Help!

[Mandie2006]

So, my make up is pretty boring...Its simple, yet it takes me at least 30 minutes to apply because there are so many layers to cover up my bad skin! My normal make is ...Jergens Natural Glow, then Green Concealer, Normal Concealer, Pancake, Powder, Light Brown, White, or Light Pink eyeshadow, LOTS of black eyeliner and mascara and pink or light brown lipstick. I need a new look...Any suggestions? The simplier (at least in steps) the better because I've only really started to get into make up, and my hands aren't steady...so I need a lot of practice before I get even halfway close to perfect. Here's pictures.

EDIT:// The first picture...my skin is photoshopped a little bit and the second one is bad quality...it looks pretty normal most of the time, but you still can tell I wear a lot of layers.

Also, I am VERY pale, if you cannot tell and very addicted to my black eyeliner and mascara.

 

[prinzessin784]

Have you tried Bare Minerals foundation? I wear it on top of my concealer and liquid foundation and I find it gives a great finish and really hides my blemishes! And then I use the Mineral Veil over everything too - I love that stuff!! And it doesn't feel heavy which I love. Other powder foundation I've tried has felt really gross and heavy and I'd never even think to combine it with a liquid, but this stuff feels great and does the trick!

 

[Mandie2006]

Quote:

Originally Posted by prinzessin784 Have you tried Bare Minerals foundation? I wear it on top of my concealer and liquid foundation and I find it gives a great finish and really hides my blemishes! And then I use the Mineral Veil over everything too - I love that stuff!! And it doesn't feel heavy which I love. Other powder foundation I've tried has felt really gross and heavy and I'd never even think to combine it with a liquid, but this stuff feels great and does the trick!

Well see, here's my problem. I don't have a job, so I have no money of my own...and secondly, I live in a small town where all that's avaible is cheap makeup, Avon, and (I think its) Merle Norman. I have tried every cheap make up, plus Clinque and Avon and the only thing that seems to work for covering my skin is the cover girl stuff and the comes in a compact, over a dab of concealer for smoothness (the green for my redness) obviously...and the powder for the shine.

I wouldn't know where to find bare minerals, plus I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to find it in a shade light enough for my skin (I have that problem now, which is why I have to wear the Natural Glow...so my face gets a little darker to match the makeup.) Plus, I'm not sure if it would cover my skin...you know? But thanks for the help.

Sorry for all of the ramble.

 

[ebonyannette]

have you tried Rimmel and Milani products? they are awesome and cheap!

 

[Mandie2006]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebonyannette have you tried Rimmel and Milani products? they are awesome and cheap!

Hmm, I don't think so. If I see some around, I might try them.

 

[prinzessin784]

ahh I see. Some people sell samples of Bare Minerals in e-bay for pretty cheap, but then you'd probably want to buy the full sized one anyway so that might not be a great idea either haha

Good luck!

 

[BlahWah]

Instead of Bare Minerals, perhaps you could try Everyday Minerals? You'd have to get them online, but a sample kit is a great way to try it out, and you can get 3 foundation samples so you can either try 3 different kinds or have two of one type and one of another. I don't know first-hand how they compare, but from what I've read EM is an affordable equivalent to BM. The minerals should also be healthier for your skin. =) As for whether the colour matches, there's a thread for EM under Cosmetic Discussions, perhaps someone with similar skintone has found a match and posted there.

Another alternative is controlling your skin issues themselves. I'm sure you've tried some things before - drinking more water, trying different cleansers, etc. - but that would be healthier for your skin and less stress for you - keep at them! And you can focus on your pretty eyes and lips more - your eyes are nice and big and I love the shape of your lips! =D

As for a new look... perhaps you can try something simple like a different coloured liner? That can spice things up without varying too much from what you already do.

Sorry so long, but I hope it helps some!

