Q and A time. Your makeup dillemas answered.

Hi there, if you ladies have an "how to" questions on makeup application or similar, please post. Will answer as best as I can, and give some tips along the way.
Christmas makeup looks questions, FIRE AWAY!

Sometimes i cant be brand specific, as of course i haven't used every single brand of cosmetics. The answers are just IMO. I have used a range of different priced makeups over the years, and sometimes the cheaper ones are just as good, as more expensive, sometimes the cheaper ones don't cut it too. I posted 2 of my favorite makeup youtube videos, as mentioned below, the ones i liked the most are ASMEMAKEUP (shes Australian too YAY) and i used all of her tips on my wedding day, and for hair/makeup Johnny Lavoy (hes on Twitter and blogger.com) he also replies to you directly on twitter which is nice.
Blogger shows makeup reviews, does color swatches for eye shadows, lippies, blush etc cosmeticsseller.blogspot.com/

Q by getsilks

Hi cosmeticsseller you are just the person I need :)
I have always used a product from NZ called natural glow ( winter) I loved it, suited me perfectly. I cant seem to find it now and wondered what I could replace it with.
Thanks Erin.

Replied by cosmeticsseller
Hi getsilks, i had a friend who was a huge fan of the natural glow range, but it didn't seem to suit me. There's one i have seen advertised called Thin Lizzy on TV.It's advertised as an all in one powder like the natural glow. Foundation/blush/eyeshadow/contour etc. Personally i prefer to put bronzers on top of foundation,but that's just me.

Q by skintec

Hi cs, do you have any tips on wearing make up in the humidity of the tropics, it seems to look all sweaty and shiny very quickly. I changed from a cream foundation to Sheer cover and it does help, but sometimes I need more cover.
I don't wear make up everyday, only occasionally.
Do the anti-shine moisturizer work?
Thanks
skin

Replied by cosmeticsseller
hey skintec, yer, i think a moisturizer that's oil free may help, and there's a few brands round now that help also absorb oils and make the skin look more matte.
Sheer cover (haven't used) but you may find you need to loose powder on top to help mop up any shine on the face. I thought they made a rice powder for that job.
There's a few brands that make a mattifying cream that you can put on top of your foundation...off hand Clinique made one that was pretty good, and Clarins also makes a mattifying gel.
You can also use the oil blotting papers (MAC, CLINIQUE, BODY SHOP, SHISHEDO all make them) or powder (Benefit makes a yellow oil absorbing pressed one)
Mineral powder can help a little bit, when you go shiny, you use a stippling brush, and stipple over your face, but if the mineral is a pain, you can take in your handbag compact powder and just use a patting motion over the face.

One thing that can help if you don't already do it, is to use a very mild exfoliator a few times a week, oily skin can sometime have a slightly dull appearance, exfoliating will brighten it up.
If you don't use a toner already, that might help, every brand makes a toner, and you may find that one with a small amount of alcohol can make the skin feel less oily. I can imagine, that makeup doesn't last, and slides off.
A twice daily routine of cleansing, toner, and the mattifying moisturizer could help the skin feel nicer, and if you just want to make it look more even in color, use just a loose powder. Keep the skin nice a cool during the day with one of those facial spritzers, and if you hate blotting paper, use a tissue.
You can buy similar oil control for about $30 like Clinique t-zone control, and Clarins t-zone gel. Further on a previous post where makeup slides off, your toner needs to contain some alcohol for really oily skin, and avoid hot water, or washing your face directly under the shower flow (its far too hot) if you live in QLD, NT your skin will sweat more due to the heat.
A good tip is to just fluff on loose powder.
On a positive note, oilier skin tends to age better, and usually gets drier with age, so you might find in a few years the excessive oiliness isn't so much a concern.

Q by skintec
CS, thank you, there is another thing that really baffles me, I like watching those tutorials on youtube on make up application. It would be great if you could put up a picture, name of and where to use all those different types of brushes. There is so many of them, for eyes, eyebrows, lips and many for different usage on the face.
Cheers, this is a super thread.

Replied by cosmeticsseller

my fave youtube video is AKSMEmakeup www.askmemakeup.com/ as she shows you exactly what products she used. Its a step by step vid.
another to look at is FORD models with Johnny lavoy fordmodelshowto.blip.tv/rss , who is their hair and makeup guru. He also goes thru brushes etc.
Basic brushes most people can use are.
Foundation brush (flat brush) you put the foundation on your hand, and either use the brush (stroke it over face) or blend foundation with fingers, and brush over to make it smooth.
The stippling brush (I got mine here) is a fave now. Use it for foundation (just dab it over your face) liquid bronzer, or cream blush.
Powder brushes are large and fluffy.
Blush brush can be contoured
Eyeshadow brush comes in all sizes, but you probably can get away with one in a medium size. You can just contoured brushes for the eye socket.
Lots of ppl swear by a lipstick brush for making lipstick stay on forever.
You could just get away with 4 basic brushes, as good ones are expensive, usually they are hand stitched, and made of different hairs, most expensive is sable brushes.

