Twenty year old girl who knows nothing about makeup--where do i even start?

I never had a real interest in makeup (and i still am not a total makeup enthusiast), but i'd like to start learning. Right now the only thing I use is mascara. I do like to look natural, but i'd also at least like to have the knowledge of how to gussy up if i needed to. Also, my mom and my sisters arent a very good source (last time i asked for makeup help the makeup was caked so thick, I couldnt stand it) and I dont have a lot of friends that are girls. Where should I start?

Watch some Youtube tutorials - my favorite youtube makeup artist is Panacea81. Check her out.

If youre feeling brave, have someone at a mall makeup counter give you a makeover. Warning: they will usually put too much makeup on you and then try to sell you products. On the plus side, they tend to have amazing judgement about what colors you should go for. If you do this, find a brand like Bobbi Brown where the colors and prices arent too crazy. (For example the MAC people will have you in crazy bright or scary goth colors and the Chanel people will make you fall in love with super expensive stuff. )

Good luck!

I prefer Bare Minerals. You can order it from QVC, buy it in boutiques, or from Ebay (which I do). They also have a video on applying it. It includes tips on foundation, eye shadow, eye liner, blush...can't remember if it goes further than that. Also, they demonstrate it on QVC all of the time.

Or.......if you're wondering about application, YouTube must have something. I haven't checked but I've learned a lot about dancing, flower arrangement and shoes from their Expert Village videos.

Have you visited Sephora? They carry all different brands so they will tell you what brand is best for you. I'm not positive but I think you can try some products there. You can also visit the makeup counters at a department store (like Macy's) but it's usually one brand per counter unless you go to the Macys counter. They have testers and all sorts of advice.

Pick up a couple of magazines. All sorts of product tests and reviews and tips on application and color palettes. (I use a pink-ish blush in the winter, and a more rusty one in the summer)

One thing that I must warn you about: If you use the liquid or cream foundation, blend it in really well where it means your neck area. Just rub it in otherwise it can look horrid.

Have fun with it...I love trying new looks.

 

If you are just starting out, I would also recommend Bare Minerals.  It feels like you have nothing on your face.  If you do not wear make up, this would be a great place to start!  The stuff is amazing.  They have a beginners/basics kit to start with and the stuff last forever. 

You could go to the makeup stands, but I would be careful.  Look at the way the ladies do their own make up.  This should give you a good idea of how they might work with your face.  I really would start with Mare Minerals.  You can't go wrong!

Go to a local Target (or Walmart) and purchase some decent but cheap cosmetics. I use a lot of Covergirl's products (concealer/blush/mascara) and find that they work just as well as the expensive ones I've tried. Other cheap brands that have worked well for me would be Rimmel, and N.Y.C. (super cheap for an eyelash curler and eyeliner).

Get what appeals to you. I also prefer a natural look!
I usually go for:
Covergirl concealer stick
A cheap eyeliner (usually brown)
A tinted lip gloss
A peachy blush
A translucent powder
Black mascara
A set of subtle brown/nude eye-shadows
Eyelash curler

Pick up some products and when you have some free time just play around with them! See what you like and what you don't like. Have fun with it!

I like to switch it up myself. My definites are always a subtle hint of blush on the apple of my cheeks, curled eyelashes, mascara, and a tinted lip gloss. Sometimes I'll lightly line the corner of my eyes and put a sweep of brown shadow on my lids. For a night out I'll just amp up the intensity.

If you don't even know where to start when it comes to applying, I would follow the advice already given and check out some youtube videos.

hi,

I have the same issue as you do, im a tom boy and always have been, i hate wearing skirts, dresses as i feel i look dumb in it and that everyone will find me rediculous. I would love to know how to put on make up correctly but the thing i have noticed with me is that i automaticaly rub it off (blush) ... i hate lipstick as soon as i put some i will rub it off, even without paying attention on it. 

When i look into the girly magazines and see how women look, (i know there is a make up artist behind andthe computer effects) but i wish sometimes i would feel comfortable wearing skirts or dresses. I think in my mind its like, ok once u willloose ur weight then u will feel sexy and want to wear all kind of things.. but it just hasnt happend in the last few years..

a the moment i only put on make up on the eyes, eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow, i like dark brown or blue and thats it..

I use bare minerals as well, its easy to use and looks super natural. It never makes me break out!

