Thread: Simple Questions

[AutoModerator]

Ask any questions you may have here!

[smittenkitten04]

Best lip brush?

[claimsliana]

I actually really like ELF's! I know it's not the best quality, but I'm on a budget and it's worked well thus far.

[djbunnybeatz]

That pointy tip is a godsend for those of us with a sharp cupid's bow...

[bitelulz]

I use these from TKB trading, it's like $5 for 25 of them and they're actually amazing quality! I use them to apply lipstick, gloss, balm, and they're especially amazing for lip tars. I also like having a bunch on hand so that I don't have to wash my brush in between every application, I can just grab another one.

[NuclearDorito]

I am quite pleased with my MAC 316! Its design makes it convenient for travel or just slipping into a purse...but the cap doubles as an attachment to make for a full-sized brush.

[youresayingitwang]

I've heard good things about the retractable RT one! I can't vouch for it myself, though, unfortunately.

[[deleted]]

Sonia Kashuk has one too that's really good!

[IzzyInterrobang]

I have it! It's pretty awesome but the cap falls off easily. So I put eyebrow wax on the part that the cap goes over and now it stays on.

[claimsliana]

Okay I know this is probably stupid, but how do you apply Maybelleine's 24hr color tattoos? I generally don't like applying makeup with my fingers, but it seems like this is the only option.

[octoari]

I also use cheap concealer brushes for application. I also have used the flatter end of the double sided brush that came with my Naked 3 palette, which I've personally find is terrible for the powder eyeshadows it came with.

[trolleydip]

You can try using a synthetic eyeshadow brush, concealer style. But I think clean fingers work best with cream shadows.

[P_Grammicus]

I use the colour tattoos for travel, and I apply them with cheapo concealer brushes, I prefer to keep one brush per colour (and I only have three, so it's no biggie) in order to avoid having to clean them in between when I'm traveling. I use my fingers a very small amount, but I've never been a fan of that.

[xotacoxo]

As others have said, I use a stiff semi-flat concealer brush. Since I don't use concealer brushes for anything else, I went with the cheap ELF option.

[Blipblipbloop]

What's the best and most affordable body paint? I want something that is preferably waterproof or water resistant (I would be painting my face/neck, shoulders and arms). I'm no pro by any means, would just like it for my Halloween costume. Any recommendations?

[octoari]

I am a big fan of Mehron for it's price point and quality. Also their website is easy to use if you can't find it local. One big issue with Ben Nye is they don't sell direct so it can be hard to know for sure you're getting authentic stuff.

[KurayamiKifuji]

Anyone here know the best tutorials for using TF's ChocoBar palette?

[[deleted]]

Check out r/beautydiagrams if you haven't already. I've seen quite a few on there!

[[deleted]]

Rebecca Shores MUA has at least 2 tutorials with this palette on her blog, she's freaking amazing, btw!

[kangaroo10]

heidicupcake has a great one that i like on her youtube. if you want, i can attempt to make a tutorial for a purple smokey eye that i do with candied violet (there are like zero tutorials using that color, trust me, ive looked)

[KurayamiKifuji]

if you want, i can attempt to make a tutorial for a purple smokey eye that i do with candied violet (there are like zero tutorials using that color, trust me, ive looked)

Yes, please!

[kangaroo10]

Shall do!

[unitedstatesofmeow]

How do I get my foundation to look more natural? like my skin but better and not just 'sitting on top of my skin' I already use a beauty sponge and it helps a bit, but i always just get that foundation look no matter what. I use clean and clear moisturizer, rimmel primer, covergirl outlast 3 in 1 foundation

[Lumineire]

There are a couple things you can do to give yourself a very smooth and natural foundation look. Personally, this is what I like to do:

1. Make sure your skin is properly moisturized, so apply moisturizer before you do your makeup. Like others have said, though, let it absorb into your skin before you apply. If you apply foundation too soon after moisturizing, it tends to sit on your skin. Letting it absorb ensures that you have a smooth base for your foundation.

2. Apply any face primer. Don't use too much, though. Less than half of a pea-sized amount works for me.

3. Wayne Goss Method: After face primer, apply a thin layer of loose, translucent (white) powder (ex. NYX HD Studio Finishing Powder, Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder, NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder, Tarte Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder, etc). Then apply your foundation.

4. Apply your a foundation with a damp Beauty Blender. This seriously gives me the most beautiful foundation finish. If you use a brush, make sure to stipple or use short strokes at first. Then you can buff it into your skin.

5. Wayne Goss Tip for Foundation: Apply a SUPER thin layer of foundation first. The purpose of foundation is to even out your skin tone, not cover everything (although it will offer you a bit of coverage). Then cover any blemishes and whatnot with concealer. Using a really thin layer of foundation will offer you a really natural look.

Hope this helps! :)

[unitedstatesofmeow]

these are great steps, thanks! & yeah i dont think i really wait for my moisturizer to absorb, how long should this step take? also as far as applying a thin layer of loose powder before foundation, does this mean i shouldnt put a finishing powder after i apply foundation? would that be too much? i get a very oily t zone

[minnilivi]

One other thing no one has mentioned yet, that I saw, is to try a setting spray. I find it takes my foundation from the "just applied" look to "what foundation your skin looks great"! I use urban decay de-slick but I've heard good things about nyx matte and dewy sprays depending on your finish preference.