Q by fashionistahills
Hi CS, this is a great thread :) I have a question about concealers, I have a lot of freckles, & my foundation doesn't cover them up much, I have never tried a concealer, if I put that on my freckles before my foundation, do u think that would cover up my freckles a bit more, or would it look like too much stuff packed on in those areas? My freckles are on my cheeks & my nose. Thanks :)

Replied by cosmeticsseller

You don't have to hide freckles anymore. Of course use sunscreen daily. And get your skin checked.
You can conceal larger freckles with concealer the same shade as your skin before foundation, then apply foundation over the top. But too much concealer looks bad. I too use to have freckles on my face, but they seem to be gone now, as i use sunblocks, and wear hats.

Q by fluttabuy
can i ask about mascara please?? i have average length eyelashes with blond tips, so they look shorter. I'd really like a brand that thickens and appears to 'lengthen' but don't go clumpy. don't like waterproof. usually go for black, but would blue look alright with green eyes/blond hair??

Replied by cosmeticsseller

flutta, a blue mascara might take away from your green eyes. Mascaras go clumpy usually due to the person using them. When you get your mascara, just gently wiggle the wand out of the container, and apply in a zig zag motion to your lashes. The mascara brush contains enough mascara to coat your lashes, you don't need to pump the wand into the tube, that's why it goes gluggy. Try brown instead of black. Black for evening maybe, brown for day. All mascaras will slightly thicken and lengthen lashes. If you hate throwing out your mascara when you should (after 4 months) buy a less expensive brand, Covergirl, Modelco, Australis, Maybelline, all those are usually under $15 and still good mascaras.
Just an edit, Blue mascara can look good, but usually I use it when I'm going somewhere fun (i too have green eyes)

Q fluttabuy
thx cs never even considered brown lol!!! oh man i pump the wand alright hehehehe..... norty flutta!! thank you

Replied by cosmeticsseller

Yer flutta, i was going to edit previous post, but fun colors for everyone to try of mascara are:
Purple, Blue, Green, Grey (might look OK if ur own lashes are going a bit grey)
Blue mascara looks really good on girls with brown eyes.
Purple looks good on both blue (makes blue eyes brighter) and green eyes (it will make green eyes look really green)
Green mascara can look nice on a hazel eye and green eyes too.
Grey mascara is a bit more subtle than brown.
If you go the colored mascara, and are a bit messy with it, wear it with matching eyeliner, so any smudges don't show. And wear complimentary blush and lipstick.
SO for BLUE mascara, go for blue or navy liner,and plummy/pinkish-plum blush, and lippy.
Green mascara, try tawny shades of peaches, rusts, even some reds.
Purple mascara, again try plumish blush and lipstick.
Wear according to your skin tone, eg fair skin go a bit lighter, olive skin, go a touch more dramatic.
If you make a mistake, doesn't matter, use makeup remover, and start again.
Makeup isn't an exact science, and it's not rocket science either. Just have fun with it.
But BLEND everything in, don't do a Nicole Kidman.

You DID what with your makeup...Myths

There are some funny things people do to makeup to try to make it last longer.
Here are some pearlers: boiling water on the eyes anyone?
spit in your eye. Makeup from 1957 (YES, Nineteen hundred and fifty seven)...Umm, no thanks.
This question was posed on a website, with some funny replies, and THEN mine.

Anyone have ideas to moisten mascaras that have gone dry?????Help From Frantic Fran

unless you can put the outer body end in hot water.....but definitely nothing into the bottle

Hi Fran
Get a cup - Boiling water & sit the mascara in the cup

Every few mins- take out & look to see how it's going

cheers :-)

PS
Old mascara is GREAT to use instead of eyebrow pencil
It MUST be VERY OLD - with nothing left but the brush

the last thing you want is lumps of mascara on the eyebrow

Get a REALLY OLD one ( that has NOTHING left ) and put on your eyebrow
it shapes & keeps them in place

Brown is the best one to use- brown black
as blacks too severe
I know people who Poo Poo this- until they try it & now swear by it !