I would recommend going to the mall, and going into a nordstroms or macys and having them do your makeup...they are always more than willing to show you everything you need to know...but just out of courtesy you would usually buy a lip gloss or mascara from their counter.

Go to like Clinique or Estee Lauder. Do not go to MAC...it looks like fun....but usually turns out horrible unless its halloween!

I had the same issue for the longest time. I hate hate hate feeling anything on my face. Then there's the breakouts from crummy foundation, never finding the right color (too pink, too dark, etc). I started looking into Bare Essentials but didn't like having to order a whole set that "might" have my right shade and then end up with several bottles of powder that I'd never use. Plus, it sparkles -- there goes the natural look.

Looking into other mineral options, I discovered http://www.aromaleigh.com/

You can order samples to find your right color. Very inexpensive and so much variety. The samples last a while too. The Voile powders are the ones I use. Can go on really light and hasn't cause a breakout of any kind. Use a good moisturizer though. I use the 30 spf moisture from Oil of Olay since I burn at the mere thought of sunlight. Tons of advice on their forums also.

I am a Bare Ecentuals girl myself aswell. and  if you can find a BE store go in  get a starter kit.  and i'd recomend not goig with there eye makeup. yet one step at a time. i really like urban decays palettes of eyeshadow lots of colors natural and fun all in one. and they don't crease.  eyeliner. I use rimmel. it is cheap and doesn't seam to smear on me. nor does it irritate my eyes i am a contact wearer.

Hi, I'm 30 and haven't much of a clue neither lol I have a very rosy complexion so its hard to find the right toned foundation. I hate blush and lipstick, so I tend to stick to dramatic (not overly!) eye make up and colored gloss for a night out. And just subtle eyeliner and mascara for day wear.

I found the youtube tutorials very useful for eyeshadow/liner application, and I have a tendancy for mineral make up too. Its very quick and easy to apply.

As for colors, check out Color Me Beautiful... they have a make up section there, and I found it really helped when trying to find a color to suit. I haven't purchased any yet though!

Have fun!

 

Everyone's all "No MAC" but honestly I'm a big fan of their studio fix compacts. I hate foundation because it feels greasy and caked on, but the studio fix is a powder that works like a foundation as well--goes on smooth--without that feeling.

Beyond that, I'm not sure what to say about the "natural" makeup look--I guess stick with browns and taupes and such? Honestly when I do makeup I want it to be fun and unusual--colors, eyeliner, glitter, etc. When I want to look natural I just don't wear makeup or else just wear powder.

If you're just starting out, and have no idea what you're doing, go to the mall and say so. Most of the people at the makeup counters will be nice enough to do makeovers for free, or sometimes just for the price of one product.

I love MAC eyeshadows, LOVE everyday minerals (you can only buy it online, it's super cheap, and just as great as bare minerals, but without the nasty fillers that bare minerals uses), and tend to use water proof mascara all over the place.

There's also makeup books. I recommend Kevyn Aucoin. He has at least two books out that have illustrated instructions, step by step for beginners, and BEAUTIFUL photographs. The man is a genius (he is one of those sought after makeup artists to the stars).

After that, just be aware that makeup is expensive, and you will get what you pay for most often. Everyday minerals is the only company I've found that goes cheap and has great quality as well, and that's because they're only online, so that keeps their cost down. Go to their website and order a free sample kit. You pay S&H, and you get three mini pots of foundation, one of blush, and one of concealer. It's awesome.

Good luck!

our colouring may not be the same, but here is what i go for when i'm wanting a natural daytime/office look:

-powder foundation (or just a powder)

-blush (i'm really fair, and i tend to prefer a brighter pinky colour, as opposed to a more subtle colour.  more pop.)

-curled eyelashes (a MUST)

-brown eyeliner

-slightly shimmery browns or something slightly pinkish shadows

-mascara

-slightly tinted/shimmery (not glittery) lip gloss.

to amp it up a bit for evenings, switch from brown to black liner...and just simply darken the shadow, or apply a bit more.  i also sometimes line under my eyes with liner, and then a lighter shadow, i like the shimmer.

as for brands, i think everyone has their own favourites and least favourites.  you'll likely have to try a few before you figure it out.  i really like physicians formula, and pretty much anything at sephora.com. 

The easiest thing is to pick one thing and work at that. Like, you already wear mascara, right? Then concentrate first on your eyes. Once you feel comfortable with that part, play a little with your lips and so on.