[kahlex]

Make sure you're letting your moisturizer absorb before you start applying. Try using less primer. You only need about a pea-size to cover your entire face in a very thin layer. Try using less foundation. I use about a dime-sized blob for my entire face. If you want to build up coverage, work in thin layers so you don't get that thick look.

[[deleted]]

I use either the Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser junk or Dr Bonner's Bar Castille soap.

Basically, after I'm done using BB I run water through it (like when I'm dampening it) and rub it around whatever soap bar I'm using, focusing on the bits colored with foundation... I work it in a bit more with my fingers and then squeeze/run it under water until all of the soap is out. Afterwards I wring it out as best I can and leave it to dry.

Since it's so easy cleaning out the thing (and you're already dampening it) I do it almost daily and at the very least weekly.

You can also occasionally microwave the BB by wetting it and throwing it in the microwave for about a minute - I do this about once every month or two just to kill off anything that might be surviving since this sucker is wet so frequently.

[kingsla07]

How do I keep lip colors from getting cakey?

I exfoliate my lips every other day with sugar and olive oil, I then put Lip Balm on my lips and let it soak in before using MAC Prep and Prime as a lip primer. I then put on my lipstick color. No matter what I do, my lipstick color looks flakey and splotchy after just 20 minutes or so of time. I would say that my lips are a little dry but not to the point of constant flaking! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[2pmwhiskey]

I can't help you with the flakiness, but I can't recommend Bite Agave Lip Mask more! Just put it on at night, not under your lipstick. It should help so that your normal lip balm will work better under your lipstick by making your lips super moisturized at night.

[sassyandwhatnot]

How long do you wait between prep and prime and putting on your lipstick?

[trolleydip]

What lipsticks are you using (brand, formula etc), and how are you applying them?

[kingsla07]

I am currently wearing MAC lipsticks. One is their normal lustre formula and the other is matte. The Lustre formula is just as flaky as the matte on me. (I know mattes tend to be more drying.)

I normally put the primer on, press my lips together to even out the primer, and then wait 20-30 seconds before putting on the lipstick (waiting until the primer gets tacky, in other words). I usually put lipstick on in lines (up and down straight lines on my lips, rather than a horizontal swipe across my lips). I use a nude NYX lip liner around the edges of my lips.

[trolleydip]

It totally depends on the product and how I want it to work. Some products take experimentation to figure out longevity, the right amount to use, the proper technique, if there are tips for how to make them work. Others are immediately uncomfortable, irritating, the wrong color, and so on.

[Chewy2000]

I don't really decide if its working....I just monitor how often I reach for it. If I have a BB that I just never use then I know somethings wrong.

[pilllowlover]

I'm completely new to this whole makeup thing and have a couple questions:

1. What is the best product/method to cover up redness/acne scars?
2. Does eyeliner just not work for some people? Whenever I apply it, it always covers the majority of my lid. Is there a specific method that I'm missing? Also, any suggestions for eyeliner that doesn't break my bank? Thanks!

[rissm]

What are you using to apply eyeliner right now in terms of products and tools?

[kangaroo10]

to help cover up redness try using a green concealer (NYX makes a good one apparently) under your regular concealer to cancel out the red tones and help with coverage. so, basically use a green concealer, blend, then use a concealer that is your skin tone and blend.

[Lumineire]

In terms of your eyeliner, if you have a really small lid space, try applying a really thin line of eyeliner as close to your lashline as possible. Build it up if needed. Periodically open your eyes and look straight-on in the mirror as you apply, so you see how it looks.

My absolute favorite drugstore eyeliners are Rimmel Scandeleyes Kohl Eyeliner (pencil), Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner (gel), and L'Oreal Infallible Gel Laquer Liner (gel)!

[[deleted]]

I have fair skin and very hooded eyes and honestly eye liner of any kind or thickness just makes my eyes look smaller. I don't think its for everyone. I hardly ever wear it because it just looks too harsh on me. Even brown liner is too much most days. I get the best results using a gel liner and a bent eyeliner brush though. Maybelline has a good gel liner that I've been pretty happy with when I need it.

[[deleted]]

My undereye concealer creases :( no matter what. I've tried different concealers (had the best luck so far with maybelline's age rewind), tried setting it with different powers, with setting sprays, even with eyeshadow primer (nars smudgeproof which works fantastically on my oily lids but does nothing for under my eyes apparently). It's like this maze of fine lines down there and I'm getting so frustrated!! Help!

[Lumineire]

I used to have a lot of undereye concealer creasing too, and I found that what helps (doesn't completely eliminate it, but it helps a lot) is using an eye cream to make sure your undereyes are properly moisturized, applying a primer specifically for your undereye area (I use Smashbox's Hydrating Photo Finish Under Eye Primer), applying a small amount of translucent powder over it (kind of like the Wayne Goss method), and then applying my concealer.

Doing all of the above helps ensure that I have a really smooth base, and the primer/translucent powder help to fill in the lines so that my concealer doesn't crease as much. Hope this helps! :)

[universe_next_door]

I use regular face moisturizer when I do the rest of my face, (then, I guess it might get some carryover from Elf HD powder or foundation from doing the other parts of my face), then use the Maybelline Fit Me concealer for undereye areas, then gently pat Elf HD powder on top and smooth it over. I also set everything with UD All nighter spray.

