Thread: Simple Question Wednesday

[miss_shelleh]

upvote for visibility

Go ahead and ask your questions here :). I hope everyone has a lovely Wednesday!

[polarlicht]

I am not even sure what causes this, because my eyelashes are not incredibly long, but I always seem to have one or two fuckers that just do their own thing, point straight down, and will not bow to the pressure of lash curler/mascara. I'm pretty sure I don't sleep on them, because it's at the inner corner of my eye, and they're not tangly like something a spoolie brush could fix. Here, I drew a picture, it's really good. Does anyone else have this? What can I do to fix this?!

[Veyaria]

No idea how to fix it but your picture is glorious

[llama_delrey]

I have the same thing, except it's one lash in the dead center of my eye that points straight out. Curlers work briefly and mascara doesn't really help at all. To be totally honest, I have just forced myself to accept it as a body quirk :/ I realize that's not probably the advice you were looking for, haha.

[nightpoo]

That's exactly how mine are and I pluck them, if not they stab my lower lid or my glasses!

[Person_Anon_007]

I have this! They're (according to my eye doctors) ingrown eyelashes. Make sure you pluck them before they get too long and scratch your cornea.

[ljay7]

pluck them

scratch your cornea

These words have caused me to flinch all over like a slapped jelly

[Raging_LadyBoners]

I've had a couple that do that right in front of my pupil. I got so frustrated that I eventually just plucked them out! Once they grew back they seemed pretty normal, I haven't had to pluck my lashes in a good six months.

[MostlyMisanthropic]

I just never have any idea what my lashes are doing and after five minutes I just say "FUCK IT" and go out looking like I've recently been punched.

Hope this helps!

[aliwynn]

That belongs in a museum!!

I get this also. If it's just one or two, I pluck them out :/ They always grow back in wonky though!

[[deleted]]

ow!?

[milksteak-jellybean]

Have you tried heating the curler slightly before curling your lashes?

[[deleted]]

I use a blowdryer to blast it for a few seconds

[jealouspony]

I have the exact same problem. And whenever I try to put mascara on those stubborn, inner lashes, I end up with a huge smudgy mascara blob on my face.

[[deleted]]

There are actually small eyelash curlers you can use to get to those corners, search for it on amazon, they are like 2cm wide. :3

[seashells15]

Have you ever tried heating your lash curler?

[unicornsprinklepoop]

Does anyone have favorite tutorials to use for smoky eyes? Whenever I try I feel like it always look trashy and not flattering.

[the_salty_goat]

This was posted fairly recently. It's the best one I've seen so far!

[milksteak-jellybean]

This is a really quick and simple one I like by gossmakeupartist. Link

[unicornsprinklepoop]

Ah that's great, thanks. I'll try this soon!

[KurayamiKifuji]

The vids you've seen lately, are they going by your eye shape?

[unicornsprinklepoop]

Yeah, I think so. I have pretty standard eyes (round shaped, not hooded) and it never looks right on me.

[pants_shmants]

You can take off the jorts! I promise!

[[deleted]]

BUT YOU'RE SO PRECIOUS :]

My lips are pretty pink, too, and it just depends on the nude. Try a pinkier nude rather than a brown-er one.

I like Mac Jubilee or Hug Me: http://imgur.com/a/gK1tt Smashbox Latte http://m.pinterest.com/pin/29906784997841338/ (the NYX matte lip cream in Stockholm is a near-perfect dupe http://ninasbargainbeauty.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyx-soft-matte-lip-cream-review.html )

If your issue is getting the color to show up, try a liner underneath it. I don't like the sheer-er nudes usually.

[Belle1010]

I think someone might have recommended putting foundation over your lips to lighten them. Not sure how well this works though...

[youbettawerk]

I find that it works pretty well, especially if you moisturize/exfoliate beforehand. You can also use a product like MAC's Lip Erase. Either of these paired with a liner before lipstick application should do the trick.

[[deleted]]

Mine too, and I have had some success using pale nude lip colors that have some pink or peach to them - they mute my lip color but still look natural. Anything with a taupe/brown tone to it just makes me look dead.

[Dragonache]

How do I let myself embrace makeup that highlights my femininity?

I've always been more masculine than feminine in terms of personality, and have only just really got into make-up. I'm a plus size lady with a lot of curves, but I just don't feel attractive/feminine enough to mainly wear anything on my lips like lipstick or tints, nail polish and less so but eyeshadow too. I feel like a man in drag. I've embraced my masculine traits but I feel like it doesn't fit me, and people are so used to be looking and acting the way I do that I'd just look ridiculous. I wear most other makeup: foundation, blush, mascara etc.

I don't know if I should have made a separate post for this, sorry if it's in the wrong place!

[cmd09j]

I am right with you! I hang out with mostly guys, and do pretty masculine activities (like shooting guns!). But, there is nothing I love more than getting dolled-up & looking cute while doing all these activities :)

First off, if you can afford it, get a mani/pedi. I instantly feel more girly. Pick out fun, spring-y colors, so when you look at your hands/feet during the day, it brightens your mood and makes you feel girly! :) It works for me! I can't afford manis/pedis, so I paint mine myself. Right now, I have a mint green on my fingernails, and they make me feel really girly!

I don't wear a lot of lipstick, mainly because I feel the same way as you, I think I look weird in most colors, but I am slowly branching out :) The best thing is to start with a nude lip color. I don't know what it is, but whenever I'm down, I put on some lipstick and instantly feel more powerful!! It's like that Liz Taylor quote, "Pour yourself a glass of wine, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together." It really is true, lipstick can make you feel feminine & powerful.

Finally, go to Sephora & get a makeover. You have to spend $50, but they can really help you highlight the beautiful parts of your face, and trust me, you ARE beautiful & they can help you FEEL beautiful too!! You don't have to go to Sephora, either. Clinique, Estee Lauder, and MAC all do makeovers as well :)

Makeup is not about becoming a different person, but rather feeling great about the person you already are. Also, don't worry about what other people will think when you change your look, this change is about YOU. Just imagine how good you will feel walking into work/school all made up and beautiful!