Fran- Be careful with old Mascara on the eyelashes

you can get sties - infections etc etc
They rec. you toss them out after a month or 3 months ( unsure which) but- most women cannot afford that

They SHOULD make them a 1/3rd THE SIZE - so we can toss away ( and 1/3rd the price - naturally)

If you get ANY irritation with them- toss them
it's not worth risking your sight etc :-)

Not just a pretty face. Cleaning out my makeup, Found something from 1957 when I was on the Tivoli...So I hoard things.....Sue me...LOL.

Hi Fran.
Good advice given so far, 3 months and mascara's are suppose to be tossed. But personally, I don't. If I've not got any irritations I continue to use it. If it's dried up just a little bit, I have in the past added boiling water. It's been boiled and is added straight after it's boiled. It works for a little while but isn't a long term solution. Eventually, I just get another one.
Lee ;o)

Hi Lee, I expect I will have to get a new one...Very annoying as there is a lot left in them....Such is life LOL

Fran, I'd try the boiling water first, you just need to shake it quite vigorously, then maybe add a bit more but not too much. And mascara's hate the cold so warming it up will help also.

NOW, for MY answer:

Replied by cosmeticsseller
CHUCK IT OUT! Buy a new one. You can get them for under $20, sometimes you can find them on special for $10 for generic brands. Its dried up, and contains bacteria from most likely pumping the wand in and out of the tube. Mascaras don't contain water as an ingredient, so don't add it (read the ingredients on your mascara tube/box).
Get a new one.

Replied by hibiscus-surf
i agree, throw it out. as soon as mine starts to clump, i buy a new one. i find maybelline among the best, and if you have sensitive eyes, as i do, they wont irritate your lashes either

cosmeticsseller does the pumping of the brush actually lesson the life of your mascara? adding air and trapping it inside the tube?

EDIT: that wasn't supposed to sound seedy

Too late,my mind already went there LOL
Replied by cosmeticsseller
I know what you meant. When you pump the brush into your mascara, you introduce air into it, and air dries mascara out BADLY. The amount of mascara on the wand is enough for the lashes. Bacteria likes mascara. I know it does seem wasteful to chuck it out, but you only get 1 set of eyes. When i worked for the cosmetics counters we suggested 3 months, but 4-5 would be OK. What i could suggest is using a less expensive brand, that way,it doesn't feel as though you are ripping yourself off.
There are heaps of inexpensive ones that are good, like covergirl, Maybelline, Australis, even Starlet, as long as they are ophthalmologist tested (which i would say most are) You will still get nice looking lashes. Don't forget to remove the mascara at the end of the day too with a gently eye specific makeup remover.

Out with the old, in with the new.

Foundation Shelf Life: Oil-Free Foundation (12 months); Moisturising, Cream or Compact Foundation (18 months)

Again, it's a good idea to use foundation quickly. Oil-free ones have the shortest shelf life because they tend to dry out quicker than other types.

Tips

* Throw foundation away if it starts to look or smell different or if ingredients start to separate.

* Ideally, always wash the sponges (in compact foundation, for example) at least once a week. Use soapy water and allow to dry naturally. Make sure the sponge is completely dry before placing back into the container or compact, or this could encourage mould to grow.

* If you want to prolong shelf life by a few months, keep your foundation in the fridge. Otherwise store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

* Be extremely careful when using foundation near broken or infected skin. Scoop a small amount onto a plastic dish with a spatula, then put the container away so you don't accidentally contaminate the pot. Use a medicated formulation or concealer on the affected area.

* If available, choose a foundation in a tube or pump dispenser. These are good because the product can't slip back into the container after it has been exposed to air. The risk of contamination with bacteria is therefore greatly reduced.

Powder

Shelf Life: Two years

Although powder will actually last longer, two years is the longest you should really keep it. After that, it can start to get a bit dry and, in the case of pressed powder, it may not go on as smoothly. This is unavoidable, as powder mixes with natural skin oils left on the sponge. As a general rule, loose powder can last up to three years in the right conditions.

Concealer

Shelf Life: 12-18 months

Stick concealer lasts the longest of any type. You can tell it's had its day when it starts to get dry and no longer goes on smoothly. Liquid based concealers may start to separate or go lumpy when they're going off.

Tips

* Always wipe the brush after using if the concealer comes in a wand and brush package, especially if you're trying to cover a spot that may harbour bacteria. These concealers are more easily contaminated than stick ones, because they 'feed' bacteria back into the container.

* Ideally, use a stick or pump dispenser concealer on spots and pimples.