 

[ultraviolet]

if you're looking for a full coverage foundation for your skin foundations such as Revlon Colorstay and Laura Merciers oil-free foundation offer good coverage and don't irritate (in most cases) sensitive skin (however, i only recommend the old version of colorstay as the new "softflex" version broke me out : /) I'm really pale as well and have found good color matches in Loreal's true match foundation ( i wear shade c1 in alabaster lol), Maybelline dream matte mousse in porcelain ivory (i hated this at first but i found that if you apply it with a dense blush brush it works ALOT better and offer a full moderate coverage and goes on more smoothly) and for HEAVY DUTY coverage (i'm not sure how much coverage you're looking for?) CoverBlend by Exuviance is REALLY good ( i use shade Ivory) if you're concerned about blemishes, another good alternative (is use it on icky skin days) is a foundation with salicylic acid in it (the one i use is Good Skin all right makeup in level 1 cool and it offers medium coverage and reduces my breakouts when i wear it). Now that i've babbled forever, i'd also suggest maybe trying a bronzer to warm up your skin tone instead of blush. And maybe try some nice bronzey colors on your eyes? A dark bronze eyepencil (i adore MAC teddy eye kohl but i'm sure you could find one in any brand) and a bronzey contour shade on the outer 3rd of your crease with a light sand color to blend would be lovely on you!

 

[Hawkeye]

I'm sure you don't have bad skin. A lot of times people who think they have bad skin really don't when viewed by other people. But if you are convinced you have bad skin maybe it is because either the quality of the products you've been using on your skin or the amount of products on the skin.

I seriously have major skin problems as well and I find the less I put on the more my skin clears up. THe more I put on the more my skin acts up. Anyway thats just a thought.

Also someone above noted that you can also try to correct the skin problems and I agree whole heartedly with that. Try different cleansers, more water, maybe some antioxidants. I've actually tried drinking a tea (yeah you heard me right) from Nuwati herbals and my face has just started to glow. So that's an option too. Also exfoliating once a week etc. There are a lot of ways you can do that at home (asprin mask on pimples, sugar scrub etc)

The more product you put on will also run the risk of looking like a mask.

I can't help with drugstore brands regarding foundation because I use upper end foundations but the girls above gave awsome recs

All you seriously need- I kid you not- is Foundation, Concealer (and this should be used sparingly), Bronzer (as ultraviolet suggested) and if you have to have a blush use it on the apples of your cheeks.

For the eyes, again I gotta agree with the bronzy smokey eye. That look is *HOT*. That only takes 5 minutes and a peachy lip

For the oil control-get blot powder sheets. Those things are really good and they are fun to use

I think you are very pretty and I think maybe you see more flaws in yourself than there really are.

 

[Mandie2006]

Quote:

Originally Posted by youbeabitch I'm sure you don't have bad skin. A lot of times people who think they have bad skin really don't when viewed by other people. But if you are convinced you have bad skin maybe it is because either the quality of the products you've been using on your skin or the amount of products on the skin. I seriously have major skin problems as well and I find the less I put on the more my skin clears up. THe more I put on the more my skin acts up. Anyway thats just a thought. Also someone above noted that you can also try to correct the skin problems and I agree whole heartedly with that. Try different cleansers, more water, maybe some antioxidants. I've actually tried drinking a tea (yeah you heard me right) from Nuwati herbals and my face has just started to glow. So that's an option too. Also exfoliating once a week etc. There are a lot of ways you can do that at home (asprin mask on pimples, sugar scrub etc) The more product you put on will also run the risk of looking like a mask. I can't help with drugstore brands regarding foundation because I use upper end foundations but the girls above gave awsome recs All you seriously need- I kid you not- is Foundation, Concealer (and this should be used sparingly), Bronzer (as ultraviolet suggested) and if you have to have a blush use it on the apples of your cheeks. For the eyes, again I gotta agree with the bronzy smokey eye. That look is *HOT*. That only takes 5 minutes and a peachy lip For the oil control-get blot powder sheets. Those things are really good and they are fun to use I think you are very pretty and I think maybe you see more flaws in yourself than there really are.

Thanks for the reccomendations. See, my skin is not bad - acne wise...My problem is that I get really clogged pores and I have really rough skin, plus I tend to have a lot of sores on my face. (Because when I do get a pimple, it forms a sore that takes FOREVER to heal.) It takes A LOT of whatever I use to cover, plus it has to be really thick otherwise it doesn't look like I have makeup on at all.

I have been using face washes with the mircobeads, and they have a lot actually with the smoothness. So I'm pleased with that. I think I just need to find a good skin regimine and stick with it instead of being impatient.

And thank you for your compliments and your advice, it was all really appreicated. And I am definitely going to try some of it.

 

[Kiseki]

I used to wear full coverage foundations because of what I thought it was bad skin. However, it just made me addicted to an ideal of perfect skin that was making me look more and more like a wax figure rather than a real person. I decided to take care of my skin first and wear makeup later. A year and a half-later, after a strict regimen on my skin and makeup only when the occasion absolutely demanded it, the results have shown and I know only need a hint of tinted moisturizer to even out my skin tone, a bit of concealer for my hereditary dark circles and I'm ready to go.