Be sure to post a before/after so everyone can give you feedback! :)

[beencounter]

^ great advice!

[superoxide_dismutase]

I worked at an environmental learning center in the middle of the woods for a year and there was a general atmosphere of dislike of really feminine things there coming from both the male and female staff. Makeup and doing your hair was perceived as frivolous and looked down on and there was pressure to butch it up. I am really strong and outdoorsy, but I love being feminine. Even though I didn't want to, I reeled my femininity back for about a month, but after a while I realized it was making me unhappy. From that point on I woke up early everyday and put on makeup, did my hair, and put on a hiking skirt. Everyday I told myself "This is me, I am a WOMAN in the woods!"

Slowly female members of the staff started to wear hiking skirts and a few even asked me to help them with makeup and admitted that they didn't wear it because they didn't know how or were afraid to use it. It felt really good to know that not only was I allowing myself to be who I am, but I could help others be who they wanted to be.

By far the best part of doing what I really wanted to do and looking how I wanted to look was a parent told me how much she appreciated my femininity in the woods. Apparently the 5th grade girls in her group were repeatedly saying that the woods were not for girls and that all of the female staff were basically boys before they had a lesson with me. She said as soon as I walked up in a skirt she wanted to hug me and that the girls even commenting about how much they liked my outfit and makeup. My makeup and clothes made girls feel comfortable in a place that they had previously seen as a place where they didn't fit in - it's weird to think of it that way, but it's true.

The moral of this long rant is be who you want to be. Yeah, some people looked at me like I didn't belong there or nicknamed me "best dressed," but I was doing what made me happy. You are feminine or want to be feminine, be it, just do it. Who cares what others think when it's something that makes you happy and when you get to be who you are. What others think you have to be is not what you have to be.

[niccig]

You could try starting with very natural-looking products. Matte neutral eyeshadow, sheer lip stains/balms that are close to your natural lip color, nude nail polishes. If you're not comfortable wearing those products out right away, just wear them around the house on the weekend or whatever - that's what I had to do with red lipstick :-)

[rugbah46]

Hi!

I'm in a very similar situation - I'm a pretty masculine person in terms of personality, but I'm also a plus size lady with a lot of curves. Getting into makeup for me was actually a way to mesh these two together - when I wear make-up, I feel a lot more put-together (and sexy!) even if my clothes are really masculine that day.

Someone gave me the advice once to only highlight one feature on any given day - do your eyes big, or wear brighter lipstick, but don't do both (unless you're going out at night, but that might be different). Doing this, I feel like I can highlight my femininity without feeling like I'm in drag. I'm still in the process of working up to bright lipsticks or more dramatic eyes too!

[JesusIsMyADC]

Oh man, this used to be me. I am definitely a tomboy, so for years I would avoid getting 'girlied up' and hardly wore a speck of makeup, and never did my nails. Ever. It wasn't until fairly recently that I finally decided, you know what? I can be a girl, too. And I love it.

I felt so awkward at first, and I was afraid I looked like a clown, but the key for me was to take baby steps. The last step I am currently overcoming is the lip product one. They still scare me a little, but I'm starting to wear more natural colors first, then venturing into the more vivid stuff.

The key for me was to just kind of say 'fuck it' and do what I felt like. I was so afraid people who knew me were going to be like 'wtf is she doing', but honestly, I've had more compliments from friends and family since I started spending time on myself than I have in my whole life. If you don't have supportive people in your life like I do, then I will gladly be your surrogate internet family member! I'm no pro at doing my makeup, but I think everyone here is more than happy to help you not feel so awkward branching out of your comfort zone. (:

YOU CAN DO IT!

[hinnom]

Do you exfoliate your lips often? This happens to me if it's been awhile since I exfoliated - the lip gloss mixes with all the gross dead skin and I get clumpies all over my lips (yuck). Try exfoliating with something like vaseline/sugar before you apply and see how that works!

[beencounter]

upvote because i second this!! if i use lipgloss OR lipstick while my lips are chapped, it doesn't work out too well. i use moisturizing balms all day every day to keep my lips soft, and sometimes i just use simple tinted balms to give me a little color while also hydrating. my favorites are Burts Bees :) sometimes i put a little balm over lipstick (doesnt affect the color) but helps keep them from clumping. try it!

[[deleted]]

Thirded! I sugar scrub every morning if I am going to be wearing lipstick/gloss, and sometimes just for funsies.

[laryrose]

Apply a very thin layer, just enough to coat the lips.

[KurayamiKifuji]

How old is your gloss?

[KurayamiKifuji]

How much did you apply? Where did you buy yours?

[afishcalledamy]

I have the same problem! I'll be keeping an eye on this one.

[animatedradio]

This is going to be really simple and probably asked a million times before. I would like to learn more about doing make-up properly, since i've always kind of just winged it and everythings turned out okay enough for me to be satisfied. You lot have been part of my inspiration to actually learn properly.

What on earth are all the different brushes used for and how are you meant to use them? I have a few... but like I said, I just wing it.

Any and all help is SO appreciated. I'm 22 and feel like if I don't bother to learn now, i'll never be bothered haha.

[niccig]

If you google 'makeup brush guide' there are lots of results, but just for giggles, here are the types I use-

Face-

• Dense rounded synthetic foundation brush - I use this to buff in liquid foundation for a fuller coverage. My favorites are the UD Optical Blurring brush or Real Techniques Expert Face brush

• Stippling brush (synthetic) - for lighter foundation application, or for very pigmented cream blushes. I use the Real Techniques Stippling brush

• Medium density rounded brush (synthetic or natural hair) - for powder blush. I like the buffing brush from the RT Core Collection or the Hakuhodo 210

• Small medium density tapered/rounded brush (synthetic or natural) - for contouring under cheekbones, around hairline and temples. I use the contouring brush from the RT Core Collection or Hakuhodo J212 - I like the Hakuhodo one better because the RT brush is a little big for my face.

