Make-up help

[Milfordcubicle]

Hello! I am a qualified beauty therapist and make up artist- I was a manager for Smashbox before being made redundant cos of Covid. I now work for the Body Shop
i think the first thing is to check your skin care routine- are you looking after your skin before applying make up? I have recentlly started using CERAVE eye cream for my wrinkles, dryness and dark circles and I really rate it. Also a decent toner- I have a glam glow one that is very strong that I use once a week and body shop the rest of the time. A decent moisturiser- I really rate Elemis but it is spendy. Look out for deals on qvc. A decent cleanser- body shop camomile cleansing butter is the dogs whatsits. I removed even waterproof make up and is so gentle. Also Clinique is nice.
primer- I’m glad someone else mentioned smashbox as they are the primer Dons (even though they made me redundant) vit c is lovely and I like the green colour correcting one as I have redness. A lot of companies are coming round to primer so there’s a lot out there now.
foundation I use By Terry- again pricey but it’s just gorgeous. I went into Space NK for a colour match and a generous sample andthen bought online with 20% discount code.
concealer- I use tarte shape tape, again qvc or maybe line with the cushion applicator for a cheaper day to day option.
mascara I really rate benefit (also use their brow products) but also loreal and maybelline.
i hope this helps and am happy to answer any more questions (oh and I’m 44 with dry skin, wrinkles, massive eye bags and prone to redness x)

 

[Lola UK]

I’d like to hear other peoples recommendations!

my only recommendation is to use a maybelline mascara. I’ve tried more expensive brands and they are never as good IMO.

 

[hrh89]

If anyone is after a new concealer I would highly highly recommend the Essence camouflage concealer. It’s £2.30!!! It’s full coverage and honestly I wouldn’t buy anything else now. Essence make up is in Wilkinson’s they have some great lipsticks too

 

[Clarity456]

Primer - some suggestions for your skin type: Bobbi Brown vitamin enriched face base, glossier priming moisturiser rich, milk makeup Hydra grip, k one jelly pack...
However, if you have dry skin and issues with pores the one I highly highly recommend is illamasqua Hydra veil.... With primers (and most face makeup products tbh) I have unfortunately found you get what you pay for so unfortunately haven't found any good drug store ones for dry skin

Foundation - Full Coverage : Marc Jacobs reMARCable foundation is good but the one I highly highly recommend for dry skin is supercover cream foundation, it won't cling to dry patches and literally makes you look like a doll... They don't sell it in shops but you can order testers on their website so you can check the colour before you committ to the full size.

Medium Coverage : Nars all day luminous, too faced born this way, Il makiage foundation, Dior forever all in one glow.

Light Coverage: Clinique superbalanced (lovely formula but I find the shades very pink toned) Nars sheer glow.

Sheer Coverage : Florence by Mills like a light, nars pure radiant tinted moisturiser, chantecaille just skin.

Concealer : someones already said it but Too Faced sculpting concealer is BAE. You will not regret if dark circles are a concern.

Mascara: The ones I like are all really cheap.... Essence orange one, Barry M showgirl lengthening mascara, Touch In Sol Stretchex Mascara..... These all give a wispy lengthened look to your lashes but maybe won't be suitable if you're looking for volume.

sorry I'm late to the party I just love talking about makeup I can't resist lol

 

[flamingo29]

I’ve found some of the best mascaras i’ve used are cheap ones, i’ve used an Essence one from Wilko (was in a pink tube), one from Primark (Gold tube) and the latest one I’m using and probably my fave is w7 flirty eyes.. it takes about 60 seconds to put on, gives great coverage, makes my eyelashes long and full and doesn’t cause loads of mess.. think it cost something like £2

 

[Moolo]

Im going to follow this thread as I have a lot of what you mention! Would also like some recommendations on good products. A lot of what I have bought in the past just sits on my skin and goes patchy.

Id definitely recommend following Robert Welsh on YouTube - he has some great tips on how to apply / recommends products etc.

Some of the products I currently use are (not saying all these are good options but the ones that work best on my skin at the moment anyway!)

Foundation - I really like It cosmetics CC cream, it works well on my skin and covers up redness. I also have Lancome Teint Idole and that foundation is lovely on, doesnt cling to dry areas and cover pores quite nicely.

Concealer - I would like recommendations on this as well - I use shape tape by tarte at the moment but im not sure I agree with all the hype! Have the cheaper Revolution one as well and that works just the same.

Mascara - I use milk makeup Kush mascara (its quite thick so I wipe it with a tissue before putting it on) and it's lovely especially on my rubbish lashes. Benefit Bad Gal Bang also works really well

Primer - I saw a tip to use eyeshadow primer on your nose (my pores are large there) and it really does work (I use urban decays on there) - a silicone based primer like benefit is good for dry areas. Milk Hydro Grip is another one (on cult beauty)

I also use Bobbi Browns one which is pricy but lovely on my skin. Not sure if any good as a primer but does help with some dry patches!