Blusher

Shelf Life: Powder Blush (two years); Cream Blush (12-18 months)

After two years, powder blushers may start to get a bit dry or develop a 'slippery' texture, caused by mixing with natural oils from skin. Also, once the colour changes it's no longer in its prime. Cream blushes have a shorter shelf life because they contain more emulsions, which are less stable and break down over time. However, you'll find you use these more quickly anyway.

Tips

* Wash blusher brush and sponge once a week or more often if they look dirty.

* Wash hands before applying cream blush.

Eyeshadow

Shelf Life: Powder (two years); Cream Eyeshadow (12-18 months) Powder eyeshadows can last for ages because they are mainly pigmented pressed powder. Cream eyeshadows have a shorter shelf life because, like cream blushes, they use emulsions that break down over time.

Tips

* Wash brushes and applicators at least once or twice a week or more if you are using one applicator to apply different shades.

* Wash hands if using fingers to apply.

* Do not use eyeshadow if you have an eye infection, as this may aggravate the area and make the problem worse. Also, you may unwittingly pass the bacteria on to the rest of the eyeshadow with the applicator or your finger.

Eyeliner and lipliner

Shelf Life: two years

Eyeliner and lipliners are the workhorses of cosmetics. They last for ages because sharpening them regularly goes a long way in preventing bacterial growth.

Tips

* Throw away eyeliner if you have an eye infection.

* Do not use a lipliner if you have a cold sore.

* Do not share eyeliner or lipliners.

* Keep out of sunlight and heat.

Lipstick

Shelf Life: two years

Lipsticks are generally quite long lasting because of the way the pigment and fat are formulated together. Don't be put off if tiny bubbles appear on the surface - these are just moisture drops and can be wiped off.

Tips

* Bin it if the lipstick feels dry, scratchy or changes colour.

* Never use lipstick if you have a cold sore. Throw it out if you accidentally use it on a cold sore, otherwise it may spread.

* Don't share lipsticks

* If you use a lip brush, wash it at least once a week.

Lipgloss

Shelf Life: 18 months-two years

Lipgloss isn't as long lasting as lipstick because it is formulated in a different way.

Tips

* Wash hands if you are using your finger to apply.

* Wash the lip brush at least once a week.

* Don't use if you have a cold sore.

Fragrance

Shelf Life: 18 months-two years

carry little risk of becoming contaminated because they usually contain alcohol, which is a natural preservative.

Tips

* Prolong the shelf life by keeping the fragrance in the fridge.

* Keep it out of direct sunlight, and preferably in its box.

* Store it in moderate temperature, as fragrance will go off quicker if kept in warm conditions.

* Throw away if it changes colour (especially if it goes darker) or starts to smell differently.

* Remember that fragrance is a common cause of allergies and irritations. If you notice any odd reaction, stop using it.

As a general rule of thumb, try to keep all cosmetics in their shop wrapping if you don't need to use them straight away. You will extend the shelf life, as there is no exposure to air.

Also recommended to keep all cosmetics in a dark cupboard away from heat and light.

How to make last for dancing? HELP!

How to make Make-Up last for dancing??? HELP.

I give up on make-up lately, ONLY do my eyebrows n lipgloss (or lipstick).

at the end of class, my black eyeliner for sure going under my outcorner my eyes...not bad but not pretty either.

how to make my make-up last???

thank you.
This question was recently posed to me, and my answer is below.

dont freeze your makeup.
OK heres what you do!
Start with a clean moisturized face, and apply if you have it an oil absorbing makeup base.
Apply your foundation over entire face. Set it with loose sheer powder.
Apply an eyeshadow base, then eye shadow in a light tone all over eye.
Apply a medium shade in the eye socket, above eye crease.
Apply your eyeliner, THEN set it iwth some eyeshadow.
Apply waterproof mascara.
Apply your blush.
Line your lips with a neutral lip liner.
Apply your lipstick.

use waterproof, and do you set your eyeliner with eyeshadow. Using an eyeshadow base helps too, many makeup brands have eye shadow base. If its still running, upgrade to waterproof products.
Products to try, clinique quickeyes, as its got pencil and powder to set it in the other end.
DIOR liquid liner is pretty good,and i used that on my wedding day, no runs.
The pros sometimes use SMASHBOX!
Replied by cosmeticsseller on 04-Nov-2009 13:59 (Ref 1972499) Edit | Report
eye liner is pencil. Are you applying it under the entire eye from corner to corner, or just the outer eye, you can skip the liner if you want and just use waterproof mascara.But try the liquid, or a firmer pencil liner (like the kohl pencil) instead of the wax based MAC.Its probably too moisturizing and soft.

you should still use moisturizer, but a mattifying one oil free one, and the base of Laura Mercier should be used REALLY sparingly (less than a 5c coin), as i find that brand slightly oily, but it shouldnt affect your eye area as they generally are not placed in the eye area.
And as for your eye cream, how close to the eye do you apply it, it should only be applied on the orbital bone (meaning the brow, and the hard bony area below the eye) not anywhere near the eye itself, as it spreads due to the warmth of the skin.