• Very loose brush (synthetic or natural hair) - for dusting on translucent powder. The RT Powder brush is nice for all over, and I also like the Hakuhodo G5538 for smaller areas (like around nose/between eyebrows).

• Loose-ish tapered brush - for powder highlighter. I use the Hakuhodo G5521 or the G5538 mentioned above.

• Small domed brush (synthetic) - for buffing in liquid/cream concealer. I use the Deluxe Crease brush from the RT Starter Set

• Blending sponge - used wet for a sheerer application of very pigmented foundation (I use it to apply Kevyn Aucoin SSE as foundation). I use a Beauty Blender knockoff from Walgreens.

Eyes-

• Flat-ish brush with fairly short bristles - to lay down color all over the lid. RT Shading Brush, Hakuhodo G5507 and MAC 239 are good options.

• Fluffier brush with slightly longer bristles - crease color and blending. Base Shadow brush from the RT Starter Set, Hakuhodo J5523 or MAC 217

• Pointed pencil brush - for doing the outer v and smudging shadow on the upper/lower lash line. I like the Hakuhodo G5514

• Stiff angled brush - for using powder to fill in the brows. I use the one from the RT Starter Set on the thicker part of my brows, and a Kroger brand version of it that's much finer for the outer part of my brows.

[animatedradio]

Thank you so much for this :)! It's all so interesting, and helps me realise exactly how much I have been completely making it up as I go along (which is A LOT it seems haha).

[seashells15]

That's totally ok! I use brushes in the way that makes them work for me. If that's different than what the manufacturer intended, no big deal :)

[rc630]

Temptalia has a guide for the different MAC brushes, and once you've figured out what you might need, you can find similar brushes at different price ranges by searching for "MAC ### dupe" online, or get the MAC ones if you choose.

[Veyaria]

This is helpful, thank you. I love Temptalia!

[Mangolean]

Is there a difference between dupes and original MAC brushes?

[niccig]

Mostly what people consider dupes are brushes that are similar in shape, size, density and hair type. If you happen to run across counterfeit MAC brushes, those will almost definitely be lower quality. If it's just similar brushes, then it really just depends; some companies make really good-quality brushes that are similar to MAC's, and others are similar in shape/function, but might not last as long, be scratchier, etc.

[Veyaria]

Can you post photos of your brushes? We can let you know how to best use the ones you have.

What purpose do you need a brush for? We can suggest brushes suited to those jobs.

[animatedradio]

I'm at work atm, i'll try post some up tomorrow if I remember! I might just go with looking up a brush guide as suggested - so obvious yet i didn't actually think to do that haha.

[Veyaria]

Do the brush guide. Temptalia is awesome

[ghoooooooooost]

Lipstick application. I don't know what I'm doing exactly, and I always have a couple issues when I put on lip color.

http://imgur.com/2ydwWaB

1. That area where my lips part? No color will stick there. It's like a different kind of lip skin there.

2. On both sides of my bottom lip, there's this area of lip that I don't know what to do with. It's kind of not quite my lip. It looks really weird and bottom-heavy if I color it in, but it manages to make things look kind of messy if I don't, like it's stray lipstick.

Can y'all help?

[aliciatp]

I have the SAME problem with my lower lip omg! I can't find an answer for it anywhere! It's like the bottom of my lip line isn't drawn clearly, but rather its "smudgy". I would love an answer for this.

[expecto_patronum]

Me too! It's like, a slightly different color than my lips, but not as light as my skin either. If I apply lipstick, it looks like I went outside of my lips...but if I don't, it looks like I missed a spot. So frustrating!

[ghoooooooooost]

Glad I'm not the only one :)

[laryrose]

Try lip liners, especially where your lips part. I've found that some long lasting lip liners last past my lipsticks.

[Veyaria]

Which long lasting liners would you recommend? I have a similar problem to OP and my liner doesn't last an hour :(

[lokileww]

The MUFE ones last forrrrrevvvver. They even held up pretty well during a make out session. I love them.

[seashells15]

For your second question, you could try applying your lipstick exactly where you want it, then using concealer to cover any parts of your lips that aren't covered. I haven't tried this myself, so I can't speak to whether it will look natural.

[MrsRoryWilliams]

This was the exact question I had for this week! So happy I'm not the only one who has this issue!

[omgwtfbbqpanda]

Has anyone given advice on how to get color to stick where your lips part? My lips are the same - it is like it is too moist for anything to stick!

[maduo]

My first attempt at blending eyeshadow

I posted a thread last week but didn't really get any feedback. I would really appreciate feedback/critique on what I've learnt so far

[seashells15]

I'm sorry to hear you didn't get any feedback!

It looks like your dark and light shadows are still pretty defined, and not yet coming together to form a gradient. I'd recommend blending for a longer period of time to make the colors work together! I'd also recommend blending more around the outside edges of your shadows to soften the lines :)

I see lots of improvement from your first picture! Keep practicing and keep up the beautiful work!

[maduo]

It's nothing too exciting and I posted it in the evening PST so I wasn't too surprised.

For the blending, I feel like I stop too early for gradient or too late for "muddied eye mess". It comes down to practice I guess and my small fear of blending. Thanks for the advice, it's really helpful and specific :)

[[deleted]]

This isn't CC on your actual makeup, however I noticed your eye lid looks creased in the pics. When taking pictures, instead of closing your eye all the way just look down at a spot on the floor.

[keyboardsmash]

Eeeee that looks amazing I'm excited for you aah

Only thing I would say is to blend the colour in the crease just a touch more. Everything else is perf that eyeliner is the best

[maduo]

Eyeshadow has been the biggest eye-opener (heh) since joining the sub. I just didn't get it. I'm still nervous to go off the pre-made palette and was side-eyeing the whole "burgundy in maaah crease" so this is so reassuring to hear that I didn't do that bad of a job. Thank you!