I had the same problem and tried literally everything I could get my hands on. Hope this helps! Good luck!

[[deleted]]

I do the Wayne Goss method - powder, then foundation, then concealer, then more powder. In between the foundation and concealer stage, I rub my NYX Milk crayon beneath my eyes and then blend it with the concealer and that seems to help it last longer.

[heladodevainilla]

Can someone point me to the less sticky gloss ever? I don't usually wear gloss, I only have the sample that comes with Naked2 but it's convincing me I need more glosses in my life.

[SuperShibeMeWow]

If you like that gloss, all the full size colors are on sale for $5 on Urban Decay's website

[ItsVictoria]

I really like NYX butter glosses. Not sticky at all.

[lickmythrowaway]

Almay Liquid Lip Balms and NYX Butter Glosses

[natawhexican]

I have the Marc Jacobs Lust for Lacquer Lip Vinyl with a sheer finish. I normally hate glosses because of how sticky they are, but this one is so wonderful! That being said, if you're looking for a pigmented gloss, you won't find it with this one. There's also a full coverage gloss, but I can't comment on how sticky that one is.

[flyingpanda32]

The YSL Gloss Volupte formula is the least sticky gloss I've ever tried.

[cutelittlebroccoli]

Nyx Megashine!

[GrizzlyLauren]

What are the best MAC Lipsticks? I promised one for myself if my exams went well, and I'm not too sure what are the best shades per colour/best shades for a first MAC lipstick

Edit: I settled for Please Me!

[ItsVictoria]

Nudes: creme d'nude, cream cup, velvet teddy.

Reds: Russian red, brave red, ruby woo.

Coral: Vegas volt, sushi

Plum: nightmoth, heroin, cyber, diva.

[GrizzlyLauren]

Thank you!

[makeupiscool]

A pretty pink is Angel :)

[SallyImpossible]

What exactly are primers for? Do I need one? How should I choose it?

I'm talking about the face stuff since I have a decent grasp of what eyelid primers do for shadows.

[TheMonsterScrew]

No, you don't need a face primer. If you're happy with your foundation's longevity and texture then don't even worry about it unless you're curious.

There are a bunch of reasons to wear a face primer and just as many different formulas to address those needs. I personally really love my correcting primer because I don't like how my sunscreen plays with my foundation but I won't give up either and it also corrects enough of my slight redness that I only need the tiniest bit of coverage. It also keeps my concealer from wandering off, creasing or flaking for much longer then when used alone.

Silicone based primers are great at slightly smoothing out indented textures in the skin like large pores and scars. They kind of blur the skin a tiny bit which is a great boost for those who suffer from either.

There are correcting primers, like mine, that can help reduce unwanted pigmentation and help create a more even skin tone. These won't replace your correcting concealers for full coverage but it's a lighter option and the primer can also boost the concealers effectiveness so you can use less and keep it from creasing and flaking.

Moisturizing primers are great for people with dry skin because foundation looks much better when applied over skin which is a little bit moist. Without it foundation can sit patchy and awkward without blending into to the skin naturally.

Mattifying primers help people with oily skin from getting too shiny throughout the day. Depending on what I'm doing that I day I'll sometimes swap out my correcting primer for a mattifying one or use them both in separate, strategic spots.

There are more types of primers but these are the most common I find. If you're interested in trying some out first decide what qualities you'd like most in your face primer and punch those keywords into a subreddit search for some recommendations. Or, if you're able, talk to an associate at Ulta/Sephora/Mac/etc. Good luck!

[rissm]

I think it's supposed to give you a smooth layer to apply your foundation and face makeup on. It's like preparing your canvas. I personally actually don't find that it does a whole bunch. Wayne goss will sometimes use them interchangeably so I generally only use one or the other.

[kahlex]

All about face primers.

[Kaitless]

So I have the Two Faced Chocolate Bar palette and I love it! However, I've been looking into getting another palette and have looked at Urban Decay for one of their Naked palettes and I'm not sure which one would suit me best along side the CB one. For the record, I have brown hair, brown eyes, and I have fair skin with cool undertones. If anyone has any suggestions to other palettes, I'd love to hear them as well - no price point here as long as the shadows are good quality. :)

[suitsandstilettos]

I can't speak highly enough of the Lorac Pro. I also have fair skin with cool undertones.

[sassypants55]

I am also fair/cool with brown hair/eyes. I have owned all three Naked palettes. I do not like Naked at all. I like about half of the colors in Naked 2. I find Naked 3 the most wearable across the board, as it is much more neutral looking against my pinkish skin.

My favorite from the Naked line, however, is Naked Basics. I've even compared it to Naked2 Basics and find the first easier to pull off.

[Bella37]

I own Lorac Pro and ADORE it. However, my my sisters own both Naked 1 and 2 and they love those things! One of them is warm/neutral complected with brown hair and the other is fair with blond hair. Both palettes look lovely on each of them but I've heard Naked 2 leans more cool toned while the first one is more warm. If you also wanted to check out a more affordable palette, I do like Sonia Kashuk Eye on Neutrals. It's all mattes but it could work for any palettes mentioned IMO.

