Mommy of 2 under 2 needs fresh new look!

I am a mommy of 2 under 2 and will be going back to work next month. I desperately need to start wearing make up. i wont have a lot of time and don't want to spend a fortune. My question whats a good brand for basics? TIA I am soo clueless.

Re: Mommy of 2 under 2 needs fresh new look!

I recommend bare essentials powder foundation you can just brush it on your face and it makes your skin look even and pretty, i use elizabeth arden but i also like max factor or maybelline for makeup. But I tend to also get chanel, elizabeth arden etc it really is trial and error what works for you but for a basic look, get the powder, under eye conceler, eyeliner and lipgloss

Re: Mommy of 2 under 2 needs fresh new look!

Here's my advice.

Start with a good base. Makeup won't do anything if your skin isn't healthy. Get a good cleanser and moisturiser and any supplement you may need (serums, lighteners, roasacea, dark circles). I also recomenned a makeup primer to help the makeup stay fresher on your face longer.

Once you have your canvas, you need a concealer. Cake, cream, liquid, stick; its up to you. Applying it with a concealer brush is waay better than with the fingers. Dab and blend wherever you need extra concealing. Then decide what kind of foundation you prefer. I personally detest liquid or cream foundations; I use Physicians Formula Organic mineral foundation. I also like that it kills a step, since I don't need powder over a liquid foundation.

For blush, I dust my fave colors on the apples of my cheeks only. If I brush it out along my cheek to my ears, it gets very yucky and streaky. It looks like a fresh pop of color right on the apples. Then I do a light floofing of bronzer along my cheeks and forehead (wherever the sun would naturally hit).

For eyes, I am a fan of simple washes with a darker accent in the crease. Maybe some light eyeliner on the upper lid ONLY, and thick lashes.

I only use lipgloss, so I don't need lipliner or lipstick, etc.

My whole makeup time is less than 5 minutes. I use a mix of drugstore brand and high end cosmetics and no one would ever know.

Find out what products you used to use that worked well for you, what colors you look good in, what you like in a product, what you don't like, and start there. Wander around CVS, read ingredients, look for keywords (oil free, noncomedogenic), pick formulas that you are familiar with. Pick colors that will enhance your look, not merely compliment it.

And keep your receipts--lots of stores have good makeup return policies.

GOOD LUCK

Re: Mommy of 2 under 2 needs fresh new look!

Great advice has already been posted above. I can add a couple of my own personal favorites that I would HIGHLY recommend:

L'Oreal True Match Powder - I use this as my base/foundation/powder and highly recommend it! I apply it with a big brush instead of with the sponge applicator it comes with, for a lighter feel. If I want more coverage, I use the sponge applicator that comes with the powder.

L'Oreal True Match Blush - I really like the blush also - it comes with a little brush to apply it with so you don't have to carry a separate one. I use the recommended color (based on my powder color) and also the next darker one for more pop.

TheBalm Concealer - I bought this at Sephora on the suggestion of my friend and I love it!! It's not liquid, but like a balm in a little tub. I apply it with a clean finger and dab dab dab then blend softly. I've used brushes to apply concealer and just never really got the hang of it I guess.

Nars Blush - I use the O r g a s m color which a lot of people call a sort of universal color (in a peachy pink) which just a TINY hint of shimmer (it's not a frosted color though!). It gives me a refreshed look. I also like the matching lipgloss because it gives color, but isn't too dark.

Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner - I use this one for work in the Cinnabar color (brown), but I will sometimes switch it up with the onyx color (black, duh).

CoverGirl Volume Exact Mascara - I don't need a lengthening mascara so if you do, ignore this item. This mascara plumps up my lashes for an everyday pretty look without being toooo va-va-voom for the office. I use a different mascara to go out.

I will add that I also use Bare Minerals powder as my foundation when I have time to get ready at home, but you can't really carry that with you for touchups so I don't like using it on workdays. Also, I will touch up my makeup on the train and can't carry my BE makeup, so I much prefer the L'Oreal True Match for work days.

HTH!

ETA: Also, for work days, I leave out the concealer more often than not to save time. But really all you need is the powder, blush, eyeliner, mascara, and some gloss. 5 minutes and you're good. I don't even touch up during the day - sometimes before I leave for home I'll reapply my lipgloss, but that's about it.

Message edited 1/8/2009 2:15:28 PM.

Re: Mommy of 2 under 2 needs fresh new look!

Oh God great advice you guys defintely know what u are talking about. Off to shopping I go!! Thanks so much.

Re: Mommy of 2 under 2 needs fresh new look!