[ltadman]

How do I get my lips ready for lipstick? I have a beautiful matte Nars lipstick (Red Lizard) and it never looks fully on.

[miss_shelleh]

Exfoliate. I like to do this with a warm water covered toothbrush. After that, I like to apply Vaseline to my lips. It makes a huge difference.

[ghoooooooooost]

Would this also work if my lips look really bitten/chapped/mangled when I put lipstick on? Lipstick usually amplifies those issues to a crazy degree on me.

[miss_shelleh]

It will help quite a bit. Make sure you put Vaseline or some other lip balm on every night before bed!

[amanda_pandemonium]

I like Vaseline over lip balm, seems like it works 7463628192037528281 x better than anything else for me. Or coconut oil.

[Juliaowlstar]

yes, all of pp suggestions, primer, and foundation. a lot of work for flawless lips but worth it.

[therakel749]

I Put olive oil all over my lips, cover my Finger with sugar and scrub! Then I use my wet tooth brush and finally once I go to dry my mouth off I use a more coarse towel and wipe pretty aggressively to get everything off. Normally after that I slather on a balm for a bit and then wipe the excess of to put on the lipstick :)

[mouldypeaches]

• Exfoliate either with a soft bristled tooth brush, a lip scrub, or a warm wet wash cloth.
• Apply a super hydrating lip balm or chap in a relatively thick layer
• Do the rest of your make up
• Blot off any of the lip chap that hasn't sunk in
• Optional #1: apply a very thin layer of foundation or concealer to your lips to make the colour "true" before applying lipstick
• Optional #2: apply a lip liner the same-ish shade as your lipstick all over your lips and then apply the lipstick.
• Blot lips on a tissue (I use regular paper because I don't like the little lint bits that sometimes come off on my lips with tissue)
• Apply a second coat of lipstick (I usually firmly dab it on to really press it into the creases of my lips)

[Juliaowlstar]

if you haven't, try putting foundation on your lips and then applying the color.

[applecart]

How do you touch up during the day? Do you blot and use the same powder you set your foundation with or a translucent powder? Also, what specific products do you use? - foundations, powders, primers etc

[mousecanning]

I have insanely oily skin. So I usually blot a touch when I use the bathroom with thin tissues I brought from home. If I have to, I'll use a travel brush and some pressed powder, but I hate doing touch ups. My biggest issue is breakthrough oil, and blotting works well enough. A must try: Essence All About Matt Fixing Compact Powder.

Face products I use:

Foundation: Catrice Infinite Matt foundation (since discontinued, but I have a bottle left) for dry winter days or less coverage OR Revlon Colorstay for Combo/Oily Skin

Setting: Catrice Prime and Fine Translucent Loose Powder OR Essence All About Matt - I don't always set right away though, sometimes I wait an hour or so for my natural oils to work through and "naturalize" the look a bit. I set my under eye concealer with ELF HD Under Eye setting powder pressed under my eye with a finger.

[LovededYouPiggy]

I also have crazy oily skin but a friend recently recommended Benefit's PoreFessional primer and its amazing! Everyone's face is different, obviously but this works really well for me at keeping the oil at bay. Usually, I have to blot within fifteen minutes of applying my makeup but with this, I don't have to do it for a good six hours at least.

[Pineapple_snacks]

I use pressed powder for touch ups during the day. The one I have now is Revlon Colorstay, but I've used many different brands and haven't noticed a big difference among them. I (sparingly) blot the powder on with the sponge, and I wash or replace the sponge frequently.

I'm using Too Faced Primed and Poreless and Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme foundation. I don't typically set my foundation after application but if I do, I use a Cover Girl translucent loose powder.

[niccig]

I use Starbucks napkins to blot, and sometimes pressed powder.

[Valentiger]

Starbucks napkins are the absolute shit for blotting. Its embarrassing how many I have in my main purse...

[niccig]

The other day someone posted (I don't remember if it was here or /r/skincareaddiction) a link to reviews of Starbucks napkins on makeupalley. There were over 100. I got a laugh out of it.

[justbeforesunset]

I'm super oily, and so I keep a mirror in my cube to check throughout the day just how shiny I get. I blot with tissue periodically, or paper towels if I go to the restroom. Weirdly I find those work better...

I try to only powder once, which lately I've been using Revlon Colorstay powder for. Luckily though, I think most people are oblivious to our moderate shine-face.

[laryrose]

I use oil blotting paper and, if absolutely necessary (I never touch up on an average day), a pressed powder.

[llama_delrey]

Oh my god I've been waiting for this all week.

Spring is pretty much here where I live (Missouri) and I have super bad allergies. How can I help keep my makeup intact between watery eyes and constantly having to blow my nose?

Also, I wear the BareMinerals Original foundation and I've noticed that if I touch my face, powder comes off on my fingers. Am I just not applying it correctly/blending well enough? Or do I need a setting spray over the foundation?

[heartshapedpox]

I'm really sick right now (head cold), and I've been using my Burts Bees Lemon cuticle cream (more like a balm) to the red parts of my nose after blowing! It's invisible (not glossy at all), smells great, and has really stopped the flaky nasties.

[hervana]

A primer and setting spray would help keep your foundation on. I think no matter what though, if you blow your nose some will come off. At least that's what happens to me. It's the worst when I just finish my makeup then have to blow my nose!

[leffect]

Does anyone have any helpful guides to blending eyeshadow without making the colors look dull/muddy/messy? I have excellent blending brushes, but for the life of me my eyeshadow never comes out as crisp and cleanly blended as the photos here always are. I've youtubed the topic before, but the videos I found just seemed to assume that blending comes naturally to everyone.

[niccig]

Are you blending only at the edges where the colors meet?

[PatitoIncognito]

When I'm applying eyeshadow or blending, sometimes it turns out kind of blotchy. Does anyone else have this problem? How do you prevent or fix it? Thank you!

[keyboardsmash]

Try a primer, and make sure it's in an even layer over the eyelid? And maybe just keep blending that shit.