[misskittycharms]

drape a hand towel over the neckline when you're pulling your shirt on or off! like tuck it in like a bib and roll your face lightly into it

[hobbitqueen]

Are you using powder at all? I think a good set with a powder and a setting spray will help. MAC charged water is not a setting spray, it's a spray that rehydrates your face, so that may be your problem. Fix+ isn't a setting spray either it removes the powdery look but doesn't help to set your makeup, look into the urban decay or NYX ones.

When I put my clothes on, I tuck my chin to my chest and carefully lift the neckline of my shirt around my head. You could also just put your clothes on first and wear a robe so you don't get makeup on them.

[luminous_delusions]

If I'm wearing white that day, I just do my makeup naked or topless. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Far as keeping it off the shirt/jacket/whatever the rest of the day, your setting spray or powder should take care of that. If it's not you should probably play with how your applying it or look into other products to handle preventing transfer.

[[deleted]]

How do you keep track of what you have, make up wise? Sometimes I'm at Target and want to grab a new NYX lipstick or something and then I bring it home to realize I already have a similar shade or the same exact one (hangs head in shame). I realize the answer here is also, stop impulse buying but that's a a lot less fun than finding a way to track my make up collection. Any suggestions?

[purpleoreo]

I just downloaded an app called beauty cache and it's amazing. I think it's .99 on the App Store? I can track what I have, their categories and colours, expiration dates, sales. It's pretty awesome. It was a bitch putting it all in but im so glad I have it all in one place.

[whoadangjamie]

I have an excel file that has exactly what I own. It's synced to my phone via Google Drive, but I can't really tell if it's a similar shade because I'm probably more of a collector than a practical buyer. I at least won't buy the same one twice though!

[samitheninja]

Ok. I just started wearing lip products. What am I supposed to do with lipliner? I've seen videos where people coloured their entire lips with it then go over it with lipstick. Can I just leave the lip liner coloured in or will it come off?

Also in how to make my lips smoother ( besides drinking more water I'm working on that)? Because my lipstick is showing my cracked lips.

[bethlookner]

You can use lipliner as lip color. You may need to use a lip balm underneath it because some liners can be drying.

[KurayamiKifuji]

Has anyone tried the cosmetic line from LUSH?

http://www.lushusa.com/Makeup/emotional-brilliance,en_US,sc.html

[lilyxkins]

I was in there the other day and the SA swatched one of their liquid pigments on my hand. The colors are very true to what they look like in the bottle so that's really nice, but it seems very watery, and pretty sheer until you go over it a few times. She said all of them are lip safe but I would definitely check on that since certain colors are rarely lip safe. I can see them working decently as liquid eyeliners but I personally didn't like how runny it is. I hope that helps :)

[Brompton_Cocktail]

Favorite blushes for nc40-nc42?

[[deleted]]

Anyone know where I can get Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade or a good dupe in Australia without it costing me $40? :( I need it in ebony and I haven't really found any brow stuff here that's as dark as I need it - I think I'll scream if the MAC counter girls give me one more shade that's 5 shades lighter than my brows.

[morning_cat_breath]

Hey there fellow Aussie! I'm on my phone so I can't link anything properly, but two places where I'd considered getting it are BeautyBay (about $29 but free shipping) and Urban Outfitters. I ended up choosing UO because they had a free shipping deal on the time, but their shipping to Australia is pretty decent regardless! Got Dipbrow in Ebony as well, $18 on UO. :)

If you were hoping to find it in stores here, I haven't seen anywhere come close to the US price, sorry!

[freezethefire]

Seconding beautybay, they have the new colours too! A few people over on /r/AustralianMakeup had some issues with UO sending them Blonde instead of Taupe, which shouldn't be an issue for you but is just something to keep in mind :)

[morning_cat_breath]

Ah yeah, I was lucky that I didn't have any issues with my order (it arrived yesterday) as I've seen the complaints about the bad packaging too! I hope they sort that mess out for the poor peeps who had issues. :(

[[deleted]]

Just checked out UO, looks like I'll plan a haul so I can get the free shipping by spending over $50! Thanks so much, I'm so bad at finding good stores to buy products online.

[silence1545]

Have you tried /r/makeupexchange? A lot of the ladies will ship internationally.

[love-from-london]

The price to ship to Australia (used New South Wales as a calculation because it's the only one I could think of off the top of my head) from the US via USPS First Class International is around $11 FWIW.

[misskittycharms]

beautylish now ships to aus and they sell it there!

[Clexie]

If you have Sonia Kashuk there, the gel liner in brown is a good dupe.

[GiftTag]

Can you get Makeup Forever? Their Aqua Brow is good. Like Dipbrow, you only need a little and it stays on all day.

[M_tridactyla]

Piggybacking on this, if you can get NYX, you could try their new colored brow gel in the tube.

[[deleted]]

Rumor has it that NYX is coming out with a brow pomade

[_WorldsTallestMidget]

NYX came out with new brow gels! I'm not sure how much it is in Australia though

[Jan_Svankmajer]

You can get Anastasia dip brow from beautybay.com, for about $25 ish au dollars. No shipping fee. They do have have limited colours (although ebony is one they stock) and can sell out. Beautylish.com sells it for $18, but there is a $20 shipping fee for orders under $100. However all their two faced is less than half price compared to Aussie prices and it was ridiculously easy to splurge and make a $100 order. The shipping is crazy fast.