However, with a good cleanser, a light oil-free moisturizer and a routine of exfoliating (don't scrub your pimples though) and cleansing mask will do wonders for your skin.

If you have the chance, have an appointment with a dermatologist, no one better to tell you how to take care of your skin.

Also, I wouldn't be surprised that full coverage products are also making it more difficult for your skin to breathe and most likely will result in bigger breakouts.

Also, I would recomend for you to try and save in every way possible to buy good quality cosmetics, a cheap makeup item could mean disaster for your skin's health.

 

[Mandie2006]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ultraviolet if you're looking for a full coverage foundation for your skin foundations such as Revlon Colorstay and Laura Merciers oil-free foundation offer good coverage and don't irritate (in most cases) sensitive skin (however, i only recommend the old version of colorstay as the new "softflex" version broke me out : /) I'm really pale as well and have found good color matches in Loreal's true match foundation ( i wear shade c1 in alabaster lol), Maybelline dream matte mousse in porcelain ivory (i hated this at first but i found that if you apply it with a dense blush brush it works ALOT better and offer a full moderate coverage and goes on more smoothly) and for HEAVY DUTY coverage (i'm not sure how much coverage you're looking for?) CoverBlend by Exuviance is REALLY good ( i use shade Ivory) if you're concerned about blemishes, another good alternative (is use it on icky skin days) is a foundation with salicylic acid in it (the one i use is Good Skin all right makeup in level 1 cool and it offers medium coverage and reduces my breakouts when i wear it). Now that i've babbled forever, i'd also suggest maybe trying a bronzer to warm up your skin tone instead of blush. And maybe try some nice bronzey colors on your eyes? A dark bronze eyepencil (i adore MAC teddy eye kohl but i'm sure you could find one in any brand) and a bronzey contour shade on the outer 3rd of your crease with a light sand color to blend would be lovely on you!

You know, I think I tried Revlon a while ago...and it didn't cover to well, but at that time...I don't think I had discovered concealor. My Mom wears it, so I may try some of hers because we have similar skintones. My biggest problem is when I find a make up that covers well, its always to dark...even the lightest shades.

(I am so pale, that during Halloween, I was using baby powder trying to make myself look white...and it was looking more true to my color than anything I've ever used.)

I am definitely going to be trying some of this out, and thank you for your help/advice.

 

[Mandie2006]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiseki I used to wear full coverage foundations because of what I thought it was bad skin. However, it just made me addicted to an ideal of perfect skin that was making me look more and more like a wax figure rather than a real person. I decided to take care of my skin first and wear makeup later. A year and a half-later, after a strict regimen on my skin and makeup only when the occasion absolutely demanded it, the results have shown and I know only need a hint of tinted moisturizer to even out my skin tone, a bit of concealer for my hereditary dark circles and I'm ready to go. However, with a good cleanser, a light oil-free moisturizer and a routine of exfoliating (don't scrub your pimples though) and cleansing mask will do wonders for your skin. If you have the chance, have an appointment with a dermatologist, no one better to tell you how to take care of your skin. Also, I wouldn't be surprised that full coverage products are also making it more difficult for your skin to breathe and most likely will result in bigger breakouts. Also, I would recomend for you to try and save in every way possible to buy good quality cosmetics, a cheap makeup item could mean disaster for your skin's health.

I actually don't have very many pimples, I'm happy to say, its just mostly clogged pores and blackheads. And of course, un even skin tone (red on my cheeks and pale everywhere else) I actually don't wear make up every day...Its such a chore to put on in the mornings, that since I am in school (and definitely have NO one to impress there), I don't often wear it during the week, even on the weekends when I am home.

If I could just find something to get rid of the red in my cheeks, there wouldn't be a problem (or such a big problem) and then get rid of the constantly clogged pores on my nose...

Anyway, more of my rambling...thank you for your advice and after Christmas, I'm going to take all of these ideas (make up and skin) and see what I can come up with to fix all of my problems.