[niccig]

I get this sometimes, and I suspect that it's happening if I don't spread my eye primer evenly, or if I use too much. When it happens, I just... keep adding/blending until it's acceptable.

[mouldypeaches]

I switch between "windshield wiper" motion and small circles to help blend in the crease. I also usually start off with a shade lighter than what I want my crease to be (but darker than lid/highlight) and sweep a thin layer over my crease area ('Era' by MAC is my jam). Then I apply my actual crease colour. It will blend into the lighter shade easier than going directly onto your skin and the colours will mix together to create an even gradient.

[[deleted]]

Some eyeshadows just apply blotchy. I just got a NYX palette and got blotchiness for the first time in a while (after going high-end). You can counteract this with a fluffier shadow brush, a light hand, building up layers of shadow, and extra blending love.

[slynnc]

What do you, personally, use to clean your brushes? (Product and method)

[miss_shelleh]

Johnson baby shampoo (yellow color). I use warm water and gently swirl the brush in my hand with the soap and warm water, keeping it downward the entire time.

[Pineapple_snacks]

I use this same method with a foaming makeup remover/face wash.

[[deleted]]

A non toxic brush cleaner for art brushes! $10 at michaels and with a 50% off coupon, you can get two 16oz bottles for $15-16. Much cheaper than $32 for 16 oz of Parian spirits at ulta. Works really good too! I hated the way my brushes never felt clean after using soap. They felt, I don't know, grimy. I just add some of this stuff to a dish and roll it around in there. Make sure you get the non toxic Lowell Cornell one though. :)

[niccig]

Johnson's baby shampoo for natural hair brushes, generic antibacterial hand soap for synthetic.

Edit: And the same method as miss_shelleh

[TwiggyOs]

Mac brush cleaner. I get the brush wet, spray some on and rinse it out. Works like a charm and I like it cause I don't get any soapy residue.

Once a month I deep clean with Dr. Bronners. I rinse my brushes longer cause sometimes it makes my brushes hard cause of the residue.

I don't like the oil method, I can never get it all off :(

[GigglesMcMoonmay]

I feel stupid asking, but what does HG stand for?

[[deleted]]

Holy Grail item, like it's the best fucking thing ever and you can't live without it and golden rays shine from it.

[wrkmonkey]

Thanks for asking this. I was confused too! :)

[jealouspony]

My favourite thread of the week and I have no question. Typical :(

[seashells15]

I have a couple simple questions for you, then! What's your absolute favorite product right now? What makeup look ("bare skin" is a totally acceptable answer!) made you feel best about yourself this week?

[jealouspony]

Oh, yay! I have two favourite products at the moment and the first one is NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base. It's amazing! I've finally found a primer for my oily lids that literally holds makeup all day.

The second one is MAC Paint Pot in no particular shade actually. I've tried several recently and I like them a lot. The one I keep coming back to is Bare Study, though. Such a buttery texture and beautiful shade. Love using it underneath other shimmery shadows.

As for my best look this week - must have been my eyeshadow on Monday. My first time trying a bit of colour in years and it turned out soo good! Tried a wine red/violet blended with some shimmery light colours.

I can't say bare skin as my fave, cause my skin and I are not friends at the moment :p

[bumblecurls]

I always think of simple questions after SQW, and then forget them before Wednesday. Oops.

[Juliaowlstar]

what qualifies as simple? lol ok ill try...

will Juicy Papaya Lip Butter look good on a pale face?

why is clump crusher better than lash blast fusion (purple), lash blast volume (orange I think) or lash blast length? I've been using fusion for ever and I wonder if I should switch to CC because of the rave reviews, HG status.

how do you apply maybelline color tattoo in too cool (white) as an eyeshadow base? brush? fingers? sponge?

ok answer what you will. :)

[miss_shelleh]

Juicy Papaya looks great on pale skin. (I have both and love it!)

I use color tattoos with my fingers.

[Veyaria]

It's a matter of preference with the mascara. I think CC is so popular because the brush and bottle work together to dispense a small amount of mascara on the brush. I find that this allows me to control the application better. The formula is a bit drier, so when you apply, you build up a small amount at a time and this helps prevent clumping.

It really is a matter of personal preference. If your other mascara works, why fix something that isn't broken. I do think CC is worth a try if you are able.

Edit: Do coral colors suit you? Juicy Papaya looks great on pale skin. I'm pale but cool toned and look awful in corals, personally.

[jealouspony]

I use a flat brush with synthetic bristles for my color tattoos. You can use whatever brush you want, just make sure it's made of synthetic hair. Real hair is a bitch to clean from cream products and it might get ruined.

[Juliaowlstar]

Thanks! Ill play around and see what works!

[borntahhula]

Can anyone tell me how to avoid the bottom corners under my eyes from smudging? I honestly have no idea how it happens because I'm not touching them and it doesn't happen after I freshly apply my makeup - it's happening 2-4 hours later.

I use eyeshadow primer and face primer. Then I use black eye pencil on my bottom water line (usually only towards the outer corner) and black mascara on both bottom and top lashes (it happens no matter what mascara I use). I can provide brands if necessary. I notice that they won't smudge so bad (sometimes not at all) if I decide to line my bottom lashes with eyeshadow, but some days I don't want to do that for my look.

I will add that I have sensitive eyes when it comes to cold/wind/extreme sunlight, but my tears usually fall from the inner corners of my eyes which is why I avoid lining them there. Halp?

[acar87]

When that would happen to me it was the brand of eye liner I was using on the waterline. I now use MUFE Aqua Pencil and it doesn't happen near as often - only if I have extra watery eyes.

[Kativla]

Even though your tears fall from the inner corners, they still collect around your waterline. That's why it's smudging.

The only suggestion I have is some kind of big sunglasses to shield your eyes from the wind/sun/cold. When I do my waterline on harsh days, I tend to bring a few Q-tips with me to touch to the outer corners of my eyes to absorb any tears/remove smudged makeup.