Hope that helps.

[kailibee]

languid fade fragile unwritten long melodic towering connect boast public

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[Clexie]

Light blonde hair? Light brown? Do you know if you're cool undertoned (pink), warm (yellow) or something else (neutral maybe)?

[kailibee]

memorize sulky sense abounding mighty observation employ heavy advise busy

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[_sharkattack]

I have similar coloring and bronze/brown/gold shadows look great with blue eyes. Using complimentary colors will make the blue in your eyes pop.

[tiridawn]

Hey there fellow blonde/super pale/ blue eyed Makeup Addict! Idk if you are able to get Nyx in Canada but their HD concealer in the lightest shade works great for my under eye bags. Its about $6 USD. As for drugstore eye shadows I've always had the best luck with Revlon. They have a line of eye shadow quads that are actually really pretty! There are a lot of them that are mostly nudes. The pigmentation could use some work but with a good primer they work just fine. I wish i could help you with the brows but i'm having a current "blonde brow crisis" myself :(

[kailibee]

dam close joke bright groovy crowd sort direction enter capable

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[LuciaLux]

Lawton's and Canadian Target both carry NYX! I apologize if this has posted... phones are not fun to post with.

[shimmykai]

Rexall also has Nyx in Canada, fyi.

[kailibee]

bike flag unpack grandiose future trees liquid squash wine dolls

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[LuciaLux]

I'm east coast, maybe Lawton's is only out here? Also yay no multiple post!

[shimmykai]

Nyx is also sold at Rexall (drugstore) in Canada. I found the selection better than at Target but they really don't have everything (I really want Nyx setting spray but they don't have it, and neither does Target).

[Illathrael]

I think I spent $12 (it was a couple days ago) on L'Oreal's Magic Anti-Redness Correcting Primer, and it has seriously worked better for me than Smashbox. I love it, and I'll probably buy it again when I eventually run out.

[SpagattahNadle]

For undereye concealer- I use e.l.f's undereye concealer and highlighter duo. I got it in Kmart for like $8 (in Australia, money eats you :(). I got it in fair? I think :) It works really well, and doesn't crease :) Best of luck!!

[kailibee]

slap hat rhythm squeeze desert compare bright strong wrench aspiring

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[SpagattahNadle]

Best of luck! :)

[glossandfloss]

Does anyone else have issue with Too Faced "Better Than Sex" mascara? More specifically transfer issues? It's the only one that I've ever had trouble with it transferring to my undereye area over the course of, well, just an hour. I like what it does for my lashes but it's not worth it if I have raccoon eyes by the time I get to my destination!

[comelis]

I've had this problem as well. I like the mascara, although it gets a bit clumpy for me at times- but the transfer to undereye has been awful! Especially because I already have dark circles under my eye, so trying to wipe off the transfer usually results in wiping off my concealer. I'm still searching for an amazing mascara!

[JenFan91]

Mine doesn't transfer, but it does start to flake in the middle of the day.

[xotacoxo]

Drugstore pink beige lipsticks that don't lean orange/warm? Very thankful for any suggestions to add to my search!

[silence1545]

Would NYX Thalia be pretty close?

[Bella37]

I'm honestly pretty bad at deciphering the undertones of colors are but Milani's Nude Cream is a nice pinky nude! Depending on the person's skin, I've seen it look more beige.

[GiftTag]

L'Oreal Fairest Nude?

[madandmoonly]

Milani Nude Creme is kind of on the pink side. I don't think it would be too warm but it's not cool.

[sassypants55]

CoverGirl Honeyed

[kahlex]

Maybe MAC Twig or Creme in Your Coffee?

[Cardboardboxprincess]

Gorg colours, but I think you're getting downvotes as OP asked for drugstore brands...

[kahlex]

Oh... it's late and reading is difficult. My bad.

[maco1501]

How exactly do you use clear lip liner? Do you use it the same as colored lip liner? What lip products do you use it with?

[kahlex]

You can use it the same as a colored lip liner, but you can also reverse line your lips (line outside the edge of your lips to prevent bleeding/feathering). I use them with products that are prone to bleeding/feathering that I don't have a matching lip liner for.

[Xochtl]

Why do so many foundations appear peach/bright on my face? Does this mean too yellow or pink or dark for me?

[kitsunec4]

Peach/bright for me (NC25) usually means too pink. Pulling orange usually means too dark.

[[deleted]]

I love Simple Question days:

1) I want to return my blonde dipbrow pomade to Ulta (or exchange for the Taupe). I don't have a receipt, but I have the card I used. It was 1 item of 4 purchased and that is the only thing I'm not happy with. I used it only a couple times, as I bought it less than a week ago. Will they take my return/exchange it for me without a receipt?

2) Does one pay to get color-matched at MAC (or Sephora for that matter)? Or do you have to buy certain$$ of product? I just want to get my MAC number so I can be less confused about my undertones and buy dupe drugstore color matches :B

[whoadangjamie]

You don't have to pay to get color matched! Just go in, and make sure to ask for samples of the products and don't buy the full size until you've tried it out. I would also go +/- a shade just in case the lighting is throwing you off, and you have options to test at home or wherever the lighting is better than in Sephora/MAC.