 

[Hawkeye]

Yes, the good skin regimine will do *WONDERS* for your face. I mean you're talking to the person who (I kid you not!) used to use dial soap, alcohol and aloe vera on her face

I got big ol black heads and I actually got those systs that when you squeeze them a ton of yuck comes out (TMI i know LOL)
THe clogged pores- - maybe you can try using the biore strips (I love those-I have so much fun with them-I am a sick person, I like get hypnotized looking at all the grossness coming out of my face LOL) So I promise you I understand and can fully sympathize with you

So the good skincare regimine will help out a LOT and also just make sure you drink water and take your vitamins-get a good antioxident vitamin (I know you think I'm nuts but I kid you not that little pill did *WONDERS*)

And it will work out just fine

so don't worry it will all work out

You're just too pretty to cover yourself up with that much stuff

 

[Mandie2006]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlahWah Instead of Bare Minerals, perhaps you could try Everyday Minerals? You'd have to get them online, but a sample kit is a great way to try it out, and you can get 3 foundation samples so you can either try 3 different kinds or have two of one type and one of another. I don't know first-hand how they compare, but from what I've read EM is an affordable equivalent to BM. The minerals should also be healthier for your skin. =) As for whether the colour matches, there's a thread for EM under Cosmetic Discussions, perhaps someone with similar skintone has found a match and posted there. Another alternative is controlling your skin issues themselves. I'm sure you've tried some things before - drinking more water, trying different cleansers, etc. - but that would be healthier for your skin and less stress for you - keep at them! And you can focus on your pretty eyes and lips more - your eyes are nice and big and I love the shape of your lips! =D As for a new look... perhaps you can try something simple like a different coloured liner? That can spice things up without varying too much from what you already do. Sorry so long, but I hope it helps some!

If I come across it, I might try it. I have always wondered, but been very leary about that kind of thing for obvious reasons. And I guess I am pretty addicted to the black eyeliner because I get a lot of compliments on my eyes and the black draws people's attention to them. Do you have a reccomendation for a color that would look good with Blue Eyes?

Nothing is ever to long for me when it has advice, so don't worry and thank you so much for your advice and compliments. It means a lot to have help with these things!

 

[ultraviolet]

that's so funny that you mentioned the baby powder thing cause sometimes i use that to set my makeup and absorb shine because it's not obvious on my skin lol, i do agree that less is more though. My skin was pretty icky with old pimple scars but the second i switched over to simply using some Dove soap on my face and alittle physicians formula mineral makeup my skin got SOO much better. Best of luck to you pretty girl!

btw my bff has rosacea on her cheeks and the mineral makeup (PF) REALLY evens her out!

if you're mostly worried about clogged pores i've found that the Clean and Clear blackhead clearing pads work really good for me and that's all i use on my skin these days (which is remarkable to me because the other Clean and Clear products were crap on my skin, other than there makeup removing foam cleanser cause that stuff if BOMB at gently removing makeup)


Copper and bronzes look AMAZING on blue eyes btw

 

[Mandie2006]

Quote:

Originally Posted by youbeabitch Yes, the good skin regimine will do *WONDERS* for your face. I mean you're talking to the person who (I kid you not!) used to use dial soap, alcohol and aloe vera on her face I got big ol black heads and I actually got those systs that when you squeeze them a ton of yuck comes out (TMI i know LOL) THe clogged pores- - maybe you can try using the biore strips (I love those-I have so much fun with them-I am a sick person, I like get hypnotized looking at all the grossness coming out of my face LOL) So I promise you I understand and can fully sympathize with you So the good skincare regimine will help out a LOT and also just make sure you drink water and take your vitamins-get a good antioxident vitamin (I know you think I'm nuts but I kid you not that little pill did *WONDERS*) And it will work out just fine so don't worry it will all work out You're just too pretty to cover yourself up with that much stuff

I definitely might try the vitamin idea. And I have tried the Biore strips and I got addicted to using them on my nose. (We don't even have those around here, I had to go to the next town to find them.) I have been using a micro scrub face wash and an astringent as something that would get into my pores and hopefully get at the dirt in there...I haven't been using it for that long, so I don't know of what the outcome is going to be.

 

[Mandie2006]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ultraviolet that's so funny that you mentioned the baby powder thing cause sometimes i use that to set my makeup and absorb shine because it's not obvious on my skin lol, i do agree that less is more though. My skin was pretty icky with old pimple scars but the second i switched over to simply using some Dove soap on my face and alittle physicians formula mineral makeup my skin got SOO much better. Best of luck to you pretty girl!

Its horrible...I need to go to a tanning bed, but...I'm going to have enough problems in life and I don't need to have skin cancer added onto that. (Plus, I might end up with it anyway since when I was little...I got burned, on top of burned, on top of burned during the summer.)

I'm going to try...thank you so much again for all of the advice!