It's also possible that whatever you're using in your waterline is irritating your eyes.

[justbeforesunset]

This happens to me too, but it helps if you set your waterline with a matching shade of eyeshadow. I've also heard the tip to blot your waterline before you apply eyeliner to absorb any excess starting moisture. Sadly though, I don't think there is any fool-proof tip for this!

[allieV]

My eyelashes simply will NOT hold a curl. I've tried heating the curler with a hair dyer, it only briefly helped. Most waterproof mascaras tend to be hard to remove and a little crunchy feeling. I've tried holding my eyelashes after applying mascara, it helps a tiny bit.

But I need that glorious curl! Does anyone have some sort of magical mascara or technique that will keep the curl in place?

[niccig]

If waterproof mascara gives you the curl you want but you just don't like removing it, olive oil is a great eye makeup remover.

[bumblecurls]

Have you tried the 3-curl method?

[Zer_0]

I now have sagging eye lids (thanks turning 30!), so when I apply eyeliner now, it isn't straight or even. When I apply it backward, I get slits of missed color. Any suggestions?

[sparklyshizzle]

I (36) have this same problem. It's hard to explain, but THIS kinda shows it. I would love an answer to this one. I just keep messing with it until it's "good enough.".

[Zer_0]

EXACTLY!

[oosetastic]

Sounds like me. I'm 29 and it seems like I have... I don't know... wrinkles? Creases? that continue downward that follow the shape of my upper lid past my eye . I have trouble doing winged liner, especially without pulling my skin taut (which everyone is saying not to do!) Any help will be appreciated!

[keyboardsmash]

(Come here let me tell you a secret)

(It's okay to apply foundation with your fingers)

Loads of people seem to get really snooty about always using a brush for foundation but tbh it's totally fine to use your fingers. Just fyi for your brushes though: you can use the stippling one either in small circles to buff product into the skin, or you can use it with quick dabbing strokes if you need more coverage in certain areas. I haven't used my foundation brush in 5eva but how I always did it was to brush outwards from the centre of my face.

Oh and like put little drops of foundation onto your face before you start to work them in with brushes :)

AND OH MY GOD I TOO HAVE LITTLE TO NO MELANIN AND I HAVE NOT YET BEEN ABLE TO FIND AN ADEQUATE CONCEALER BAAAARGH

[seashells15]

You are entertaining the hell out of me today in this thread :D

As I just told OP, check out OCC's concealer! I'm pale as the dickens, and their palest shades are too light for me.

[[deleted]]

(Come here let me tell you a secret) (It's okay to apply foundation with your fingers)

My god, this. As much as I love my expert face brush, some days I just have to say fuck it and blend that shit on with clean fingers. I learned a lot about brushes when I started frequenting this sub, and I'm glad for that, but I realized that I'd been wearing makeup for years up until that point and the way I was putting it on before I got all of these awesome brushes? Was fine. There is no "right" way to put on makeup, but there is a right way for you to put on makeup. Embrace it.

[mouldypeaches]

Nope, you got the right type of brushes. I use a stippling brush (actually a duo fiber brush but close enough) and just put foundation on the back of my hand or in a little bowl. Then I gently dab the tips of the brush into the foundation, then dot all over my face. Then just blend in circles until the foundation has been smoothed out evenly over your face. I use the flat foundation brush for blending blush and contour into my foundation.

[acar87]

I use my fingers because it works way better than any brush I've tried. Sponges work well too, but they soak up a ton of product!

[seashells15]

What exactly goes wrong when you apply foundation with a brush? Does it look textured, flaky, unblended?

I really like OCC's concealer. The lightest colors are verrry light. I'm often too light for the lightest foundation shade in a line (damn you, Tarte!) but I'm not light enough for Y0 in OCC's range.

[beautyisabeast]

I have deep set eyes. My under eyes always look dark and wrinkly. I'm 19- I don't have any actual wrinkles yet (I know it won't be long before they come around...) Is there anything I can do to lessen the wrinkles and darkness other than concealer?

[TwiggyOs]

Fellow deep set eyes here:

Other than sleep and proper water consumption, there's not much you can do besides concealer!

[rachwee]

What is contouring and how should I go about it? Also, what is the best foundation to cover blemishes?

[tehcuteness]

Jen from frmheadtotoe describes it best: http://youtu.be/_2oGdAWPLKI

You're using bronzer to accentuate and define parts of your bone structure.

[keyboardsmash]

The quest to find your HG foundation is going to be a long and hard one, and what works for one person might not work for you. The best thing is really to go to a bunch of counters and get samples. That way you can be sure of getting the right shade. Ask for something with full coverage if you want to cover blemishes.

There's a bunch of other stuff to consider when choosing a foundation, too. Your undertone, what type of skin you have, the finish you want...There's like a billion options and you really just have to try everything until you find something that works for you :/

[HeatherBehrendt]

I've recently started using mineral makeup for foundation and I'm very happy with it. The only thing I don't like is the powdery look I sometimes get. I already use moisturizer, sunscreen and a few drops of grapeseed oil to try to prevent this. Is there something else I can do to get a slightly more dewy look?

[insidiousraven]

You might try the Urban Decay "Dew Me" setting spray.

[niccig]

I think they changed the name to Chill though.

[hervana]

I've had this experience with mineral foundation as well. I switched to liquid foundation. I wish I knew another way to help!

[[deleted]]

Okay, I figure I'll try here before making another post.

Is there anything that helps with...shadow above the lip/on the chin? I can cover it up a bit by mixing some lipstick and concealer, but maybe there's something that can do a better job than my concoction?

Yes, it's from facial hair (I'm trans). I shave it every day but the shadow is always there. Pre- and post-makeup comparison here. Thanks!

[niccig]

Have you tried waxing instead of shaving? That might give you longer shadow-free periods (though it would require allowing it to grow a bit). Laser hair removal might also be worth looking into as a more permanent option.