 

[Am49704]

I'm in my early 30s and looking to change 4 products in my make up bag, anyone with similar problems to mine below and can recommend produts that worked for them?

1. Foundation - I've got dry skin with visable pores and fine lines due to eczema

2. Concealer- specifically for bad under eye circles again caused by eczema

3. Mascara - I have extremely thin, short and straight eyelashes

4. Primer - something good for dry skin, visable pores and fine lines

 

[hnoz]

I'm in my early 30s and looking to change 4 products in my make up bag, anyone with similar problems to mine below and can recommend produts that worked for them?

1. Foundation - I've got dry skin with visable pores and fine lines due to eczema

2. Concealer- specifically for bad under eye circles again caused by eczema
.
3. Mascara - I have extremely thin, short and straight eyelashes

4. Primer - something good for dry skin, visable pores and fine lines

The best foundation I have used for dry skin is Mac Face and body, you can buy a huge bottle of it so it doesn't work out too expensive for a high end foundation. It looks really fresh and natural, but it is still buildable where you need it. Doesn't cling to dry patches or settle into fine lines and has a really skin like finish.

 

[judgejohndeed]

If you have an issue with big pores - Clarins 'Instant Poreless' is the best thing I've ever used and it's only about 20 quid. Has totally transformed how my foundation etc sits/lasts on my face, it's brilliant.

 

[littlepup]

If anyone is after a new concealer I would highly highly recommend the Essence camouflage concealer. It’s £2.30!!! It’s full coverage and honestly I wouldn’t buy anything else now. Essence make up is in Wilkinson’s they have some great lipsticks too

Just to throw in some more budget options...

Essence mascaras are amazing. Less than £3. The black and green and black and purple ones. I’ve worked in make-up and love make-up in general and they easily rival Lancôme or Benefit. (Their eyeshadow is good too)
L’Oréal and Max Factor do very good mid range mascaras.
I personally love YSL mascaras and hate Dior Show (don’t rate Dior make up at all apart from lip products) but I think if You’re going to spend £25 on a mascara you need to find ways good for you rather than gambling on recommendations.
I like a thick, long and lifted look whereas someone else may like a natural look. Having said that, Benefit are generally excellent but so hard to remove. Maybelline lash sensational in the pink tube makes a good dupe for, I think it’s ‘They’re real’. One of them. Aldi are also doing A dupe for it at the moment that everyone is raving about, not tried it personally though.

Essence foundation isn’t that bad either for very budget. Primark’s too actually was supposed to be a dupe for double wear and it’s not bad (primark does good powder blush). Both I find better than say Rimmel but if they still do it, rimmel wake me up might be worth a try for you. It’s dewy. If you can still get hold of any borjouis they had good options for dry skin.
I personally use Dermablend due to the high coverage for my pigment issues, good for large pores, not the best in dry areas but not horrible.

Collection’s concealer is a great budget option, highly regarded. With dermablend I just build the foundation in areas that need it though rather than a seperate concealer.

I haven’t found a good budget primer tbh but I’d be I tereted to try The Ordinary’s silicon one next. Smashbox would get my vote. MUA’s eyeshadow primer works though as does their setting spray in the green
bottle for a very cheap price.

 

[Bambix]

https://www.boots.com/nivea-face-q10-plus-cushion-medium-cream-10241042 I’ve been using this instead of a normal foundation daily, I find it really nice coverage.
concealer I use the new L’Oréal one with eye cream. And also to colour correct eyes I use a Mac studio fix conclear in a slightly orange shade for my skin.

 

[Walnutss]

I'm in my early 30s and looking to change 4 products in my make up bag, anyone with similar problems to mine below and can recommend produts that worked for them?

1. Foundation - I've got dry skin with visable pores and fine lines due to eczema

2. Concealer- specifically for bad under eye circles again caused by eczema

3. Mascara - I have extremely thin, short and straight eyelashes

4. Primer - something good for dry skin, visable pores and fine lines

What sort of price range are you looking for?

 

[mcfeez]

I have skin that tends toward dryness and have eczema on my face in the past (round the eyes) - so sorry you're experiencing this.

For foundation I love NARS sheer glow. Beautifully light on the skin. I also really love Bare Minerals complexion rescue for a nice, light tinted moisturiser look. I think anything mineral based too, less chemical, tends to work more nicely for skin with eczema as its far less likely to irritate it too

 

[mcfeez]

@mcfeez (hope I’m doing this right, not replied directly to someone before)

I‘ve been wanting to try the BM complexion rescue - would you mind sharing what you apply it with? Fingers? Brush? Thank you.

I apply with fingers just and then use a blender sponge to finish, make sure there are no lines etc.

 

[Walnutss]

The best foundation I’ve ever used is Estée Lauder Doublewear. I tried L’Oreal Infallible Freshwear as a cheapie daytime foundation, which is also supposed to be a dupe but Estee’s foundation is by far superior.

