA's fingernail caused a customer to go blind in one eye because the customer suddenly moved lol..

And yeh, I 2nd the pigmented paints as great bases... Need more of those myself.

 

[Raerae]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishchick72 we'll see how it goes in the morning.

Practice in the evening/weekends/when you have lots of time...

That was the only way I got better. I used to do the morning only thing, but always found myself, "settling for a look I wasn't totally happy with (or making myself late and still being unhappy LOL)," because I always ran out of time.

If you mess around in your off-time, you have all the time in the world to apply/tweak/re-do your makeup until you figure out how to get it to look how you want.

Then you can use the application technique/color combo/whatever in the morning. Since now your just repeating what you already know, instead of trying to figure it out. You'll be a lot happier with the result.

Also, you may wanna consider starting with fewer color's.

1 color nicely applied will look better than 4 colors done badly. Since even with one color, you still have to learn how to properly blend your color into you skin, Not to mention just learning how to get that color to apply correctly to your skin, and show up properly.

Practice, Practice, Practice!!!

 

[Raerae]

LOL! One more thing...

Sometimes how it looks in the pot, wont be how it looks on your skin, ever...

Doesn't mean it's a bad color though... Just means you'll have to learn where that color works best on you.

I have several pots that look very pretty in the pot, but wont work as a lid color with my current MAC stash. I just dont have the right base to use them on, for a nice lid look. And sometimes, you never know what base will work the best, you just kinda find it by accident...

Example: I had this DS pink color that always washed out on my eyes... But I found out by dumb luck, that when it's applied over a black base (in this case my eyeliner), it creates a really unique blue/purple color. So although it's not the color I expected, I still have a fun use for it when I want that type of shade.

Other pots I have, dont work as lid colors, but work as great colors to blend really pigmented colors into my skin with. Since they dont show up as brightly on my skin, there easier to blend and make the color fade away. Which I find harder to do with highly pigmented colors.

Thats why I always say, take the time to fool around. You never know what you'll find, might surprise yourself

 

[fishchick72]

thanks for all the suggestions..........I am playing around in the afternoon & evening when I do have time. I just really lack creativity on my own, without some guidelines to follow. But I am going to keep trying. Someone told me to get allure magazine & a book called making faces, so I ordered the book from amazon & picked up a copy of allure today--if I like it I'll subscribe

Thanks again so much for the suggestions, I was starting to feel really hopeless & thinking I should just give up trying. So all of the suggestions are greatly appreciated. And more would certainly be welcome.

 

[Esme]

Your Sonia Kashuk brushes should be fine. I have some and I use them all the time. I have a hard time gettting more than two colors on without them all getting mixed up and muddied. I KNOW I need lots more practice. I do find the MAC eye shadows go on better wet and give a more saturated color.

 

[kitten]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishchick72 I am new to MAC (less than one week wearing MAC e/s), but have never been good at being creative with makeup. I am trying really hard now. What drew me to MAC is that people I know who wear MAC are able to create these dramatic looks where you can really see the colors, which I've never been able to do with other make up lines & I rarely see others achieve it with other makeup lines. But no matter how hard I try, while I'm applying I feel like I'm not seeing color, so I keep on applying little by little, layer after layer. And then when I'm done in all honesty it just looks like I have way too much makeup on. It's not really the look I wanted to achieve. Has anyone else struggled with this? How did you overcome it? What did you do differently? Does anyone have any suggestions for me? I am so embarrassed to admit that I suck at this & I so desperately want to be good at it. So anyone suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I do look at the tutorials & the FOTD's, but not being able to actually see it being put on I think is the problem, that's the part I need to see. I did have the MA at Nordstrom do my makeup the first day I went MAC shopping & I do try really hard to follow what she taught me, but it doesn't look anything like what she did.

everyone here has been giving great advice, but i want to stress a couple of things:
1. find a good base. it could be paintpots and shadesticks but i personally can't 100% back them because i've never used them because my eyeshadows crease really easily, but i would 110% recommend the urban decay primer potion. its a godsend! it really helps the colour to stick and stand out.

2. brushes. buy good brushes, or just learn how each brush differs from another and use them accordingly. make sure you have thorough knowledge of what your brushes are used for and you'll be able to use the tools you have more effectively.

3. blending. this is one of the major keys to flawless makeup! whether it is foundation, eyeshadows, bronzer, or blush blending makes a huge difference. learn where and how to blend using what tools. tutorials on this site are great for this. if not, ask somebody at a m/u counter to show you first hand. i'm a kinesthetic learner, so i learn by doing things in persona as opposed to seeing them done. also under this category is technique. with your problem, it sounds that you don't know any good techniques. applying shadows is like painting a picture, there are various techniques for different looks. if you want strong, dense colour then pack it on with a smaller brush. if you want a washed out look, use a fluffier, bigger blush.

4. (most of all) practice, practice, practice! before i discovered specktra (or specktra discovered me) i was decent at applying makeup and i had your exact problem. then i tried out a bunch of tutorials and looked at fotd's and i discovered where all my problems were and improved on them. practicing on a daily basis really helps.

i hope my advice helps. you should post progress pics!

 

[ohsewdizzy]

i find i use different bases for different colors and applications....i use ultima ll fade not crease not... and love it .... but i use a thicker application ... i use it for loose powder and pigments, or when i need to pack color... i also have urban decay primer potion i use on warm days or when i know i have an all day-er... up early and function at night.... i just started using too faced first base and find that on light or weak colors it works very well doesn't crease and lasts all day and think it is better than urban decay and ultima ll... for the absolute color punch to make them vivid beyond belief i use du wop pay off but its a liquid and you have to mix it with the shadow... so i only use when i really want WOW ... i also have mac prep and prime works OK and i use it on a regular everyday face.... bare canvas i use when i am doing wedding makeup or photo shoot... or something special... hope it helps