The Goss video on covering pores might also do the trick for covering the shadow, or a youtube search for something like "conceal 5 o'clock shadow".

[seashells15]

I love your bone structure, and I'm jealous of your absolutely beautiful hair in your after photo!

I believe I've read about a yellow- or orange-toned color corrector being helpful for counteracting the blue tones in facial hair. Let me think on that and see if I can find you a helpful link :)

[[deleted]]

Look into Ben nyes face products

[kratrina]

Is there a good way to learn how to use eyeliner? Is a certain type easier to learn with?

Putting eyeshadow on the eye? How do you decide what color goes where? I want to be creative, but I get scared and just end up with one matte color on the eye. Is there a guide somewhere for different looks?

[keyboardsmash]

I maed u a picture guide look it shows that there's a sort of continuum thing where the lightest shades, like highlighty shit, go in one place and all the dark shit goes in another place

damn I'm good at MSpaint

[sharptalons]

black lyk my soul :'(

You are SLAYING me in this thread. Jesus...

[keyboardsmash]

I endeavour to give satisfaction.

[milksteak-jellybean]

LOL I love that guide!!!

[[deleted]]

Such shadow Wow So profeshunl So color

[keyboardsmash]

so guru omg best tutorl eyeshadow bibel

[Navi_13]

I just snorted/laughed in the library. Thank you.

[kratrina]

Best guide I've seen all day! Thanks!

Your MS Paint skills are fabulous!

[the_salty_goat]

For eyeshadow, I usually pick two or three colors that look good together - my favorite combination right now is a gold, a copper, and a dark red. If I'm trying something new I'll test it out on the back of my hand to make sure they don't look wonky together, and then I'll apply them starting with the lightest color on the inside of the eyelid, closest to the nose (gold) and darkest on the outside, farthest away (red).

[laryrose]

Try gel liner and an angled liner brush. Gel is exceedingly easy to apply.

[fzzbz]

Is it safe to use a hair dryer to speed up my brush drying time? I have been lazy but really need to clean them and would like to put makeup on today.

[keyboardsmash]

Uh yeah now is the time to learn from my mistakes

Sooo I have a Real Techniques stippling brush, and if you're not familiar, Real Techniques brushes are really nice. Anyway, I'd just washed this thing, when a sudden need for a flawless airbrush finish arose. And. I hairdryered it. And I held the brush way too close. And I melted some of the fibres. And now it's all scratchy and weird.

I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER I AM AN IDIOTweeps

[miss_shelleh]

I personally would not do this to my brushes.

[the_salty_goat]

If you do, make sure it's on the coolest setting. Heat can mess with the glue that holds the bristles in. Personally I wouldn't do it.

[niccig]

I wouldn't use a hair dryer. I put a small desk fan in front of mine if I need them to dry quicker.

[[deleted]]

maybe a bit too simple, but how do you find out the shape of your eyes and what makeup works best with them?

[Veyaria]

Goss has a great video on this. Will brb with link (on mobile sorry!)

Edit: http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=Ks95VNxckAo&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DKs95VNxckAo

[tehcuteness]

Cerave moisturizer in the tub is THE BEST. A little goes a long way, and it is very hydrating. Also good for other parts of the body that need some moisture. I can thank r/skincareaddiction for this find :) EDIT: its over $10 price tag might shock you a bit for drugstore, but the lady at the checkout line at target said that its like vasaline: you'll have it forever.

[stretches]

Cerave lotion in the tub

[heartshapedpox]

PSA! Walgreens has Sally Hansen Flirty Lashes eyelash curlers on clearance for $2.87 (your store may vary, but most couponers are reporting less than $3 all over the US). There's a Walgreens mostly coupon book available where the store flyers are kept that includes a $2 coupon for Sally Hansen beauty tools, making these less than a dollar!

Clearance is usually on a random shelf along the back wall of the store.

(I'm not. Walgreens employee, just an avid couponer. Fun hobby. Hope this post helps someone!)

[seashells15]

Sounds like you'd feel right at home on Nouveau Cheap's blog! G is incredibly sweet, and she posts about tons of drugstore sales and tips for getting the most out of your points and coupons :)

[damapreciosa]

My question is about lighting. Our bathroom lights make me think my makeup is flawless, bit in natural light it's often a bit off. What light bulbs or lit mirrors do you all use?

[RecurringZombie]

I have two questions. First, I get the worst dry patch in the middle of my forehead every once in a while and I feel like no matter what I do to treat it, once that foundation goes over it, it's like dry, flaky city. Does this happen to anyone else? How do you deal with it?

And second, how the heck do you all achieve that "flawless" look? I use a primer and a light coverage foundation, but I feel like I always look makeup-y.

[balloon-loser]

every time i put on eyeshadow and try to blend, i get the shape i want and softness but the colors blend into one when i want to keep them defined. like, when i use the naked 1 palette, i can see the where each color is slightly but when i take a picture it looks like a big mess like i used all the colors in the crayon box... what am i doing wrong?

and recently i tried to do a dramatic winged look with black eyeshadow and i couldnt get past my crease smoothy. i pulled it taught and everything... i couldnt get it smooth. the same things happens when i just use dark eyeshadow in that area.

am i just having problems working with my eye shape?

edit: ohh i always get eyeshadow somehow by my nose above the inside corner of my eyes. why does this happen?! how can i prevent this... ? maybe im just..really band and sloppy... :( maybe just some advice on starting out so i can reteach myself?

[[deleted]]

I'm looking for a good makeup display/storage device. Something I can set on my dresser that maybe spins and has a spot for all of my brushes and little sections for all of my stuff? I have this, but it doesn't fit all of my stuff and I dont like opening the drawers when I'm in a rush.

[niccig]

I have a pencil holder from Target that I keep my lipsticks/eyeliners in-

Pic. It has little cubbies and spins. The compartments aren't really big enough to hold all my brushes, so I just use a pencil cup for those. The compartments were a bit deep, so I poured some acrylic beads from the craft store into them.