Eyes:  A coat or two of your favorite mascara. Curling eyelashes is good, but if you wear glassess it doesn't really matter much. Then for eyeshadow a light shade powder all over the lid, and then a darker shade just  on the eyelid. There, done! I recommend a crayon like eyeliner. easy to use and take off. The best advice I ever got for eyeliner is this "Make 3 dots on the top lash line, one at each end and one in the middle. Then connect the dots." Simple, quick and easy

The combo packs of eye shadows are great!

• Face: They have tinted mosturizers. Great for just a hint of coverage. Added plus, most have an SPF!
• Try N.Y.C translucent powder. you can wear it alone or over the moisterizer.

Lips: I like the sheer glosses or chapsticks, personnally. They have these great little packs in Victoria Secrets that have EVERYTHING for your makeup in one convienet case. You can slip it into your purse and apply it in like 5 minuets!

I just get eyeshadow compacts at the regular store that have 4 different colors that already go together! The kind I have even tells you what part of the eye to apply which color to, though I do it a little different, I use the darkest color as an eyeliner and apply it with my smallest makeup brush because normal eyeliner wears off after about 5 minutes. Darn those watery allergy eyes!  I'll use brown mascara and a peachy lipgloss if I'm really feeling fancy.

thanks everybody. 

sintichita, i havent worn a dress in forever.  I was kind of...um..."lost"...as a teenager and I used to dress like a boy (people actually thought i was a boy sometimes).  I didnt start wearing girl clothes again till i was about 17.  Im really uncomfortable being girly.  I still cant walk in high heels and I dont carry a purse because I feel like an idiot.  Im getting better, but its hard getting comfortable being girly.

i'm the same way! i'm going to totally use this thread. thanks. 

This is a fun topic for me because I've always loved makeup and doing my hair!  I got my cosmetology license a few years ago, and it's a favorite project of mine to try out new ideas on willing friends and family!  My twin sister is just the opposite of me, though.  She showers, puts her hair in a wet pony tail and is generally most comfortable in baggy shirts and sweats... lol. But that works for her, so - great!

Anyway, my advice would be to...

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!! Then...

Stick with the mineral powders and a little bit of concealer on and discolorations in your skin.  The best place for the concealer (if nowhere else) is in the corners of your eyes, and on your eyelids - that'll make your eyes look smoother and blend better with the rest of your skin.

Use a big brush (as opposed to the pads that come with powder) because the application will be more even and natural looking - and the pads can start to get dirty and carry bacteria.

Eyeliner is a personal preference, but even for a natural look it can bring out your eyes if you use it on the outside corners, bringing it in slightly to make your eyelashes look thicker - keeping the line as close to your lashes as possible, even smudging it down into them so it doesn't look overly defined.

Lashes - use an eyelash curler! Nothing will make your eyes pop more than beautiful lashes!!

For blush - peachy tones tend to look more natural, or even a light bronzer on your cheeks and forehead to add a little glow. When you apply - smile with your lips closed so your cheek bones pop out!  And contrary to popular belief - apply starting on the outside just under your cheek bones.  You should have more color on the outside, and it should slowly fade toward the inside of your face!  Do NOT apply directly to the apples of your cheeks, or you're going to look like your grandma!

Natural shades on your eyelids - like browns and peach shades.  Cover your eye lids with a neutral/lighter shade for a natural look - you can use something with a light shimmer to add a slight touch of "glam", but still maintain a simple look.  If you want to dress it up - use a darker shade on the outside corner of your eyelid, blending it up and in.  Make sure that when you look directly into the mirror that you can actually see the color that you've applied.  It should be darker on the outside, and get lighter toward the inside. Then use a light color just under the inner corner of your eyebrow and blend it out!

Lips - you can use just a tinted chapstick, or light/clear gloss!  Natural lips are really in, but to dress it up - don't be afraid to use something with a little more color!

I, personally am NOT a fan of getting my makeup done at Nordstrom with one of their artists from ANY line.  They always make me look ridiculous!  However, they can have good tips from time to time - so again, that's personal preference!

Above all - just keep experimenting.  If something doesn't work, try a different approach next time.  If you have some free time in the evening, add some color to your face, or play with your eye makeup and see how you like it!  Then you can wash it off right away - which is better than taking the extra time in the morning and hating what you end up with!

Practise makes perfect :) 

(Sorry that was really long... lol)