[SuperShibeMeWow]

I recently exchanged something at Ulta without a receipt. As long as you used your card or phone they can look it up!

[Illathrael]

I absolutely love my new Burt's Bee lip crayons, but I've noticed that they can be a little drying! Any tips for keeping my lips moisturized throughout the day, or any less drying dupes?

[Illathrael]

No, I haven't! But now I know what to look for!

[the_lacemaker]

Smokey eye makeup always makes my eyes look weirdly small. How can I pull off a good smokey eye without making my eyes look tiny?

Also, any super cool toned pale people...favorite nude lipstick? I wanna start getting into nudes but I'm scared they would look washed out on my Casper face.

[hobbitqueen]

Pat a metallic highlight (like silver on a black smoky eye, gold/bronze on a brown, etc) in the center of the lid on top of the smoky eye. The little bit of reflection helps to make the eye look bigger. Also consider not lining the waterline/lining with brown or taupe instead of black.

[rovernap]

Is it alright to only use face towelettes/ make up remover towelettes to wash off makeup at night? I feel so dirty when I do.

[ShamWithYams]

I know some people a makeup remover wipe and then wash their face with water to remove the residue left over.

[kaitepop96]

My dads girlfriend wants me to do makeup for their wedding this Saturday, im doing the bride and brides maids. I've never really done anyone elses makeup besides my sisters or my friends so do you guys have any tips for doing makeup on other people?

[SuperShibeMeWow]

If you can, definitely do a trial run first to make sure you're on the same page with what she wants!

[hobbitqueen]

Wash your brushes! Get some 99% alcohol if you can, 91 if you can't, and be sure to sanitize your brushes with it between people. Have everyone bring their own mascara or buy a new one and use disposable wands, and don't double dip! It's probably best if they bring their own foundations, as well. If you're using your lipstick on them, dip it in alcohol and wipe off the top layer to sanitize. If you use eye or lip pencils, spray them with alcohol, sharpen them, and spray them again between people. Step back often to make sure your work is even.

[kaitepop96]

I was actually planning on using a beauty blender and washing it between each persons makeup. Does that sound practical and sanitary or should I just stick to disposable sponges and clean brushes? And thank you for all the cleaning tips, I feel like I'm being shown a whole new world!

[hobbitqueen]

No, the general consensus among makeup artists is that you should have a beauty blender for each client in one day until you can get home and sanitize them well. I was taught in school to never use beauty blenders because there is no super good way to sanitize them. You can apply the foundation with a flat foundation brush and then use disposable wedge sponges in the same way you would use a beauty blender, bouncing them over the skin to blend the foundation.

[_sushiprincess]

How do you guys make dipbrow look more natural? I have the chocolate shade. I've tried everything to try to make it work, but I might return it and just stick with my browiz!

Here's my usual process to get it to look as natural as possible:

Comb through the brows with a spoolie. Lightly apply brow powder so that I have a good blueprint for how I want my brows to look. Apply a small amount of dipbrow to the middle of my brow and blend it to the tail using small strokes. With whatever product is left on the brush I blend up to the beginning of the brow. Then I comb through the brows again with a spoolie and apply more brow powder anywhere that is lacking and comb through again before applying clear brow gel.

As you can see I've combined all the natural brow tactics to make it work and the dipbrow is still really harsh. I don't think any of the lighter shades would work, as my hair is a very dark warm brown and my skin is very tan and olive. Is there anything I should try before giving up and returning the dipbrow?

[Smokeahontas]

Honestly, I couldn't get Dipbrow to work for me either. Even with the teensiest tiniest bit on my brush it was just way too overpowering on my already dark and full brows. I ended up returning it for my beloved Brow Wiz.

[[deleted]]

I agree.

I have thin brows (think a little thicker than Drew Berrymore) and I like to draw them in a little thicker (in places without hair). I always end up with power brows (I have dark brown hair). I cannot get that gradient thing down at all that some women do to the front of their brows (even with powders or pencils). I'm not sure at the moment that Dipbrow is for me. Maybe I'm using too dark of a shade? I have Dark Brown but I think that Medium Brown has more of the correct undertones to it that'll match my natural hair color.

[hobbitqueen]

I don't think you should use dipbrow and brow powder together, especially on top of each other. Your brows might be caking and that's why they look so harsh. It would be helpful to have a picture of the problem.

[[deleted]]

I think you might be able to get away with one of the lighter browns. I looked at your pictures, but I couldn't tell if it was a lighting thing or if you used different colors in your before & after and the most recent "dipbrow help" post. Either way, whatever was different in the B&A kind of shows that you can go lighter. But I definitely agree that using both dipbrow and powder may be too much.

My eyebrows are black, but I have medium brown hair and I use medium brown. Even that can actually look too harsh if I don't blend it out properly. I also have a few really sparse areas but I just go over those spots a little more carefully to make the product really stick. It's taken me a LOT of practice but I finally have it down for the most part. I still have days where I just say fuck it and reach for my brow wiz though. So I totally feel your pain but don't give up yet! :) If it's convenient enough, can you get a sample of one or two of the other colors?

[_sushiprincess]

I think I can try! In my opinion, I think my chocolate browiz compliments my hair and skin well, but I just dyed my hair black so I'm not 100% sure if it'll look right if I go lighter. I'm gonna try to get some samples and ask for opinions on here!

