Never used makeup before... how do I start?

[Katie1812]

Well, the title is a bit of a exaggeration-- I've had my friends do my makeup for big events like dances and such. But other than those, I've gone through high school without using any makeup at all. I was kind of sportsy and it was too much of a bother. If you took an inventory of my bathroom all you would find cosmetics-wise is a few old tubes of mascara, one eyeliner, maybe four lipglosses, one tube of lipstick, and three shades of eye shadow-- I think my 12 year old sister has more than me! But now I'm headed off to college and I want to start using makeup. The problem is I have no idea how to get started. Anybody have any tips for me?

 

[MACATTAK]

It depends on what you want to start with....do you want to "jump right in" as far as foundation & the whole deal, or do you just want to start with eyes? If you want to do the whole deal, I suggest going to a makeup counter & getting the correct shade of foundation/concealer. Having the right color is a huge deal. Also...I don't know your color of eyes/hair/skin etc, so it would be hard for me to suggest colors. Can you give anymore info?

 

[Katie1812]

Yeah I have darkish hazel eyes, wavy dirty blond hair (kind of goldenish in color), and medium-fair colored skin (not extremely pale and pink, but definitely not dark at all.) I don't really know what I want to do. It's tempting just to jump in all at once, but that'd probably be overwhelming. Sorry if that doesn't help too much!

 

[MACATTAK]

How is your skin? Is it oily/dry/clear/even..uneven? You may not even need foundation depending on your skin type. You could always just use a little powder & concealer for the face makeup. What types of looks do you want..more natural, more dramatic?

 

[Beauty Mark]

Sheer rosy lipstick (if you don't want to invest lots of money, Milani is my pick for sheer lipstick period), a tinted moisturizer with SPF (I used to use Clinique), and mascara to start. That shouldn't be too overwhelming.

If you want to venture out a little more, I would buy a brown eyeliner in pencil form and a 4-quad thing of eyeshadow in brown or go to a counter and essentially get the same thing except in pots. With shadows, though, you should invest in some brushes. If you aren't good at figuring out what is what (I'm an art supply brush user myself), I'd go to the counter and ask.

 

[Katie1812]

My skin is actually one of my better features. It's generally clear and even, but its pretty dry too (chlorine from swimming dries it out a lot). As for the looks I want, I guess it would probably be good to start out natural and easy, lol.

 

[MACATTAK]

Okay, good info. Here is what I would say...use a tinted moisturizer for your face (this is great in summer months & pretty sheer, so you won't feel like a ton of makeup is on your face) I use Wet & Wild, works great & cheap! Use a little concealer if you have any breakouts/or for any under eye circles. Do you have a tan from swimming? Either way, I would dust a little bronzer on the apples of your cheeks, forehead & nose for the sunkissed look. For eyes, if you want shadows, do light shimmery browns, neutrals, or you can just line your eyes with an eyeliner (or do both together). Make sure to curl those lashes & put a lot of mascara on them to bring out those eyes. For lips, I would stick to glosses in light pinks/peach colors. If you want lipstick on the bottom, finish the top off with gloss. This would be a really pretty natural summer look. They key with makeup is to accentuate your features, not hide them & not to go overboard

 

[MisStarrlight]

It sounds like you have similar coloring to my littler sister...and I just bought her a butt-load of makeup yesterday...
(all MAC cause I'm cheap)
I got her a quad-Paradisco, Sumptuous Olive, Woodwinked & Dazzlelight
Love Nectar Lustreglass
Tinted Moisturizer
Graphblack & Jadeway liners
Mascara (Loud Lash)
and Bronze bronzer

 

[bambidandi]

maybe you should start buyingncheaper make up ( non high end products) and try out different looks, and then after awhile you could buy more high end products!

 

[contrabassoon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bambidandi maybe you should start buyingncheaper make up ( non high end products) and try out different looks, and then after awhile you could buy more high end products!

I would say this is the best way to start if she wanted to do makeup for a living. But since she wishes to wear makeup I think she's better off with good products.

It's very important to pick colours and products that meet your personal taste and needs. I would go to Sephora and look at the different brands and pick whichever products you like best and that work well with your colouring.
It sounds like you've got good skin, so I would buy a light powder or tinted moisturizer because you wouldn't need the coverage that foundation gives. Also, pick a good moisturizer for dry skin, it'll work wonders!

Good luck, and welcome to Specktra!

 

[xsnowwhite]

i would start off with some tinted moisterizer and definitely a good mascara. Just those two items alone can make lots of difference! if you want a more dramatic change try some eyeliner

 

[Beauty Mark]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bambidandi maybe you should start buyingncheaper make up ( non high end products) and try out different looks, and then after awhile you could buy more high end products!

With the exception of foundation (you do need to try that on your skin), I think starting out with cheaper lipsticks and eye makeup isn't a bad a idea. Cheaper doesn't necessary mean crappy; Milani is an example of a great brand with good products and it's cheap.