I don’t use primer, I prefer using sun cream and moisturiser and I find it tends to make the foundation last, not that Doublewear is going anywhere when it’s on your face

Nor do I use concealer, the foundation covers literally any blemish/dark circle

I use Dior Hypnose for mascara. I’ve tried nearly every single mascara out there, and this one is best. I’d say it better than Benefit mascara which I’m a fan of.

Dont put double wear over dry skin or eczema I love it but it wont be suitable for that type of skin

 

[idk2]

I'm in my early 30s and looking to change 4 products in my make up bag, anyone with similar problems to mine below and can recommend produts that worked for them?

1. Foundation - I've got dry skin with visable pores and fine lines due to eczema

2. Concealer- specifically for bad under eye circles again caused by eczema

3. Mascara - I have extremely thin, short and straight eyelashes

4. Primer - something good for dry skin, visable pores and fine lines

We seem to have the same problem with eczema! I've suffered all my life with it but thankfully know how to contain flare ups.

This is what worked best for my dry, eczema prone skin:

Foundation - NARS Sheer Glow - Was absolutely amazing. Didnt settle in my lines and wasn't too dry for my skin either. I know you haven't mentioned powder but I highly recommend getting a good powder and baking your areas of concern with fine lines and dark circles but be sure to moisturise heavily. I use Aveeno and I find its the perfect under make up.
I use Estee Lauder Double Wear now as my everyday foundation - it has AMAZING coverage. I haven't gone back to NARS as my everyday since buying this 2 years ago. Its not drying either and ticks all the boxes. When my skin is drier than normal, at the end of the day, I do get some flaking but if you carry around a blender, it can be easily buffed away.

Concealer - I use a few different concealers but these are the main two. For concealing I use NARS radiance concealer (in the pot) and to brighten I use MAC 24 hour coverage which is amazing for under eyes. Does a much better job than my NARS at brightening up my under eyes. Feel like this step really ties my make up together.

Masara - I have given up here. I get lash extensions almost all the time. Like maybe 6 months of the year, I have them. When I dont have them, I use a mixture of 3 mascaras sometimes even more. To add curl, I use Lash Sensational - the rose gold one. To add length, I use Roller Lash or that Loreal one, its purple with the double sides. To add volume, I use Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara, Ted Baker, or Lancome. Those are the ones I'm using at the moment, so from any of them categories, I use one mascara. Keep a light hand, we dont wanna look like spider legs but be sure to use the one to add curl to separate your lashes too to avoid clumping.

Primer - I dont usually wear primer as I dont feel it does much at all. I used to wear Smashbox but I cant remember why I loved it so much I would stress the powder/baking techniques for your under eyes, smile lines and maybe forehead. Leave it for a few minutes and then once brushed off the excess, I would say go in with some Mac Fix+ spray to add some hydration and life back in your face too. Also remember to prep you skin well too! Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise.

 

[Jellybeans33]

There is a great site on Facebook called "Mrs Gloss & the Goss" such a supportive page/group of ladies that all list issues skincare/makeup/fashion etc. ive learnt a lot since joining the group and can relate to other members having the same issues

 

[Bae56]

I'm in my early 30s and looking to change 4 products in my make up bag, anyone with similar problems to mine below and can recommend produts that worked for them?

1. Foundation - I've got dry skin with visable pores and fine lines due to eczema

2. Concealer- specifically for bad under eye circles again caused by eczema

3. Mascara - I have extremely thin, short and straight eyelashes

4. Primer - something good for dry skin, visable pores and fine lines

You sound just like me

1. Nars Sheer Glow. This is the only foundation that doesn't clog in my skin & highlight dryness while giving good coverage.

2. It cosmetics Bye Bye Under eye (stay away from shape tape, gets cloggy on dry skin)

3. Lancome Hypnose Drama - doesn't get any better than this. Also lasts longer than a lot of the more expensive mascara

4. I use a Nars one for pores. Can't remember the name.

 

[AutumnSpring]

I had really bad pores around my nose and forehead and honestly since I’ve started a proper skincare routine they’ve gone down a lot. I also never saw the importance of a toner and I think it’s the toner that’s reducing my pores! (One of my pals is a skin specialist and she said that’s what closes them after you’ve done all your other fancy cleansing/masks etc)

Foundation - Nars Radiant longwear (does what it says on the tin)

Concealer - Collection 2000 lasting perfection (a good dupe for shape tape)

Mascara - Max factor masterpiece max (it’s quite a dry mascara so no clumps and a small brush to keep lashes wispy and separated. I always get questions over if I am wearing false lashes and I don’t so must be fairly good)

Primer - smashbox photo finish (choose the one that best suits your skin type) although I find I don’t really need a primer as much now I’m taking care of my skin and use a good moisturiser

 

[Moolo]

If you have an issue with big pores - Clarins 'Instant Poreless' is the best thing I've ever used and it's only about 20 quid. Has totally transformed how my foundation etc sits/lasts on my face, it's brilliant.

Im looking for a new primer so im about to buy myself this! Thank you