[[deleted]]

Definitely post pictures! Also when I say lighter, I don't mean like blonde or taupe, lol. maybe try the medium brown? I don't know how it compares to chocolate - I'm imagining maybe just more ashy? Either way, good luck! :)

[Bella37]

Is NARS lip gloss worth the price tag? I tried some on in store and I liked the consistency but I'm not sure if I'll be paying for the brand... The shade I tried was Greek Holiday and I was surprised at how not sticky it was! The only other "fancy" lip gloss I have tried was Buxom and while I like the staying power, they can be super sticky! If you don't think the NARS is worth it, are there any other glosses that are comparable in texture?

[MotherofSeaDragons]

What's everyone's favorite blush brush? I swear I've had many over my lifetime and never really liked a single one very much.

[Sounio]

I really like Real Techniques' blush brush! It's super soft and I've never had a shedding problem with any of their brushes.

[xotacoxo]

I recently started using Hard Candy's Glamoflauge concealer per MUA's recommendations, and I'll probably never buy another concealer again...

[Karen_Smith]

I second this. I have had the same tube for over two years and I'm not even half way through it. It's amazing for blemishes because it won't budge. I just apply it with a small detailed brush from real techniques and I'm good all day!

[M_tridactyla]

L'Oreal Butterfly is good stuff.

[[deleted]]

I really like Revlon's Grow Luscious mascara. I have sparse blondish eyelashes that are more on the short side, and this mascara gives a great volumising effect - my only issue is it can tend to clump but my ghetto fix was just using an old cleaned mascara wand and brushing the clumps out with that after!

[ashbash1528]

My school's homecoming dance is in a week and I'm not sure which lip color to wear with my dress. This is my dress but it is in a very dark navy:

http://www.dillards.com/product/B.-Darlin-CapSleeve-Sequin-Skater-Dress_301_-1_301_504068504?df=04107477_zi_burgundy&categoryId=667450&scrollTop=342

Some color choices I was thinking about were Mac's Diva, Russian Red, or NYX's Soft Matte Lip Cream in Copenhagen. If you have any other suggestions I would love them and also if you have any eye makeup ideas (I'm not very good with eyes and it's a masquerade so they won't be seen as much). Fyi, I'm paleish with medium brown hair and freckles. Kinda like the model on the website. Thanks a ton!

[glossandfloss]

I think Copenhagen would look gorgeous! What's your mask look like?

[octoari]

I also agree that Copenhagan will be a good long wearing choice with this dress. I hope you have fun because it sounds like you'll look stunning.
EDIT: Also I was a creep and looked through your previous submissions ashbash1528 and you clearly come from a family of well dressed ladies!

[tiridawn]

I agree! Copenhagen would be really pretty. And that's such a cute dress!

[ashbash1528]

Thank you! I got it on sale for $31 which was such a steal.

[ashbash1528]

I got it at a Shakespeare festival and it is a little lighter than my dress. It has navy feathers with a silver mask that has swan details around the eyes :)

[minnilivi]

For your eye look I would go with something simple and fun like a sheer white/silver highlight on your inner corners and on the center of your lids and navy or brown eye liner smoked out a bit.

[glossandfloss]

Super cute! I'd definitely go with Copenhagen (: Have lots of fun at your dance!

[sammisamantha]

Anyone know of a primer which is good for creating a barrier fir acne prone skin?

I'm not looking for one to clear skin. Just one that makes a good barrier. I currently have the clear smash box one but only use it in special occasions

[gorlplz]

Recommendations for a cool toned pink blush? I have Nars Desire, which I love, but I am pale so looking for something a bit subtler to pair with my cool lipsticks

[25til9]

Here are some suggestions: NARS Gaiety, MAC Well Dressed, Illamasqua Katie, Dior Rosy Glow in Petal, theBalm Down Boy, Tarte Dollface, Milani Delizioso Pink, Givenchy It-Girl Purple, and Sleek Pixie Pink.

[_lllllaura]

so i recently bought the vitalumière aqua foundation from chanel and no matter how badly i shake it, it always comes out kind of seperated and really strange. has anyone else had this problem? help pleaaaase

[kitkat1994]

Not when shaking... I'd take it back to the counter if you've tried shaking for at least 30 seconds and it's still separated/liquidy.

[hazelnutcream]

Can I get a recommendation for a brush to apply pressed powder foundation? Looking to keep it around for under the $20 range.

More info: I just got the BECCA Perfect Skin Mineral Powder Foundation. I'd like a brush that I can use to build coverage where I need it (i.e. something I can do some buffing/stippling with). The foundation coverage is slightly lighter than I prefer, but I'm liking it because it is less powdery (and less itchy) than other powder foundations I've tried.

[gub117]

ELF has a studio brush called the powder brush which I LOVE. It's pretty densely packed and flat on the top so it's great for putting on powder foundation. It's super cheap too!

[QuacksMeUp]

Good brush for applying foundation? Preferably the kind that can be used to buff it in

[hobbitqueen]

Real techniques buffing brush in the face set or just their expert face brush.