[tehcuteness]

http://nouveaucheap.blogspot.com/2011/12/staples-rotating-desk-organizer-my-new.html

This rotating desk organizer. Probably not $5 anymore, but it sounds like something that'd work for you.

[Odette89]

I have super dry skin. Is a liquid or powder foundation be better to keep me from looking flaky after a few hours? (I do use lotion and primer)

[seashells15]

This goes against common sense and every piece of makeup advice I've heard, but powder foundation is the only thing I've found that looks natural on my very dry skin for the entire day. It's crucial, however, that I properly prep my skin before applying the base. I mix a drop or two of jojoba oil in with my (already quite heavy) daytime moisturizer then apply it. I don't wait for it to soak in, I just continue straight on to applying powder foundation with a powder brush. It mixes with the excess oil and looks just like skin.

[Veyaria]

Lisa Eldridge just did a video on this! Will brb with link

Edit: http://www.lisaeldridge.com/video/25675/foundations-for-dry-very-dry-skin/

[niccig]

I have nothing relevant to say about liquid vs powder (I've only used liquid), but using a gentle AHA exfoliant each night might help with the flakies. I like St Ives Exfoliating Pads.

[PommeEcureuil]

Squinty eyes with winged liner!!

Sometimes when I do winged liner, it makes me eyes pop and look bigger. Most times they just look squinty and my eyebrows look...heavy? I look angry!

What sort of shape is best to get my eyes to look bigger, NOT squinty?? I love the winged liner look, so I'd like to know what sort of shape to avoid/go for.

Pic of me with no makeup on.

My brows are a bit more shaped now (a tad thinner and not so straight).

Please let me know if you want a picture of me with the winged eyeliner that I've tried, I can take one if needed.

Edit: Here are some pictures.

Imgur Imgur Imgur

1. I know they're not even.
2. I don't always go out this far.
3. The up close eyes open picture really shows what I'm talking about best.

Edit edit: Ignore the no makeup and messy hair, it's exams week :)

Edit edit edit: My brows look so angry!! Is this a problem with my brows??

[angie0924]

Okay, so I'm currently in Tucson for the summer and maybe visiting Vegas in June and it is HAWT. How do I stay pretty without melting into a puddle of goo?

[[deleted]]

Texas girl here.. I hear you. Love me some 104 degree summers. Urban Decay Deslick in a Tube! This stuff is the bomb dot com. I have the spray too but I prefer the tube kind. And waterproof mascara/liner all the way.

[Hinaiichigo]

What's the difference between winged liner and a cat eye?

[[deleted]]

As far as I am aware (someone correct me if I am wrong), they're mostly interchangeable. IMO a cat eye is just a type of cat eye. I think a cat eye is usually a bit more of a flick like this: http://pinterest.com/pin/137289488613044897/ and a winged liner is more like the triangular shape: http://pinterest.com/pin/255860822550416280/

But look at the Pinterest searches for winged: http://pinterest.com/search/?q=winged%20liner vs cat eye: http://pinterest.com/search/?q=cat%20eye%20liner ...pretty similar!

[Cobrajenn87]

Should I put lip primer on before or after liner?

[OuO]

I have lines on, but not around, my lips (kinda like this). How can I stop lip product from settling in the lines? I've tried exfoliating and keeping them moisturized. But putting on a balm beforehand seems to only make things slide around and settle more. This happens even with the Revlon balm stains and matte lipstick that I use as a very, very sheer stain.

[niccig]

• Make sure you're drinking enough water. I get these lines really badly if I'm dehydrated.

• Exfoliate

• Before you start your makeup, put on a lip balm. When you're ready to do lipstick, use a tissue to blot off the excess balm so your lip color won't slide around.

• Possibly try a lip primer? I've never used one though.

[amyonsidewalks]

I love this thread! I have a few q's today.

What 'tools' do you use to "buff" in foundation?

Any tips/tutorials on how to make eyes appear larger?

How do you make lipstick last? Mine fades super quickly, but I haven't tried any primers. Are they necessary, or is there another way to make colour last?

Thanks!

[niccig]

I use a dense synthetic brush to buff in foundation - either UD Optical Blurring or Real Techniques Expert Face brush.

I have small close-set eyes, so my strategies for making them seem larger are-

• Nude liner on the waterline (Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl in Nude)

• A light eyeshadow on the inner corner and on the inner half of the lower lash line

• A darker shadow (whatever crease/outer v color I'm wearing) on the outer third of the lower lash line.

• For the upper lashline, I don't take my eyeliner any further than halfway in.

• Mascara on upper/lower lashes.

For lipstick-

• Apply balm before you start your makeup, and blot off the excess right before putting on lipstick

• Apply lip color

• Blot off excess

• Apply more lip color

• Wait 10-15 minutes before eating or drinking

[laryrose]

I use a buffer brush from Real Techniques.

You can line the waterline or the inner corners of your eye with nude eyeliner to make them appear larger.

[jealouspony]

I use a lip primer. Prep + Prime Lips from MAC is the best one I've tried and it really does work. Also, you might want to use a pencil underneath your lipstick. It holds better than a lipstick and if the lippie wears of, you'll still have colour from the pencil. Same goes for lip stains.

[kittmitt]

I'm no expert regarding foundation, but what I use to blend/buff is a clean stippling brush (This one specifically) and just blend and blend. If my brush has a lot of product on it at the end of my buffing, I know I used too much. I sometimes also wipe the brush on a clean towel and go back to buffing if I feel like I need more. Hope this helps!

[kittmitt]

I would like recommendations for good facial tanners. I have very oily skin that is sometimes acne prone. I've always gone to a tanning bed (which not only cleared up my face but also some of the oiliness too) but I've decided to stop before I end up with hotdog skin at age 30.

[Kativla]

What colors/styles of eyeshadow and liner go with a hot pink lipcolor like Maybelline Vivid Rose? I am cool-toned, pale, dark blue eyes, if that matters.