You might find another brand of makeup base thats oil free is better for dancing (I use Clarins Skin Flash) and my foundation is an oil free mattifying one that i apply over my entire face, so my whole face has foundation on it, then put on some concealer, such as DIOR Skinflash as its a highlighting concealer and an eyemakeup base all in one or Clarins Instant Perfection Instant Light concealer which does a similar job. I also use a Clinique light eyeshadow base before eye makeup (Clinique touch tint for eyes)

Silly question, do you apply loose/pressed powder too? Loose and pressed translucent powder is sheer, and sets all makeup without covering the color, fluff it on over the whole face with a big brush after makeup.

In your pocket at dance class, put some oil blotting sheets to pat the face during a break, it saves you having to re-apply makeup, and absorbs oil/sweat. And pack a hydrating spray face mist in your bag, like Dior Hydration spray that both sets makeup, and hydrates/cools the skin. Just mist that on (2-3 sprays) after blotting the face.

The makeup forever is good, i use the Face and body foundation (its a fine coverage,but also buildable)

seems like you have some great brands, the only other thing i could recommend is next time you are re-stocking get some more tips from the makeup girls. But if you are going for it really hard during dance class, i dont think any makeup will last that well, even the waterproof ones, as they are more water "resistant" and sweat is water and oil.Oil does dissolve makeup. As i mentioned, the things that will help are keeping the face cool and hydrated, the oil blotting paper (like Clinique, shishedo, or MAC are brands i can think of, off the top of my head) and oil absorbing gel (Clarins makes one, you can put it over your face makeup, but not the eyes) Clinique has one,that you can blend on top of foundation.
The one you can put directly onto eyes is SHE-LAQ by benefit, according to their website:
Our magical makeup sealer solves the age old dilemma of "smudged makeup!" Apply to shadows, mascaras, lipsticks and liners for makeup that stays put!what else you need to know:Comes with four brushes in their own special pouch.
Dip a clean brush into she-laq and apply over makeup to seal it on. Allow to dry completely for about 1-2 minutes before touching. Wash brushes after each use and store in pouch.
Maybe go to a Benefit counter,ask for a demo before a dance class, and see how it goes.

Beauty products reviews

Are you a newish beauty brand on the market? Would you like an independent thinking person to review your products and recommend them to my followers on facebook and twitter?
Please contact me.
You would need to send a few samples, i will review them, send you an email on what i thought, and publish the results on my blog.
This is a free service, i do not charge for my expert opinion.
I have been in management level of several large cosmetics companies for many years, and now work for myself.
I have an degree in education.

Get GLOWING without going oompa loompa.

Theres lots of ways to get a glow on the skin, but without getting sweaty in the gym
I noticed MANY blogs and sites recommend MAKEUP products, but theres more to a glowing fresh skin than makeup. Besides the obvious diet and exercise which i can't really advise you about as I'm not an exercise or diet coach. BUT i can be your skin coach.
Let's start with the basics people. No matter how great your makeup technique and products are, its gonna go to waste if you dont have a great skincare routine going first. Makeup isn't JUST a cover up, it should enhance your skin.
We all have our favorites, so, I'm not going to tell you, your skin products are wrong. I have the products i use, and they work well for me.
I've used a few different brands, ranging from Clinique 3 steps, to DIOR, where i used the hydraction range, and now, I'm a huge fan of Australian made Ultraceuticals.
All these ranges have an exfoliator. No matter what you read or what your beautician tells you, you need to exfoliate with a gentle scrub or a chemical exfoliator more than once a week. Exfoliating removes all the dead flaky skin cells, and reveals a brighter complexion, makes your makeup look more smooth and even, and your moisturiser absorbs more easily.
It's also important to exfoliate the skin on your body too.
The benefits: it feels more like baby skin, makes shaving/waxing easier (and stops ingrown hair), your body moisturiser will absorb quickly instead of sitting on the skin feeling greasy, and if you fake tan, it will go on smoothly, instead of looking patchy.
These are the basics for most women (and men).
If you are using specific medicated skin care, have very sensitive skin/dermatitis, using medication for acne, or are currently undergoing chemo, ask your dermatologist, as there are some people who can't use exfoliators.

Cosmeticsseller I LOVE makeup and beauty: Cosmeticsseller: Summer lovin fragrance!