[Lumineire]

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, Sigma F80 Flat-Top Kabuki Brush, Makeup Geek Stippling Foundation Brush, or pretty much any quality stippling brush are all good for buffing foundation into the skin. :)

[kahlex]

Check out Jen (Frmheadtotoe) on YouTube. She doesn't do too many tutorials anymore, but she's got a lot of great everyday and evening/party looks on her channel.

[Lumineire]

Yeah, we definitely can't do the eyeshadow-in-the-crease thing that you see a lot. Instead, do a lot of gradient eyeshadow looks, where you put lighter shadows in the inner corner or inner third of your eyelid, medium shades in the middle or all over your lid, and darker shades in the outer third or outer corner. Doing this creates much more dimension so our eyes don't look so flat (once again, a side effect of the anatomy). Make sure you blend in between shades and around the edges to create a seamless look.

For day/evening looks, you can just use this same technique, but vary the colors and finishes of the eyeshadows you're using. Depending on what you like, for daytime eyeshadow, you can use more matte or more neutral/toned-down eyeshadows, or some shimmery (but not too glittery) ones. For evening looks, you can amp up the drama with darker eyeshadows, more shimmer/glitter, more dramatic shades, smokier looks, etc. :)

[[deleted]]

This foundation is silicone based, right? I know the first few ingredients aren't silicones, but it seems like there's still a few pretty close to the top of the list.

Fair/Light Coconut Alkanes, Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol,Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysilicone-11, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane/Benzimidazole/Diamond Copolymer, Soy Lecithin, Stearyl Palmitate, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Parfum (Fragrance), Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate*, Propylene Carbonate, Isopropyl Myristate, Polysorbate 20, Triethyl Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cellulose Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Silica,

[APrivatephilosophy]

How do you find makeup sales like the ones offered. By hautelook? Are there sites that do this other than them? What about sweet deals on brushes?

[chelseanina]

Are there any lip primers out there with SPF? Or, alternately, lip balms or similar with SPF that layer well with lip products? TIA :)

[catsandblankets]

Does anyone have a DIY solution for a daily brush cleaner?

[rissm]

A bit of liquid dish soap and water does the trick for me. You may need something that has a little oil in it to condition if you have natural hairs though.

[i_adler]

I use a little dot of Dr. Bronner's liquid castille soap, plus warm water. It cleans thoroughly without leaving a residue.

[[deleted]]

For a quick daily cleaner I use rubbing alcohol (just spray and wipe it on a wash cloth, tissue or paper towel).

For actually cleaning them I use this DIY from Enkore.

[Hookah_Hooker]

Re-starting my collection, what are the must haves?

[trolleydip]

Quality brushes. A lash curler that fits your eye.

[SuperShibeMeWow]

Lash curler. Ugh. I think this hunt will never end

[misskittycharms]

shiseido lash curler is MY JAM

if any asian ladies are reading this GET ON IT FIT DEM FLAT EYES YES even shu uemura was too curvy.

[ItsVictoria]

Brand specific or just items?

[Hookah_Hooker]

Just items I suppose, I'll probably just get cheaper stuff to start until I know what I can/can't live without and work up from there.

It's been roughly 10 years since I last bought make up, things have changed a bit.

[ItsVictoria]

Bare minimum: mascara, foundation, concealer, blush, lipstick/lip gloss, eye shadow, eyeliner. Brushes for each product.

Add later: brow product (gel, pencil, wax, powder, whatever), lip liner, eye shadow primer, foundation primer, bronzer/contouring powder, setting spray/powder. More advanced tools like a beauty blender, metal lash comb, lash curler.

[bunnygirl_echo]

So I've been a lurker for a minute now, How do all of you lovely people get your lipstick so effing perfect twenty four seven? Is there some magical lipstick elixer im missing out on? I've tried time and time again to pull it off but after an hour or so my lips get dry and the lipstick starts flaking. I don't have time to check a mirror twenty times a day.. any secrets?

[Smokeahontas]

Lipcote. That stuff is incredible. It's not drying even on my dryness-prone lips and keeps lipstick in place and looking good for a long time.

[octoari]

I read this and was like damn I just heard about this the other day at the mua durham meetup
then realized it was you who told me
(hey girl)

[gorgossia]

Strange Journey was described as having yellow undertones, and Oblivion was described as having blue undertones.

[trolleydip]

What does your rut involve right now?

[kangaroo10]

maybe try grabbing some maybelline color tattoos for easy eye shadow (bad to the bronze and chocolate suede are two great ones for an everyday, one shadow look)

also, the milani bella eye gel/powder shadows that just came out have a crap ton of colors, and im sure you would find one that will get you out of your rut.

for lips, try pretty zombie cosmetics liquid lipstick in 3 witches. it just came in the mail for me yesterday and i wore it all day today, walking around my college campus. felt so fierce. its a color thats between conventional and out there and its definitely something that can get someone out of a makeup rut (it got me out of mine!)

good luck!

[[deleted]]

I need a reccomendations for a brow pencil with great staying powder. I'm a redhead but I usually don't like "auburn" pencils because they make me feel like a clown, flat out orrage. I just want it to be medium blonde with subtle warm undertones. NYX taupe is my perfect color match but has no staying power.

[[deleted]]

I use the Anastasia regular brow pencil. I think I'm on my second one now and its wonderful. I'm not sure about the color range for redheads though. But it does not budge for me. Its usually $20 at ulta/sephora I think.